Sermons on 1 Corinthians 1:22-24

1 Corinthians 1:22-24 Interpretation:

Lessons of Wisdom from the Magi's Journey (Gospel in Life) interprets 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 by drawing a parallel between the Magi's search for wisdom and the cultural expectations of Jews and Greeks in Paul's time. The sermon uniquely frames the passage as a confrontation between the wisdom and power sought by different cultures and the unexpected fulfillment of both in Christ crucified. It highlights that the cross challenges every culture's deepest aspirations—Greeks' pursuit of wisdom and Jews' desire for power—by offering something that appears foolish or weak but is, in fact, the true wisdom and power of God. The analogy of "today's elites are tomorrow's astrologers" is used to illustrate the transient nature of worldly wisdom compared to the eternal relevance of Christ. The sermon also introduces the concept of "common grace," suggesting that even non-Christian wisdom can contain truths that ultimately point to Christ, though only in Him is wisdom fully realized.

The Power and Wisdom of the Cross (MLJTrust) offers a detailed and distinctive interpretation by emphasizing the element of surprise and offense in the message of the cross. The sermon explores how both Jews and Greeks had preconceived notions of what salvation should look like—Jews expecting miraculous signs and Greeks seeking philosophical wisdom—and how the cross subverts both expectations. The preacher uses the analogy of people seeking healing or philosophical enlightenment today, paralleling ancient desires for signs and wisdom, to show that the cross remains counterintuitive and offensive to human pride and self-sufficiency. The sermon also notes that the cross is not just surprising but actively resented, serving as a "stumbling block" and "foolishness" because it exposes humanity's misunderstanding of its own need and sinfulness.

Deserting Grace: The Danger of a Distorted Gospel (Desiring God) interprets 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 as a vivid illustration of the difference between merely hearing the gospel and being effectually called by God. The sermon draws a sharp distinction between the general proclamation of Christ crucified—which is met with either offense (by Jews) or ridicule (by Greeks)—and the transformative experience of those who are "called." For the called, Christ is no longer a stumbling block or folly but is recognized as the very wisdom and power of God. The preacher emphasizes that this "calling" is a sovereign act of God that enables people to see Christ for who he truly is, moving beyond intellectual assent or cultural expectation to a supernatural awakening. This interpretation is notable for its focus on the experiential and effectual nature of the call, rather than simply the content of the message.

Living Worthy of God's Transformative Calling (Desiring God) offers a unique analogy by comparing the effectual call in 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 to Jesus calling Lazarus from the tomb in John 11. The sermon explains that just as Lazarus, though dead, responded to Jesus' life-giving call, so too do spiritually dead people respond to the gospel only when God’s call creates new life within them. The preacher distinguishes between the general call of the gospel (which all hear) and the specific, life-giving call (which only the elect experience), using the Greek linguistic nuance of "kaleo" (to call) to highlight the difference between an external invitation and an internal, effectual summons. This analogy and linguistic detail provide a fresh perspective on the passage, emphasizing the supernatural nature of conversion.

The Transformative Power of the Cross (Alistair Begg) interprets 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 by emphasizing the centrality and sufficiency of the cross in Christian proclamation and church life. The sermon uses the metaphor of having "only one string to your bow"—that is, the singular focus on preaching Christ crucified, even when it appears foolish or weak to the world. Begg highlights that the power of the cross is not in eloquence or human wisdom but in its inherent, God-given power to save and transform. He also draws a parallel between the unimpressive social status of the Corinthian believers and the paradoxical strength of God’s "weakness," arguing that God intentionally uses what the world despises to display His power.

1 Corinthians 1:22-24 Theological Themes:

Lessons of Wisdom from the Magi's Journey (Gospel in Life) introduces the theological theme of "common grace" in relation to 1 Corinthians 1:22-24, arguing that God grants wisdom and insight even to those outside the faith, but that such wisdom is always incomplete and finds its true fulfillment only in Christ. The sermon adds a nuanced angle by suggesting that Christians should humbly learn from non-Christian insights, recognizing that all truth is ultimately God's truth, but must be sifted through the lens of Christ crucified. This theme is further developed by discussing the tension between "worldview" and "common grace," noting that non-Christians may inconsistently hold truths that fit better within a Christian worldview than their own.

The Power and Wisdom of the Cross (MLJTrust) presents the theme that the cross is not only unexpected but fundamentally offensive to human nature because it confronts human pride, self-reliance, and the illusion of self-sufficiency. The sermon deepens this theme by asserting that a true understanding of the cross will always provoke resistance and offense, not just surprise, because it demands the acknowledgment of sin and the need for divine intervention rather than human achievement.

Deserting Grace: The Danger of a Distorted Gospel (Desiring God) introduces the theme that the effectual call of God is what transforms the message of the cross from folly or offense into wisdom and power. The sermon adds a new facet by connecting this effectual call directly to the preservation of grace in the gospel, warning that any attempt to add human effort (such as circumcision) nullifies the grace that is accessed only through God’s sovereign call.

Living Worthy of God's Transformative Calling (Desiring God) presents the theological theme that God’s call is not merely an invitation but a creative act that brings spiritual life out of death. The sermon uniquely applies this to Christian living, arguing that understanding the supernatural nature of one’s calling is essential for walking "worthily" of it, thus linking doctrine with daily practice in a way that is both practical and profound.

The Transformative Power of the Cross (Alistair Begg) develops the theme that the apparent weakness and foolishness of the cross are, in fact, the means by which God demonstrates His true power and wisdom. Begg adds a distinctive application by insisting that the church’s effectiveness and growth are directly tied to its unwavering focus on the cross, rather than on worldly strategies or human credentials.

1 Corinthians 1:22-24 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Lessons of Wisdom from the Magi's Journey (Gospel in Life) provides historical context by explaining the cultural backgrounds of Jews and Greeks: Jews as seekers of power and miraculous signs, and Greeks as pursuers of wisdom and philosophical speculation. The sermon notes that these were not just abstract categories but deeply embedded cultural norms that shaped expectations of the Messiah and salvation. It also references the Magi as intellectual elites of their time, drawing a parallel to how every era's intellectuals eventually become outdated, reinforcing Paul's point about the fleeting nature of worldly wisdom.

The Power and Wisdom of the Cross (MLJTrust) offers historical insight into the expectations of Jews and Greeks in the first century, explaining that Jews anticipated a Messiah who would demonstrate power through signs, while Greeks valued philosophical wisdom and rational discourse. The sermon contextualizes the offense of the cross by showing how it directly contradicted both groups' cultural ideals, making the Christian message uniquely challenging and countercultural in its original setting.

The Transformative Power of the Cross (Alistair Begg) provides detailed historical context about the city of Corinth, describing it as a strategic, cosmopolitan, and morally decadent center akin to a modern metropolis like Chicago. Begg explains that the term "to Corinthianize" became synonymous with licentiousness, highlighting the cultural challenge Paul faced in preaching a message of a crucified Messiah in such an environment. He also notes the cultural expectations of Jews (seeking signs) and Greeks (seeking wisdom), which made the message of the cross particularly scandalous and countercultural.

1 Corinthians 1:22-24 Cross-References in the Bible:

Lessons of Wisdom from the Magi's Journey (Gospel in Life) references Romans to support the idea that all people have some knowledge of God, echoing Paul's teaching that general revelation and common grace provide partial truths that ultimately point to Christ. The sermon also alludes to Augustine's writings (though not as a biblical cross-reference) to reinforce the enduring relevance of Christian truth over against the changing tides of worldly wisdom.

The Power and Wisdom of the Cross (MLJTrust) cross-references several Gospel passages to illustrate how even Jesus' closest followers (e.g., Peter, John the Baptist) were surprised and stumbled over the message of the cross. The sermon also references Paul's own words in 1 Corinthians 2 ("I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified") to reinforce the centrality of the cross in apostolic preaching. Additionally, it draws on the temptation of Jesus (devil asking for a sign) and the feeding of manna in the wilderness to show the persistent human desire for signs and wonders.

Deserting Grace: The Danger of a Distorted Gospel (Desiring God) references Galatians 2:21 and Galatians 5, using these passages to reinforce the point that adding requirements like circumcision to the gospel nullifies grace and renders Christ’s death pointless. The sermon also alludes to John’s gospel, where Jesus says that those who do not have the Son do not have the Father, to underscore the exclusivity of salvation through Christ crucified. These cross-references are used to show that the effectual call and the sufficiency of grace are consistent themes throughout Paul’s writings.

Living Worthy of God's Transformative Calling (Desiring God) cross-references John 11 (the raising of Lazarus), Ephesians 2:1-10 (spiritual resurrection), Romans 8:28-30 (the golden chain of salvation), and 1 Peter 1:23 (new birth through the word). Each reference is used to build the case that God’s call is a life-giving, sovereign act that results in faith and transformation, not merely an external invitation. The sermon weaves these passages together to show the continuity of the doctrine of effectual calling across the New Testament.

The Transformative Power of the Cross (Alistair Begg) references Acts 18 to provide the narrative background of Paul’s ministry in Corinth, illustrating the challenges and encouragements Paul received as he preached the cross in a hostile environment. Begg also alludes to 2 Corinthians 4:7 ("we have this treasure in jars of clay") to reinforce the idea that God’s power is displayed through human weakness.

1 Corinthians 1:22-24 Christian References outside the Bible:

Lessons of Wisdom from the Magi's Journey (Gospel in Life) explicitly references C.S. Lewis, quoting his statement, "All that is not eternal is eternally out of date," to underscore the fleeting nature of worldly wisdom compared to the eternal truth of Christ. The sermon also mentions Augustine, noting that his writings remain relevant across centuries, further illustrating the timelessness of Christian wisdom. Additionally, the sermon cites Roger Nicole, a systematic theology professor, who spoke about "happy inconsistency" in heresies, suggesting that even erroneous systems can contain elements of truth due to common grace.

The Transformative Power of the Cross (Alistair Begg) explicitly references several Christian figures: Tom Allen, whose ministry in Glasgow was transformed by the discovery of the centrality of the cross; Alexander Whyte, who was encouraged by what he perceived as a direct word from God to continue preaching the cross despite cultural opposition; and Charles Haddon Spurgeon, whose tombstone bears the hymn stanza "Redeeming love has been my theme and shall be till I die." Begg uses these examples to illustrate the enduring impact and necessity of cross-centered preaching, quoting their personal testimonies and convictions to reinforce his message.

1 Corinthians 1:22-24 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Lessons of Wisdom from the Magi's Journey (Gospel in Life) uses the analogy of "today's elites are tomorrow's astrologers" to illustrate how the intellectual authorities of any given era are eventually seen as outdated, much like the Magi were once considered wise but are now viewed as misguided by modern standards. The sermon also references the historical astronomical event of the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, which may have appeared as the "star" followed by the Magi, grounding the biblical narrative in a real-world phenomenon. Furthermore, the sermon discusses the practical example of a non-Christian surgeon possessing great skill and wisdom, attributing this to God's common grace, and uses the phrase "swallow the meat, spit out the bones" to describe discerning truth in secular culture. The Q&A portion also references the differing perspectives of African-American and white Christians on justice, as well as the insights that communists might bring to Bible study, illustrating the value of diverse cultural viewpoints in understanding truth.

The Transformative Power of the Cross (Alistair Begg) draws a detailed analogy between the city of Corinth and modern cities like Chicago, emphasizing the strategic, multicultural, and morally complex nature of both. He uses the example of Glasgow’s city motto—"Let Glasgow flourish by the preaching of the word and by the praising of God's name"—to illustrate the societal impact of gospel proclamation. Additionally, Begg references the isthmian games of Corinth as a cultural parallel to the Olympic Games, highlighting the city’s prominence and the challenge of preaching a countercultural message in such a setting.