Divine Wisdom Revealed Through the Cross

 

Summary

The sermon titled "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Sermon - 'Come Wisdom'" focuses on the profound wisdom of God as revealed through Jesus Christ and the message of the cross. The speaker, whose name is not discernible from the title, begins by expressing gratitude for the congregation's presence and reflects on the growth of young people in faith. The sermon series "Atheist or Custodian" is mentioned, with the current focus on the concept of wasteland and the central message that Jesus is God's wisdom. The speaker invites the congregation to consider the word of the cross and its power, acknowledging that to non-believers, the idea of Jesus dying on the cross may seem absurd, but to Christians, it is the ultimate expression of God's wisdom surpassing human understanding.

The speaker addresses skepticism and confusion surrounding the crucifixion, emphasizing that Christian belief is not foolishness but a reflection of God's profound wisdom. They conclude by inviting listeners to recognize the vastness of God's wisdom and the significance of their faith. The importance of childlike faith is discussed, with the speaker mentioning that some prioritize worldly things over faith. They reference biblical passages to explain disbelief and emphasize the need to return to the central message of the gospel, the cross. Personal experiences and storytelling are highlighted as means to share Jesus' sacrifice.

The sermon continues with the speaker urging the audience to rely on Christ's wisdom and teachings, follow his message for salvation, and share it with others. Embracing the message of Christ and the significance of the cross is stressed, with the speaker acknowledging the suffering that comes with rejecting one's past and the need to understand the price, priority, and worth of time. The universality of embracing wisdom is emphasized through references to various religious texts.

The speaker acknowledges that God sees things differently and emphasizes understanding God's perspective to grasp the sermon's message. They suggest finding peace through faith and self-belief and recognizing Christ's presence. The power of faith in the crucified message and its role in salvation and defeating Satan is highlighted, with the speaker sharing personal experiences of being saved by Christ.

The difficulty in defining what we truly want and managing expectations is discussed, with the speaker emphasizing the importance of recognizing that wisdom is within oneself. They encourage focusing on personal projects and not comparing oneself to others, concluding by stressing the importance of paying debts, opening one's heart, and not giving up on wisdom. Finally, the speaker emphasizes the privilege and blessing of embracing the message of the Son of God, encouraging the audience to internalize it for transformative power.

Key Takeaways:

- The wisdom of God, as demonstrated through the crucifixion of Jesus, is a concept that may seem foolish to the world but is the essence of Christian faith. This wisdom is not based on human reasoning but on divine revelation, which requires a childlike faith to fully comprehend and appreciate. The cross is not a symbol of defeat but a testament to God's profound wisdom and love for humanity. [05:10]

- The message of the cross is central to the gospel and serves as a reminder of the need to return to the foundational truths of Christianity. Personal storytelling and sharing experiences are powerful tools in communicating the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. Through these narratives, the transformative power of the cross becomes more relatable and impactful. [20:20]

- Christ's teachings offer a path to salvation and a model for living a life aligned with God's will. By listening to the words of the apostles and striving to emulate Christ, believers can deepen their faith and spread the message of hope and redemption to others. Gratitude for God's teachings is essential in maintaining a humble and teachable spirit. [33:37]

- Embracing the message of Christ requires a willingness to let go of one's past and understand the value of time and priorities. Recognizing Jesus as the Son of God and the significance of his blood is crucial for finding new hope, peace, and meaning in life. This understanding transcends cultural and religious boundaries, highlighting the universal call to embrace wisdom. [23:51]

- Wisdom is not an abstract concept but a personal reality that resides within individuals. It is important to focus on one's own spiritual journey and not fall into the trap of comparison. By opening one's heart and persistently seeking wisdom, believers can experience growth and fulfillment in their relationship with God. Paying spiritual debts and embracing the message of the Son of God leads to a transformative experience that should not be taken for granted. [30:56]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (ESV)
> "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.' Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing"? How does this contrast with the perspective of those who are being saved? [03:03]
2. According to the passage, how does God view the wisdom of the world? What actions does He take against it? [11:05]
3. What are the different reactions of Jews and Greeks to the message of Christ crucified, as described in the passage? [18:27]
4. How does the sermon describe the importance of childlike faith in understanding God's wisdom? [13:49]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might the message of the cross be considered foolishness to non-believers, and how does this perception challenge Christians in their faith? [04:50]
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of God's wisdom being greater than human wisdom? What examples are given to illustrate this point? [07:18]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that personal storytelling and sharing experiences can make the message of the cross more relatable and impactful? [20:36]
4. How does the sermon address the difficulty of letting go of one's past to embrace the message of Christ? What are the suggested steps to overcome this challenge? [23:09]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to understand or accept a biblical teaching. How did you reconcile this with your faith, and what steps can you take to deepen your understanding of God's wisdom? [04:50]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of childlike faith. How can you cultivate a more childlike faith in your daily life, especially when faced with skepticism or doubt? [13:49]
3. Think of a personal story or experience that highlights the transformative power of the cross in your life. How can you share this story with others to communicate the significance of Jesus' sacrifice? [20:36]
4. The sermon discusses the need to let go of one's past to fully embrace the message of Christ. What past experiences or beliefs might be holding you back, and how can you begin to release them? [23:09]
5. How can you prioritize your time and focus on your spiritual journey without falling into the trap of comparing yourself to others? What practical steps can you take to stay focused on your own growth? [29:06]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of paying spiritual debts and opening one's heart. What does this mean to you, and how can you apply this concept in your relationships and daily interactions? [30:43]
7. Reflect on the idea that wisdom resides within individuals. How can you seek and embrace this wisdom in your life, and what changes might you need to make to fully experience growth and fulfillment in your relationship with God? [31:31]

Devotional

Day 1: The Paradox of Divine Wisdom
The cross, a symbol of apparent defeat, holds the secret to divine wisdom. It challenges the world's understanding of power and success, revealing God's plan for salvation through what seems foolish to human eyes. This divine wisdom calls for a childlike faith to grasp the depth of God's love and the transformative power of the crucifixion. [05:10]

1 Corinthians 2:13-14 - "This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit."
Reflection: How does the message of the cross challenge your own perceptions of wisdom and power in your daily life?

Day 2: Storytelling as a Bridge to Faith
Personal stories of faith and redemption bring the message of the cross to life, making it relatable and powerful. By sharing how Jesus' sacrifice has transformed one's life, believers can connect with others on a deeper level, demonstrating the real impact of the gospel. These narratives serve as a testament to the enduring relevance of Christ's teachings. [20:20]

Acts 26:16-18 - "Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me."
Reflection: Can you think of a personal experience where your faith was significantly challenged or strengthened? How can you use this story to encourage someone else?

Day 3: Emulating Christ's Teachings
Christ's teachings provide a blueprint for living a life that is pleasing to God. By following His example and listening to the apostles' words, believers can find a path to salvation and a deeper understanding of their faith. Gratitude for these teachings fosters a humble and teachable spirit, essential for spiritual growth. [33:37]

Colossians 2:6-7 - "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
Reflection: What is one teaching of Christ that you find challenging to live out? How can you take practical steps to apply it in your daily life?

Day 4: The Value of Time and Letting Go
Embracing Christ's message involves a conscious decision to let go of the past and to understand the true value of time. Recognizing the significance of Jesus' sacrifice is a universal call to wisdom that transcends cultural and religious boundaries, offering hope and peace to all who seek it. [23:51]

Ephesians 5:15-16 - "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
Reflection: Reflect on an aspect of your past that you find difficult to let go of. How can letting go help you make the most of your time for God's purposes?

Day 5: Wisdom Within and Spiritual Growth
True wisdom resides within and is accessible to all who earnestly seek it. By focusing on personal spiritual growth and avoiding the pitfalls of comparison, believers can open their hearts to God's transformative power. Paying spiritual debts and embracing the Son of God's message leads to a fulfilling relationship with the divine. [30:56]

James 3:17 - "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."
Reflection: What are some ways you can cultivate heavenly wisdom in your life? How can you avoid the trap of comparing your spiritual journey to others?

Quotes

"For the word of the cross is fun to those who are part of it. That is why you should do that to me. But to us, we are being saved. It is the power of God." [05:10] (Download)

"God reveals his wisdom, which is understated in fact, only to those with childlike faith. Faith that is transcendent, faith that believes in" [17:29] (Download)

"As the leaders of the global change centers, we must try to safely return to the message of the cross. It is the central message during the gospel." [19:20] (Download)

"The committee requested to the church and some souls, prophets, storytelling and keep-telling in order to control them, to run that cross as Jesus died." [20:20] (Download)

"We pray that in Christ, well, the near 20th and 30th century Christ, we agree that we will be Thank you, God, for your teaching and the word you're putting in." [33:37] (Download)

"The message of faith crucified is an undying source of salvation. And you're going to find that the greater the trance is for power of God to pass through a being sinned." [07:44] (Download)

"This is the message of Christ crucified in the purgatory of Satan. Second, I think there's a phrase that I need to understand that we as Christians have to talk about with the cross." [09:44] (Download)

"God says He sees things that are in a different way. He's not a copy of something that is up there, but He sees the rising in a different way." [25:08] (Download)

"The one that wants the brightest things in you, to offer you just the most beautiful thing in Jesus' name." [22:56] (Download)

"But as you just learned, when Christ has the power of God, if you continue to trust in that part of Christ, you cut your feet from God's hand, with new hope, with peace, and with so much meaning." [22:56] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?