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The Foolishness of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. The Foolishness of God. Paul’s preaching was often rejected because it did not match up to the wisdom of the world (Athens, Acts 17; Corinth, Acts 18; Ephesus, Acts 19)
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The Foolishness of God 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
The Foolishness of God • Paul’s preaching was often rejected because it did not match up to the wisdom of the world (Athens, Acts 17; Corinth, Acts 18; Ephesus, Acts 19) • Paul’s preaching was “foolishness” to the worldly wise (1 Cor. 1:18,21,23,25,27; 2:14; 3:18,19) • Today, much of the Bible teaching is “foolish” to many
The Foolishness of Godin the Old Testament • Noah, build an ark, a flood is coming (Gen. 6:14ff; 2 Pet. 2:5) • A brazen serpent will cure snakebite (Num. 21:4ff; Jn. 3:14-15) • March around Jericho for seven days (Josh. 6:3ff) • Go and wash in the Jordan seven times (2 K. 5:1ff)
The Foolishness of Godin the New Testament • Follow a crucified man (1 Cor. 1:18ff) • Be baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16) • Sing without an instrument (Col. 3:16) • Don’t rule beyond the local church (1 Peter 5:2) • Focus on saving souls without meeting other needs (Lk. 19:10)
The Foolishness of Godin the New Testament • Enforce strict rules and authority (Acts 5; see also Gen. 4; Lev. 10; Num. 20; 1 Sam. 15; 2 Sam. 6) • Love your enemies and don’t engage in revenge (Mt. 5:38-48; Rom. 12:17-21) • Promote only one body, one church (Eph. 4:4-6) • Stay married for life (Mt. 19:6; Rom. 7:2-3)
Why Foolishness? • Man leans upon his own understanding (Prov. 3:5) • Man’s ways are not God’s ways (Isa. 55:8-9) • Man makes God in his own image (Rom. 1:22-23) • Are we willing to become “fools for Christ’s sake” (1 Cor. 4:10)?