What you once were

1 Corinthians 1:26–31 (NIV) —26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Paul is certainly not out to flatter anyone. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential;… How does that make you feel?

But God chose the foolish things of the world … the weak things … lowly things … despised things … things that are not … The “things” Paul is talking about are people. Do you see yourself in this list? Are there things in this list that particularly describe you, or that don’t particularly describe you?

But why did God choose these kinds of people? But God chose … to shame the wise;…  to shame the strong … to nullify the things that are, God intended to turn the ways of the world upside down. This goes back to our previous section, 1:18-25. You may want to read the whole things, but it starts out: 1 Corinthians 1:18 (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.

Imagine a sports team selecting non-athletes to shame the athletes on the other teams. When we chose people we want the best and the brightest. Why wouldn’t God choose the wise and influential people to spread the gospel?

29 so that no one may boast before him. What kinds of boasting is Paul talking about? Can you think of specific examples (real or imaginary) that well-qualified people might boast in? Why would God not want that kind of boasting?

Paul talks about Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God … do you feel that way? How has Christ made a difference in your life?

31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” Do you boast in the Lord? What are some things that we can boast about in the Lord? Are there things in your life you know are different because you accepted Jesus?

In addition to boasting in the Lord (sharing with others), we should also thank and praise the Lord. Perhaps you would like to do that now.