1 Corinthians 1:19-31 (KJV21)
19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom;
23 but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness,
24 but unto those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For ye see in your calling, brethren, how not many wise men according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 and base things of the world and things which are despised hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things which are,
29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.
30 But because of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who from God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption,
31 that according as it is written: “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”
Context
- What is the wisdom of this world? (Genesis 3:4, 5, 11:3, 4, Proverbs 14:12, 1 Corinthians 1:17, Isaiah 29:14)
- In what ways had human philosophy crept into the church then and now? (Romans 1:21-25, Colossians 2:8, 2 Timothy 3:7)
- Why do the Jews request a sign…and the Greeks knowledge? (Matthew 12:38, 16:1, 4, John 2:18, 6:30, Luke 11:28, Acts 17:21)
- What… or “Who” is the wisdom of God? (Isaiah 55:8, 9, Proverbs 9:10, John 1:14, James 3:17, 18)
- How is Jesus the personification of Wisdom (Colossians 2:3)… Righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21)… Sanctification (Romans 8:29)… and Redemption (Philippians 3:21)?
Testimony Time
- Why should we only “glory in the Lord”? (Jeremiah 9:23, 24, 2 Corinthians 10:16-18)
- How will you show off His power & wisdom today? (1 Corinthians 4:20, 6:19, 20, 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5, Ephesians 6:10)