A Foolish Message

In 1 Corinthians 1, Paul opens his letter as is the custom of his day with greeting (vs. 1-3) and thanksgiving (vs.4-9). In this letter he addresses a number of factions that have developed among the church at Corinth. In this first chapter he deals strife from their boasting as by whom each was baptized (vs. 10-17). Then Paul goes on to show that there is nothing in which man should boast regarding his salvation. Specifically, he shows that it came as a result of God's wisdom and man's foolishness (vs.18-25) and demonstrates man's foolishness by the nature of those who have been called (vs.26-31).

It seems that in a number of Paul's letters he deals with the pride of men. We always want to find something in which we can boast. So many times, pride is our greatest obstacle to doing what is right. In many ways God chose foolish methods to bring blessing upon his people. Consider the examples of Naaman's cleansing and the conquest of Jericho. And here we have the foolishness of the gospel. In fact, so foolish that it continues to elude men today. That God would glory in allowing the Messiah to die at man's hands is still a "stumbling block" to the Jews. Premillenialists believe that Jesus failed, FAILED, to establish His kingdom when he died on the cross and that he must return to fulfill His original purpose. Folks, victory is in his death. It doesn't get any more glorious than that. Again, God chose foolishness.

Why? Because if there was any talent required on my part in order to attain salvation then I would boast in my ability. But God wanted to make it known in no uncertain terms that salvation comes through His grace. In fact, that's the only way that in v.9 I can be "blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ" and in v.10 that I can have "fellowship with His Son" in as much as I take part in His blood.

Paul further contends that it is only this foolish message that should call men to Christ. If it was "cleverness of speech" that brought men to Him, the cross would be made void. Where does that leave fish frys and carnivals? I mean, if drawing men to Christ by clever speech would void God's redemptive activity, how much more by fleshly desires? Does God's Word effectively address bringing salvation and its message to man? Then let us allow the glory of the cross to continue to draw men to the praise of God. There are no other means necessary; and maybe that's why there are none other authorized.