1 Corinthians 1.18-25_Study Guide
THE
TEXT
1 Corinthians 1:18–25
(ESV)
18For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
18For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
OVERALL THEME
The message of the cross, which seems pointless and irrelevant to fallen humanity’s proud and rebellious mind, actually exhibits God’s greatest power, love and wisdom.
DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS
The message of the Cross cuts to the heart of self-centeredness (1 Corinthians 1:18). In what way does it do this? What does this look like in your own life; how does the message of the cross cut to the heart of your own natural tendency towards self-centeredness?
The message of the Cross cuts to the heart of self-centeredness (1 Corinthians 1:18). In what way does it do this? What does this look like in your own life; how does the message of the cross cut to the heart of your own natural tendency towards self-centeredness?
In what way is the gospel the power of God? In what
way is the gospel the wisdom of God? What does this show us about God and what
should our reaction be?
One commentator said this in regards to 1:21 “God wisely established that men could not come to know Him by human wisdom. That would exalt man, so God designed to save helpless sinners through the preaching of a message that was so simple the ‘worldly wise’ deemed it nonsense.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?
“God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached” Is Paul saying it is the presentation or the content that is foolishness the world? If content, then what are the practical implications for you in witnessing situations and evangelistic relationships?
List some areas in your own life who are more impressed with the world’s “wisdom” than with God’s true wisdom, that is, the foolishness of the cross. How can you play a more active role this week in trusting in God’s wisdom as opposed to worldly wisdom in all these areas?
Why did Paul say human wisdom is inadequate to meet the needs of the world. In what ways is it inadequate - what is it unable to do?
Why did the Jews reject the gospel (for a few hints, see Matthew 12:38-44; 16:1, Luke 11:16 and Romans 9:31-33)? Why did the Greeks reject the gospel (for a hint, see Acts 17:18-32; 26:24)?
In your current context, what are some
of the reasons specific our culture rejects the gospel?
Why has God chosen to use weak people
with no social or intellectual standing to spread the gospel? What is the
‘advantage’ to this?
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