My Way or the Most High Way, 1 Cor 1:18-2:5

 

Central Idea:  God is intent on entirely thwarting worldly wisdom and building his church on his wisdom, which is Christ crucified, alone. are you committed to this?

 

1. God destroys the wisdom of the world

 

The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but the power of God to those being saved.

  • The reality here.

 

The wisdom of the world.

Any man centered, man generated mindset.

With this serious mental derangement we create ways of life, ways of thinking and feeling and relating and acting. 

 

Destroying the wisdom

God as friend? God as jealous? First three commandments!, Exodus 20:1-17  He is opposed to every system that does not have him at the center.  At Corinth – status, what you owned, who you knew, your family heritage, your education meant everything.  God was turning their world upside down.  How about you?  What unbiblical measures of success do you carry around that are opposed to God’s ways? 

Don’t misunderstand – God pours out common grace. 

Romans 2:4-5 (ESV)

  • He is ultimately opposed to worldly wisdom.

 

 

No One to Boast verses 29-31

Nothing left!.

"You don't understand! I could've had class. I could've been a contender. I could've been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, …."  

Terry Malloy (On the Waterfront):

 

 

2. God only builds on His wisdom, Christ crucified

 

The Cross –The Wisdom& Power, The Foolishness & Weakness of God

 

  • The paradox of the crucified Messiah

 

Life in Christ – Wisdom from God

 

The Wisdom of God!!

Righteousness

 

Sanctification

 

Redemption

 

3. Will you build this way?

 

Paul’s Commitment

 

Our Committement

 

Gospel centered identity

 

Gospel centered relationships

 

Gospel centered growth

 

Sundays and other ministries.

 

Building individuals, families, CG’s and a people.

 

Building patiently

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Application Questions:

  1. What do you think about the idea that God destroys the wisdom of this world?  Is that offensive?  Why, Why not?
  2. What is the wisdom of God – describe it.
  3. Explain why this is God’s wisdom and power.
  4. What worldy wisdom do you find yourself attracted to?  What does this tend to produce in your life individually, relationally, in church life?
  5. How is the wisdom of God – Christ crucified a solution to these tendencies?
  6. What one area do you most need to reject worldly wisdom and pursue the gospel?
  7. Spend some time boasting in His wisdom and strength and riches.

 

 

Resources:

 

NIV Study Bible

New Geneva Study Bible

NAS Study Bible

ESV Bible

 

1 Corinthians: Godly Solutions for Church Problems, John MacArthur

 

The Cross and Christian Ministry, DA Carson

Showing the Spirit, DA Carson

 

1 Corinthians, David Prior, Bible Speaks Today Series

 

 

 

daily Devotional

 

Day

Passage

Thoughts

Monday, November 29, 2004

1 Cor 1:18,19

How is the cross the power of God to those being saved?  Why is this folly to the world?  What makes the difference?  How does this work in your life for today?

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

1 Cor 1:20-23

What are some esteemed titles in our society?  What do Americans think is wisdom?  What values did you grow up with that are foolishness in God's eyes. How can you change to biblical values?

Wednesday, December 01, 2004

1 Cor 1:24-25

How is "Christ crucified" wisdom and power?  What is meant by the "foolishness" and "weakness" of God? Take time to thank Him for this wisdom and power!

Thursday, December 02, 2004

1 Cor 1:26-29

Do you know any prestigious people?  Do they go to our church?    What does this say about whom God esteems?  How can you esteem the same people.

Friday, December 03, 2004

1 Cor 1:30-31

What are righteousness, sanctification and redemption?  Why would Paul mention them here?  What does this mean for your day today?

Saturday, December 04, 2004

1 Cor 2:1-2

Are there any situations where you are presenting an image other than that of Christ and Him crucified?  How can you change?  Share this with a friend.

Sunday, December 05, 2004

1 Cor 2:3-5

Pray that God will honor the preaching of His word in our church and your life and will demonstrate His power in and through it.  Pray He may build us this way to His glory alone!