January 8, 2023
Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.
Bible Study Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18–25
1 Corinthians 1:25
The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom.
My definition of “"godly learning" and "biblical learning" refers to an individual's spiritual endeavor that centers on the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual wisdom that's motivated by the desire to increase one's love for God, founded in the truth revealed by God, and geared toward preparing one to serve Christ as a faithful representative of His kingdom.”
The way that the rest of the world defines education and learning is very dissimilar to this in terms of its content and goal. Therefore, it’s not surprising that Paul wrote today's passage as follows: “The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (v. 25). A few verses earlier, he had made the same point by referring to Isaiah. (v. 19; Isa. 29:14). What specific knowledge was running through Paul's mind? In particular, "the message of the cross," also known as the gospel. (v. 18).
To those who don’t believe, the message of redemption through faith in Christ appears to be utter nonsense, but to those who do believe, it eloquently demonstrates God's love and power. The deep disparities between godly learning and godless learning are brought to light by the contradictory contrasts presented here. The Jews yearned for divine authority and signs. (v. 22). However, Jesus was a Savior who paid for our sins by dying on the cross. Wisdom and rational thought were highly prized in Greek culture. Jesus was a healer who performed miracles and exorcised evil spirits.
He was the Redeemer. Both parties considered Him a "stumbling block" and "foolishness." (v. 23). The idea that "Christ crucified" was "the power of God and the wisdom of God" didn’t make sense to either of them. (vv. 23–24). Nobody had anticipated it from a human perspective. But God was glad to use this mysterious and lovely method of bringing redemption through faith. (v. 21). Sinful humans have no hope of salvation and deserve to perish.
*Beloved it is Jesus Christ, an accused and condemned felon who triumphed over sin and death, who provides us the gift of eternal life via His victory over transgression and transience.
Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, teach us to love the gospel so we can boldly preach its "foolishness" without embarrassment. Holy Spirit, make people who hear the gospel amazed and cause them to turn from their sins.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.