True Freedom: Trusting in Christ Over Human Wisdom

 

Summary

In Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians, he addresses the divisions within the church, urging believers not to glory in men but to recognize that all things are theirs through Christ. The Apostle Paul highlights the folly of relying on human wisdom and leaders, emphasizing that such behavior is inconsistent with the gospel. He argues that the ultimate problem with humanity is its pride and self-deception, which leads to the rejection of the gospel and a reliance on worldly wisdom. This pride blinds people to the truth and makes them slaves to the world, life, death, and the future.

Paul contrasts this with the wisdom of glorying in God and Christ. He explains that true freedom and mastery over life come from surrendering to Christ, who is the eternal Son of God and the only one worthy of our allegiance. Christ's work on the cross, his resurrection, and his current reign demonstrate his power over all things, including history itself. By believing in Christ, believers become partakers of the divine nature, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. This transforms their relationship with the world, life, and death, making them masters rather than slaves.

The Apostle urges believers to put their trust in Christ alone, as he is the Lord of creation, history, and glory. By doing so, they will find that all things work together for their good, and they will inherit the earth. The sermon concludes with a call to examine one's life and to place complete trust in Jesus Christ, recognizing the futility of trusting in men and the freedom that comes from being in Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- The divisions within the Corinthian church highlight the folly of glorying in men. Paul emphasizes that such behavior is inconsistent with the gospel and leads to slavery to worldly wisdom and leaders. True freedom comes from recognizing that all things are ours through Christ. [01:39]

- Human pride and self-deception are the root causes of rejecting the gospel. This pride blinds people to the truth and makes them slaves to the world, life, death, and the future. The Apostle Paul calls believers to recognize this folly and turn to Christ for true wisdom. [06:49]

- Christ is the eternal Son of God, the only one worthy of our allegiance. His work on the cross, resurrection, and current reign demonstrate his power over all things, including history itself. By believing in Christ, believers become partakers of the divine nature and heirs of God. [31:00]

- The wisdom of glorying in God and Christ lies in the freedom and mastery over life that comes from surrendering to him. By trusting in Christ, believers find that all things work together for their good, and they will inherit the earth. [29:34]

- The sermon concludes with a call to examine one's life and place complete trust in Jesus Christ. Recognizing the futility of trusting in men, believers are urged to glory in Christ alone, finding true freedom and joy in him. [57:44]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Corinthians
- [00:51] - The Problem of Divisions
- [02:11] - The Folly of Worldly Thinking
- [03:55] - The Tragedy of Rejecting the Gospel
- [04:45] - The Foolishness of Man
- [06:30] - Pride and Self-Deception
- [09:14] - The Offer of the Gospel
- [10:28] - All Things Are Yours
- [11:49] - The Folly of Glorying in Men
- [15:30] - The Limitations of Man
- [20:33] - Slavery to Men and the World
- [29:19] - The Wisdom of Glorying in Christ
- [36:28] - Christ's Victory Over Enemies
- [44:07] - The Results of Trusting in Christ
- [57:44] - Call to Trust in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 3:21-23

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Observation Questions:

1. What specific divisions within the Corinthian church does Paul address, and how does he describe their behavior as inconsistent with the gospel? [01:22]

2. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate problem with humanity that leads to the rejection of the gospel? [04:45]

3. How does Paul describe the relationship between believers and Christ in terms of ownership and inheritance? [10:28]

4. What does the sermon say about the limitations of human leaders and the folly of glorying in them? [15:30]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does human pride and self-deception contribute to the rejection of the gospel, according to the sermon? [06:49]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that trusting in Christ transforms a believer's relationship with the world, life, and death? [29:34]

3. What does it mean to be a "slave" to the world, life, death, and the future, and how does this contrast with being a "master" through Christ? [20:46]

4. How does the sermon explain the concept of believers being "heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ"? [31:00]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you found yourself relying on human wisdom or leaders. How did that impact your faith journey, and what steps can you take to shift your reliance to Christ? [11:49]

2. The sermon highlights the folly of glorying in men. Are there areas in your life where you might be placing too much trust in human leaders or systems? How can you redirect that trust to Christ? [15:30]

3. Consider the concept of being a "slave" to the world or life. Are there specific aspects of your life where you feel enslaved by societal expectations or fears? How can surrendering to Christ bring freedom in those areas? [20:46]

4. The sermon calls for believers to examine their lives and place complete trust in Jesus Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your trust in Him? [57:44]

5. How can the understanding that "all things are yours" through Christ change your perspective on challenges you face in life? [10:28]

6. Identify one area of your life where pride might be blinding you to the truth of the gospel. What actions can you take to humble yourself and seek God's wisdom instead? [06:49]

7. The sermon speaks of the freedom and joy found in Christ. How can you cultivate a daily practice of gratitude for this freedom in your life? [29:34]

Devotional

Day 1: The Folly of Glorying in Men
The divisions within the Corinthian church serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of placing our trust in human leaders and wisdom. Paul emphasizes that such behavior is inconsistent with the gospel, as it leads to a form of slavery to worldly wisdom and leaders. True freedom, he argues, comes from recognizing that all things are ours through Christ. By glorying in men, we become entangled in the limitations and fallacies of human understanding, which ultimately leads us away from the truth of the gospel. Instead, believers are called to find their identity and worth in Christ, who offers a wisdom that transcends human understanding. [01:39]

1 Corinthians 3:21-23 (ESV): "So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's."

Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to place your trust in human leaders or wisdom? How can you shift your focus to find your identity and worth in Christ alone today?


Day 2: The Root of Human Pride
Human pride and self-deception are the root causes of rejecting the gospel. This pride blinds people to the truth and makes them slaves to the world, life, death, and the future. Paul calls believers to recognize this folly and turn to Christ for true wisdom. Pride leads to a reliance on worldly wisdom, which is ultimately futile and deceptive. By acknowledging our limitations and the deceitfulness of our own hearts, we can begin to see the beauty and truth of the gospel. Turning to Christ allows us to break free from the chains of pride and self-deception, leading us to a life of true freedom and wisdom. [06:49]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where pride has blinded you to the truth. How can you invite Christ into this area to bring true wisdom and freedom?


Day 3: Christ's Worthiness of Our Allegiance
Christ is the eternal Son of God, the only one worthy of our allegiance. His work on the cross, resurrection, and current reign demonstrate his power over all things, including history itself. By believing in Christ, believers become partakers of the divine nature and heirs of God. This transforms their relationship with the world, life, and death, making them masters rather than slaves. In Christ, we find a new identity and purpose, as we are called to live as heirs of God's kingdom. This allegiance to Christ redefines our priorities and values, aligning them with the eternal purposes of God. [31:00]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: What does it mean for you to live as an heir of God's kingdom today? How can you align your priorities and values with the eternal purposes of God?


Day 4: The Wisdom of Glorying in God
The wisdom of glorying in God and Christ lies in the freedom and mastery over life that comes from surrendering to him. By trusting in Christ, believers find that all things work together for their good, and they will inherit the earth. This wisdom is not of this world but is rooted in the eternal truth of God's sovereignty and love. Surrendering to Christ allows us to experience true freedom, as we are no longer bound by the limitations and uncertainties of this world. Instead, we are invited to participate in the divine nature, experiencing the fullness of life that comes from being in Christ. [29:34]

James 1:5-6 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to surrender to Christ to experience true freedom? How can you trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty today?


Day 5: Trusting in Christ Alone
The sermon concludes with a call to examine one's life and place complete trust in Jesus Christ. Recognizing the futility of trusting in men, believers are urged to glory in Christ alone, finding true freedom and joy in him. This call to trust in Christ is an invitation to experience the fullness of life that comes from being in relationship with the eternal Son of God. By placing our trust in Christ, we are freed from the limitations and uncertainties of this world, as we are anchored in the eternal truth of God's love and grace. This trust in Christ transforms our lives, leading us to a deeper understanding of our identity and purpose in him. [57:44]

Psalm 37:3-5 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust in Christ alone? How can you take a step of faith today to place your trust in him and experience the freedom and joy that comes from being in Christ?

Quotes


The Apostle is not only disturbed about this he's alarmed and so he writes and he deals with this in a very full and in a very exhaustive Manner and here I say at the end of this chapter though he does go on to apply his argument a bit in the fourth chapter but here essentially at the end of this third chapter he sums up winds up his great bit of argumentation and puts the truth very plainly and clearly before them as well as before us. [00:99:96]

The ultimate trouble with men is that he is a fool now that is the charge which he brings you notice the way he puts it if any man thinketh or seeth to be wise in this way world that he become a fool that he may be made wise let no man deceive himself the biblical case against men as he is by nature is that he is a fool. [00:04:48]

Man's Folly according to the Apostle here and it is as I say what the Bible says everywhere man's Folly shows itself supremely in his pride and his self-deception this is most amazing man is proud of himself you see it's because of that and because he Prides himself especially on his wisdom and his thinking and his understanding that he rejects the gospel. [00:06:36]

The tragedy is that men thinks that he can get all that in his own way and through his own efforts and through the efforts of other men that's his boast that is his great Endeavor it's the whole story of civilization man he wants all this he believes he can get it he's got confidence in himself and in his own capacity but unfortunately he doesn't succeed and that is why the world is as it is tonight. [00:08:02]

The Apostle points out to the Corinthians that in doing this they were reverting going back to are you not still carnal you've gone back to the old way of thinking he says that is what the world does now that's the point I'm making that is still what the world does it is of the very essence of worldly wisdom and of the worldly Outlook the Modern Man rejects God he rejects this gospel. [00:11:31]

The ultimate end always of glorying in men is slavery and this is an astounding thing I say we want to be independent we want to have happiness we want to have joy we want to master life we want to own and possess things that's what we're all are and we believe that men can do this for us now the end of that says the Apostle always is some form or other of slavery. [00:20:41]

The wisdom of glorying in God and in Christ here's the thing the Apostle tells us you we say are christs and Christ is God's miserable Corinthians don't make yourselves the slave of Paul or of Apollos or of sephus or of anything else there's only one you should be a slave of and that is the Lord Jesus Christ and he is the servant of of God. [00:29:34]

If we really want Liberty if we really want Mastery of life it's only to be obtained in one way and that is by believing and surrendering ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ you notice the contrast don't you all things are yours then he gives the list but you are Christ Christ isn't yours you are Christ's and Christ is God. [00:30:05]

The gospel is a call to us really to glory in the Lord Jesus Christ not in Men in any shape or form not in man's world we must Glory only in the Lord in the Lord Jesus Christ why must we glory in him why is it right to glory in him why should we all glor glory in him whereas we should never glory in men. [00:30:35]

He is the Eternal Son of God he is perfect he is sinless he is the light which lith every men that cometh into the world he is Holy harmless and defiled and separate from Sinners look at him says Paul later on to the Colossians look at him here is one who appears amongst us as men amongst men who is he in him dwelleth all the fullness of the godhead. [00:31:59]

The world is the Lord and the fullness thereof he owns it all he made it all it is his he keeps it in existence and in being it's all in his hands it's gone wrong but God has planned a way whereby it can all be restored and he has done this through sending his son into the world when the fullness of the times that come God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law to redeem them that are under the law. [00:34:20]

You believe in this blessed person Jesus of Nazareth the Son of God believe in him as the son of God the god men believe in his atoning work believe in his resurrection believe in his Reign believe in his coming believe in him give yourself to him trust yourself to him look only to him and rely only upon him do you know what happens to you you belong to him you receive of his nature you become a partaker through him of the divine nature you become a child of God you are born again you have a new nature and a new St heart you've got a principle of Divine Life In You. [00:43:16]

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Transcript
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