City Life Starter

The Word: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (NIV)

Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom

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.

By Stefan Johnsson

The Jews wanted a savior that would conquer the Roman Empire.

The Gentiles believed that it had to be by works to gain eternal life, just like it was for their man-made gods.

What did Jesus do?

He came to conquer sin through being a servant, a stumbling block to the Jews.

He came to show that it was through His power on the cross and not by works that we would taste Heaven, which was foolishness to gentiles.

Though, for us, who believe and understand the Gospel, thanks to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we see clearly the magnificence of what God did. He did something that was with complete love and intelligence and at the same time, provided us a life that brought joy and freedom. He gave us a way out from the sin and shame in our lives and took this on the cross, to pay the price for our sins. No other religion comes close to comparing to what Jesus did for us. All other religions are by works, we serve a God that took us in before any works and made us into men and women of God that did works out of love and compassion for our savior. Praise God for making something so powerful and wonderful, beyond our wildest expectations. To bring a savior to die for our sins!

Oh how it may be foolishness to those who do not believe, but to us, it is everything! It is life! It is what we worship God for! He came to live a life of servitude, not seeking fame, but to seek those who are lost, to them back to Him.

Application

So, dear brothers and sisters, do not be afraid that the world may think that the idea of a savior who had to die for us and raise from the dead is foolishness. What you have is so much more than that. Proclaim it to the rooftops, speak it as if it is the most important thing in your life. Let not the world discourage you. God will use you to show His love and forgiveness to others, and when their eyes are opened to the gospel, they will thank you and praise God.