Scripture#
1 Corinthians Chapters 1 - 3
Observation:#
Verses that stuck out#
1 Corinthians 1:18"For the message of the cross if foolishness to those
who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is
the power of God."
1 Corinthians 1:22-25"For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom;
but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling
block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are
called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and
the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser
than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
1 Corinthians 1:26"For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise
according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble,
are called."
Breaking down 1 Corinthians 1:18#
Context#
This verse opens a major section in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, where Paul contrasts God’s wisdom with human wisdom. The church in Corinth was struggling with pride, divisions, and worldly thinking. Paul reminds them that the heart of Christianity - the cross of Christ - stands in total opposition to human values of power, prestige, and intellect.
“For the message of the cross..”
- Refers to the Gospel, specifically the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.
- The “message” (Greek: logos) here means the proclamation or word about what the cross means, not just the event itself.
- To the natural mind, a crucified Messiah seemed absurd - weakness and shame rather than victory and strength.
“…is foolishness to those who are perishing…”
- The Greek word for “foolishness” (moria) is where we get the word moron. To unbelievers, the idea that salvation comes through a crucified Savior is irrational and offensive.
- “Those who are perishing” are people rejecting the Gospel, continuing in sin, and thus heading toward spiritual destruction.
“…but to us who are being saved…”
- Salvation here is viewed as a process - “being saved” - which includes justification (past), sanctification (present), and glorification (future).
- This group has embraced the cross not as folly but as the means of God’s wisdom and redemption.
“…it is the power of God.”
- The Gospel doesn’t just tell us about God’s power - it is God’s power to transform, forgive, and renew (Romans 1:16).
- The same power that raised Christ from the dead now works in believers to bring spiritual life, freedom from sin, and eternal salvation.
Takeaway#
- The cross divides humanity into two categories: those who reject it (perishiing) and those who receive it (being saved).
- It reveals the inverted logic of God’s Kingdom - what looks weak (the cross) is actually strong, and what looks wise (human intellect, price) is actually foolish.
- It sets up the next verses where Paul explains that God intentionally uses what seems weak and foolish to shame the wise and the strong.
Application#
- The verse calls believers to embrace the cross not just as doctrine but as a lifestyle - valuing humility, dependence on God, and sacrificial love.
- It challenges us to resist the world’s definitions of success and wisdom.
- It reassures believers that God’s power works through what seems weak - our faith, our obedience, our proclamation of the Gospel.
Prayer#
Dear heavenly Father,
I want to thank you for the message of the cross - what the world calls foolishness, You have made the source of our salvation. Teach me to see Your wisdom where the world seeks its own strength.
Lord Jesus, thank You for bearing my sin and shame, for turning the symbol of death into the doorway to eternal life. Let the power of Your cross shape my heart each day - to love others with humility, to forgive as I’ve been forgiven, and to walk boldly in the truth of Your Gospel.
Holy Spirit, fill me with faith and courage to proclaim this message, even when it’s misunderstood or rejected. Let my life reflect the beauty and power of the cross - so that others may see Your love and be drawn to You.
In Jesus’ Name
Amen.