Embracing God's Power in Our Weakness
Summary
The power and wisdom of God are revealed in Christ crucified, a message that confounds the expectations of the world. While many seek wisdom or signs, true hope and transformation are found not in human achievement or intellect, but in the simple, profound work of Jesus on the cross. God delights in using what the world considers weak, foolish, or insignificant to accomplish His purposes, so that no one can boast in themselves, but only in Him. This truth is not just theological, but deeply personal, as seen in my own journey from a humble background in Mongolia to being called into Bible translation and ministry.
Growing up during a time of national upheaval and personal hardship, I wrestled with questions of identity, purpose, and hope. It was in the midst of this uncertainty that I encountered Christ, not through impressive displays or intellectual arguments, but through the kindness of believers and the simple message of the gospel. The joy and hope I found in Jesus transformed my life and set me on a path I could never have imagined—serving in missions, translating the Bible, and pastoring churches both in Mongolia and among the Mongolian diaspora.
God’s calling often leads us beyond our comfort zones and perceived limitations. Stepping out in faith, whether to pursue education, leave a secure job, or serve in unfamiliar places, is never easy. Yet, God’s provision and guidance have been evident at every step, opening doors and equipping for the work He has prepared. The story of Bible translation in Mongolia is a testament to how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things, not for their own glory, but so that Christ alone is exalted.
The growth of the church in Mongolia, and the spread of Mongolian believers around the world, is a reminder that God’s mission is global and ongoing. The greatest needs remain leadership and discipleship, and it is through faithful, humble service—often by those the world overlooks—that God’s kingdom advances. Ultimately, our boast is not in our background, achievements, or abilities, but in Christ, who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. All glory belongs to Him alone.
Key Takeaways
- Christ is the true wisdom and power of God, surpassing all human understanding and strength. The cross, which appears foolish or weak to the world, is the very means by which God brings salvation and reveals His character. In Christ, every longing for meaning, purpose, and hope finds its fulfillment, challenging us to look beyond worldly measures of success or value. [04:17]
- God intentionally chooses the weak, the lowly, and the overlooked to accomplish His purposes. This divine pattern ensures that no one can claim credit for what only God can do, and it invites us to embrace our own inadequacy as the very context in which God’s strength is made perfect. Our limitations are not obstacles, but opportunities for God’s glory to be displayed. [05:05]
- Personal transformation begins not with self-improvement or striving, but with encountering Christ and surrendering to Him. The journey from confusion and despair to joy and hope is marked by God’s initiative and grace, often mediated through the simple faithfulness of others. When we open ourselves to God, He answers our deepest questions and gives us a new identity and purpose. [14:30]
- Obedience to God’s call often requires stepping into the unknown, relinquishing security, and trusting in His provision. The path may involve sacrifice and uncertainty, but God equips and provides in ways that far exceed our expectations. Faith is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward in dependence on God, confident that He is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. [19:17]
- All boasting and glory belong to God alone. Even our greatest achievements are gifts of His grace, and our lives are meant to point others to Christ, not to ourselves. The call to “no glory sharing with God” is a call to humility, gratitude, and a life that continually exalts Jesus as our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. [37:17]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Reading 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
[04:17] - The Cross: Power and Wisdom of God
[05:05] - Boasting Only in Christ
[06:35] - Corinthian Church Issues and Paul’s Correction
[08:28] - Jews Seek Signs, Greeks Seek Wisdom
[10:21] - God’s “Foolishness” and “Weakness”
[11:50] - Growing Up in Mongolia’s Turmoil
[13:09] - Searching for Identity and Purpose
[14:30] - Encountering Christ and Finding Joy
[16:15] - Call to Missions and Early Ministry
[19:17] - God’s Calling to Bible Translation
[24:00] - God’s Provision for Education
[29:42] - Mongolian Missionaries and Global Church
[35:13] - Pastoring in Austria and Diaspora Churches
[37:17] - God Uses the Simple and Humble
[38:30] - Christ: Our Wisdom, Righteousness, and Redemption
[39:30] - Closing Prayer and Final Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, what does the world consider “foolish” or “weak,” and how does God use these things?
2. In the sermon, what were the two main things that Jews and Greeks were seeking, and how did Paul say these are fulfilled in Christ? [08:28]
3. The speaker shared about his background in Mongolia. What were some of the challenges he faced growing up, and how did these shape his search for meaning and hope? [11:50]
4. What is the reason Paul gives for why God chooses the “lowly” and “despised” things of the world? (see verses 28-29)
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that no one can boast in themselves, but only in the Lord? How does this challenge the way people usually think about success or achievement? (see verses 29, 31)
2. The sermon describes how the message of the cross seems foolish or weak to the world. Why do you think God chose to reveal His power and wisdom in this way, rather than through impressive signs or human wisdom? [04:17]
3. The speaker’s journey from hardship in Mongolia to Bible translation and ministry is described as God using “ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.” What does this suggest about how God views our limitations and backgrounds? [19:17]
4. The sermon mentions that personal transformation begins with encountering Christ, not self-improvement. How does this perspective differ from common ideas about changing one’s life? [14:30]
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### Application Questions
1. The world often values strength, intelligence, and status. Are there areas in your life where you feel “weak” or “insignificant”? How might God want to use those very areas for His purposes? [05:05]
2. The speaker shared about stepping out in faith, even when it meant leaving a secure job and facing uncertainty. Is there something God might be calling you to do that feels risky or uncomfortable? What would it look like to trust Him in that area? [19:17]
3. Think about a time when you experienced kindness or encouragement from another believer. How did that impact your faith journey? Is there someone you can encourage this week in a simple way? [14:30]
4. The sermon highlights that all boasting and glory belong to God alone. Are there achievements or abilities you tend to take credit for? How can you practice giving God the glory in those areas? [37:17]
5. The greatest needs in the Mongolian church were described as leadership and discipleship. In your own context, what are the biggest needs you see in the church? How could you play a part in meeting those needs?
6. The speaker’s story shows that God’s mission is global and ongoing. Have you ever considered how your faith could impact people beyond your immediate community? What is one step you could take to be more involved in God’s global mission?
7. The message of the cross is described as simple but life-changing. How can you share this message with someone in your life who is searching for meaning or hope?
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Devotional
Day 1: Christ is the Power and Wisdom of God
The world often seeks wisdom in philosophy or power in miraculous signs, but true wisdom and power are found in Christ alone. What seems foolish or weak to the world is, in fact, the very means by which God brings salvation and reveals His greatness. In Jesus, both the longing for wisdom and the desire for power are fulfilled, and everything we truly need is found in Him. When we look to Christ crucified, we see the ultimate expression of God's wisdom and strength, surpassing all human understanding and ability. [04:17]
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."
Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to seek wisdom or power apart from Christ, and how can you intentionally turn to Jesus today as your true source of both?
Day 2: God Calls the Weak and the Lowly
God delights in choosing those whom the world considers insignificant, weak, or unqualified to accomplish His purposes. He does not look for worldly status, noble birth, or human strength, but rather for hearts that are open and willing to follow Him. Through those who are overlooked or underestimated, God displays His power and confounds the wisdom of the world, showing that His ways are higher than ours. If you feel unworthy or inadequate, remember that God often works most powerfully through those who seem least likely by human standards. [10:21]
1 Corinthians 1:26-28 (ESV)
"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are."
Reflection: Is there an area where you feel too weak or insignificant to be used by God? How might you offer that very weakness to Him in faith today?
Day 3: Boast Only in Christ
All that we have—our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption—comes from Christ alone, not from our own achievements or background. God works in such a way that no one can boast in themselves before Him; instead, our only boast is in what Jesus has done for us. This truth humbles us and leads us to give all glory to God, recognizing that every good thing in our lives is a result of His grace and not our own merit. Let your heart be filled with gratitude and humility, boasting only in the Lord. [05:05]
1 Corinthians 1:29-31 (ESV)
"So that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to take credit or boast? How can you shift your focus to give glory to Christ instead?
Day 4: God’s Calling Transcends Background and Circumstance
Your origins, family background, or social status do not limit God’s ability to call and use you for His purposes. God’s call is not based on human qualifications but on His sovereign choice and grace. No matter where you come from or what your past holds, God can lead you into meaningful service and purpose if you are open and obedient to Him. Trust that God’s plans for you are not hindered by your circumstances, and be willing to say “yes” to His leading. [37:17]
Jeremiah 1:6-8 (ESV)
"Then I said, 'Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.' But the LORD said to me, 'Do not say, "I am only a youth"; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.'"
Reflection: What is one step of obedience you sense God calling you to take, regardless of your background or limitations?
Day 5: Everything We Need Is Found in Christ
In Christ, we find the answers to our deepest questions about identity, purpose, hope, and the meaning of life. When we seek Him, He becomes our joy, our future, and our light, transforming our lives from the inside out. No matter what uncertainties or challenges you face, remember that Jesus is sufficient for every need, and in Him, you are made whole. Let your search for meaning and fulfillment lead you to the person of Jesus, who is the wisdom and power of God for you. [14:30]
Colossians 2:2-3 (ESV)
"That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Reflection: What is one question or longing in your heart today that you can bring honestly to Jesus, trusting Him to be your answer and your sufficiency?
Quotes
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