If God created the world with a single word, why did He not remove sin from it with a single word? This question leads us into 1 Corinthians 1, where Paul calls the message of the cross foolishness in the eyes of the world, the Greeks sought brilliant wisdom, the Jews sought signs, yet God chose what is weak and foolish to shame the strong. The sermon shows why God calls ordinary, imperfect people, people like us. Listen and discover the power hidden in this apparent foolishness.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Paul writes that the cross is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Greeks (1 Corinthians 1:22-23). What was each group looking for, and why did a crucified Messiah clash so sharply with that?
- The Corinthians split into followers of Paul, Apollos and Peter, focusing on eloquence and attractive packaging. How does this connect to what Paul says about the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of the cross?
- Many people, like Gandhi, admire the Sermon on the Mount yet reject the message of the cross. What makes the cross seem strange even today, and what about it moves you most?
- God chose those the world sees as foolish, weak and insignificant, so that no one could boast (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). What does this choice tell you about God and about yourself?
- At gatherings for people struggling with addiction, those aware of their brokenness came forward in crowds to give their lives to God. What keeps you from honestly seeing yourself as someone who needs Christ?
- In what specific situation this week can you look for your worth not in people's approval but in the fact that Christ is your wisdom, righteousness, holiness and redemption?
