Jesus very severely suffered and then died a horrible death on the cross for our sins, “The message of the cross seems foolish to those who are lost and dying. But IT IS GOD’S POWER TO US who are being saved. It is written, “I will DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE. I will DO AWAY WITH THE CLEVERNESS of those who THINK THEY ARE SO SMART.” Where is the wise person? Where is the educated person? Where are the great thinkers of this world? HASN’T GOD MADE THE WISDOM OF THE WORLD FOOLISH? God wisely planned that THE WORLD WOULD NOT KNOW HIM THROUGH ITS OWN WISDOM. It pleased God TO USE THE FOOLISH THINGS WE PREACH to save those who believe.” (1 Corinthians 1:18-21)
The message of the cross is unmistakably clear. The Son of God came into the world to bear witness to the truth, not to judge the world but that the world MIGHT BE SAVED THROUGH HIM, “Even the Son of Man did not come to be served. Instead, He came to serve others. He came TO GIVE HIS LIFE as THE PRICE for setting many people free.” (Mark 10:45) THIS IS THE POWER AND WISDOM OF GOD. “This is the wisdom of God. Wisdom is the power of insight to USE KNOWLEDGE TO ONE’S ADVANTAGE, and God definitely has the advantage. “God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached TO SAVE THOSE WHO WOULD BELIEVE” (1 Corinthians 1:21).
- THE CROSS IS FOOLISHNESS TO SOME BECAUSE, in their wisdom they judge the Bible as an antiquated, mystical book. They see Scripture as irrelevant, silly, and valueless in a post-Christian era. They reject the teaching that they are wretched, poor, miserable, blind, and naked before a holy God. “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16)
- THE CROSS IS FOOLISHNESS TO SOME BECAUSE, it fails the “cleverness test” when compared to the philosophies of men “Beware lest anyone rob you through philosophy and vain deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8). Some mock, despise, and reject the message of the cross as meaningless and unimportant. Blinded by arrogance and lacking wisdom, they see no beauty in Christ and no value in the cross.
- THE CROSS IS FOOLISHNESS TO SOME BECAUSE, wealth and status can erase the felt need for God and the hope of glory. Though the world is their focus, “all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:16).
THANK GOD WE ARE SAVED BY THE FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING!!!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham