October 10, 2021

The Power and Wisdom of God

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Service Type:

Introduction

Comparing man’s wisdom with God’s wisdom

Man’s wisdom can bring catastrophic problems

Examples

Modern man likes to think it can solve economic and moral problems

History does not prove this

The solution to man’s moral problem does not lie with the world

No human being can solve the problem of the soul
The answer is only found in Jesus Christ

A comparison between the wisdom of man and Jesus Christ

Paul is writing to the Corinthians as they had a tendency to elevate human wisdom
Paul brings them back to the gospel – which is the only message that saves sinners

It is the only message that can change the destiny of humans

The message of the gospel can transform society by transforming individuals

Context:

Disunity within the church

Groups has polarised around certain men

Paul did not come in himself

Paul had an extremely capable mind – 2:1
Paul’s focus was the simple gospel message – 2:2
Paul came in weakness and trembling – 2:3
Paul’s preaching was in the Spirit’s power – 2:4
That the people would see there faith was in God

13:1-2 – The main thing in Christianity is a spirit of love

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”

8:1-2 – it is love that builds up, not knowledge

“Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.”
“And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.”

Application:

Is there a danger of elevating man rather than God in our theological courses?

Is there a danger of moving away from the teaching of the bible?

God destroys such teaching
v20 – such teaching empties churches and makes them weak

Churches must stand together in the gospel – not just be ecumenical

Is there a danger of becoming seeker friendly?

Example

Is there a danger of thinking we can bring the power of God about ourselves?

Example

All these – say that the gospel is not enough

v18-25
The foolishness of man’s attempt to transform society by its own methods (v18)

Why do we try to change those who are perishing?

1 Cor 2:14 – “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
The natural man cannot understand the things of God (without the Spirit)
It is the Spirit of God who will convince through the preaching of the gospel

They will always be dissatisfied

Do not follow the foolishness of the world (v19-20)

To those who are being saved – it is the power of God
v19 (from Isa 29:14)

God will destroy the wisdom of the wise

God sees and knows

v20 – examples
The gospel is the power of God

The message preached (v21)

It is through the preached gospel that people are saved

Comparisons (v22-24)

Jews want a sign/miracles / Greeks want wisdom
The Jews found the gospel a stumbling block / The Greeks called it foolish
We get the same comparisons today
To the called – it is power and wisdom of God
Let him who glories – glory in the Lord

The foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men

The gospel is the wisdom of God
We must not move away from the gospel
We must preach the gospel