REALITY OF JESUS

 

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

 

 

1.      Paul reminds us that it is by the foolishness of preaching that people are challenged, encouraged, inspired, and inspired.  Now the reason the world does not know Christ or understand the gospel is revealed in James 3.14-16, But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.  For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

2.      Jesus revealed that which is flesh and that which is Spirit is Spirit and the two cannot mix.  James then gives a definition of Godly wisdom. wisdom that comes from heaven is first pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. 

3.      Paul then says in fact God was pleased through the foolishness of preaching to save those who believed.  The message of the gospel works this way.  You hear it, analyze it, come to grips with its terms and then decide to either accept or reject it which is an act of the will and heart. If you accept it, you are saved.

 

22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.

 

1.      Paul then states a reality for the two worlds in which he operated.  Jews demanded a sign.  Jews are pragmatic and analytic.  Paul preaches Christ to the Jews it is a stumbling block.  Jesus dying the on cross and being the way of salvation, it is not their view or idea of the Messiah.  They believe the Messiah was a conqueror who would set up an earthly Kingdom. 

2.      The Greek sought wisdom.  They loved enigmas, word puzzles, philosophy, natural view of things.  They believe if you could not see, hear, taste, smell and touch it was not real.  They believe in a pantheon of gods which names and qualities like men.  To believe in one God and His Son Jesus Christ was foolishness.

 

24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

 

1.      Paul says those that are called the Greek word is Kletos which means given an invitation.  God invites both the Jews and Gentiles.  There is a clear distinction between called and chosen.  Called is not enough to be a true Christian. We must respond to that calling (invitation). Positive action is required! To be chosen, a person must accept his or her calling, be grateful for it and move forward in serving God and His Son. 

2.      Paul says the Jesus Christ is two things.  He is the power of God.  Remember Jesus was raised by resurrection power, and this same power is in us by the indwelling Holy Spirit and available for us to use. 

3.      Secondly, Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God.  The wisdom of God has divine origin and can only be received by divine inspiration.  You want wisdom and power it is encased and realised in the person of Jesus Christ.”  Jesus was the visible and living image and embodiment of the wisdom and power of God.  Jesus is the incarnation of God with all his attributes, nature, character, and essence. 

 

25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

 

1.      The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom.  Man’s wisdom has Is origin in limited, finite, and earthly creatures.  It is a concoction of human perception, reasoning, analytical processing.  How does a finite, natural entity ever comprehend an eternal and all-knowing God. 

2.      The weakness of God is stronger than human strength.  God is all powerful he spoke, and the worlds came into being.  Astronomers tell us the universe is still being created.  The intelligent designer is still at work creating. 

3.      Paul also makes it clear our wisdom, understanding, resources and talents will fail but God will never fail.  All this was brought about by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Jesus allowed his body to be broken and His blood to be shed that all the benefits of heaven are available to us.