crazy sound of gospel
1 Corinthians 1:18–25 (NIV) — 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Did you ever stop to think how crazy the gospel really sounds? A divine, holy God chooses to become a human being and live among sinful people. He allows himself to be arrested, beaten, and put to death in the most painful and humiliating way possible. He comes back to life and ascends to heaven. He offers salvation and forgiveness of sin to anyone who believes and trusts in him. Every part of that is downright laughable - foolishness to those who are perishing.
But to us who are being saved it is the power of God. Notice Paul contrasts “foolishness” with “power”. Why doesn’t he contrast “foolishness” with “wisdom”? What does that tell us about the gospel? What does that tell us about who can or cannot be saved?
Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom. Replace the words “Jews” and “Greeks” with “some people” and this verse applies to our world today. Have you ever had someone say to you, “how can you prove Christianity is true?” That’s someone looking for a sign. Have you ever had someone say to you, “Christianity just doesn’t make sense”? That’s someone looking for wisdom.
How is Christ crucified a stumbling block to those demanding a sign? How is Christ crucified foolishness to those demanding wisdom? But to those being saved, what is it (v. 24)?
How do you regard the cross of Christ? Is it power to you?