Folly or Power
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1 Corinthians 1:18-27 // Part 4 of Messy Church. Marvelous Grace - Pastor Bill Craig
In a world that values strength, intelligence, and self-sufficiency, the message of the cross often appears foolish. Yet, this apparent foolishness contains the most profound wisdom and power imaginable.
Why Does God Choose the Foolish Things?
God consistently chooses to work through what the world considers weak and foolish. Rather than selecting the wealthy, intelligent, or powerful to spread His message, He often works through ordinary people. The primary reason? God desires to glorify Himself, not human achievement.
As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:27 (ESV), “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” This verse underscores that God's ways are higher than our ways and that His choices often defy worldly logic.
The Paradox of Weakness and Power
Tim Keller captures this beautifully: "We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope." This paradox reveals that weakness becomes the avenue for God's power.
Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV): “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” The cross, which symbolizes apparent weakness and defeat, becomes the ultimate source of power for believers.
How Does the Cross Challenge Worldly Wisdom?
The message of the cross challenges everything the world values:
To Greeks seeking wisdom, it appeared foolish
To Jews demanding signs, it was a stumbling block
To the powerful, it represented weakness
Yet to those being saved, it demonstrates God's ultimate power and wisdom. As 1 Corinthians 1:25 (ESV) declares, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
The Limits of Human Wisdom
The world's wisdom cannot comprehend why the Creator of the universe would humble Himself to die for sinful humanity. This divine plan seems inconceivable by human standards, yet it perfectly displays God's love and wisdom.
Paul captures this in 1 Corinthians 1:21 (ESV): “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.”
What Makes the Cross Powerful?
The cross becomes both mirror and remedy:
It reveals our brokenness
It shows God's holiness
It demonstrates perfect love
It provides complete acceptance
Life Application
Consider these challenging questions:
Is the cross a stumbling block or foundation in your life?
Are you growing closer to God and seeing His power manifest in your life?
Are you proclaiming the cross boldly or hiding behind criticism of others?
This week, challenge yourself to:
Surrender your preconceptions about how God should work
Embrace the apparent foolishness of the cross
Look for opportunities to share the gospel message
Trust in God's wisdom even when it doesn't make sense
Focus on exalting Christ rather than human achievement
Remember: What appears foolish to the world is actually the ultimate display of God's wisdom and power. Let this truth transform how you view your weaknesses and how God can use them for His glory.