Scripture
Lesson Text
I Corinthians 1:17-31
By Lecha Price
Related Scripture
I Corinthians 2:1-16; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Roman 1:18-32; 11:33-36
In our lesson we learn that True Wisdom only comes from God. The related scripture I Corinthians 2:1-16, Paul teaches us that true wisdom was hidden in Christ Jesus and is only revealed by the Spirit of God. The natural or worldly man cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. However, for everyone that has received the Spirit of God it is freely given unto him.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 reminds us, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might nor the rich man glory in his riches. But let him glory is that he understands and knows me that I am the Lord which exercises lovingkindness, judgment , and righteousness in the earth; for in these things, I delight saith the Lord.
Romans 1:18-32 makes us aware of the danger of not reverencing the true wisdom of God. The scripture says, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Wherefore, God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves. Lastly, Romans 11:33-36 speaks to the sovereignty of God. “O the depth of the riches both of wisdom and knowledge of God how unsearchable are his judgments and his ways. For whom hath known the mind of the Lord or who hath been his counselor”.
Synopsis
By Raufu Spagnoletta
The Greek culture of Paul’s day boasted in its wisdom. As a result of this atmosphere, the believers at Corinth were showing a preference for religious leaders because of their supposed superior wisdom, thus dividing the church. To this travesty, Paul writes: “Christ sent me not to baptize (followers in my name); but to preach the gospel; not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect (should be nullified of its saving power)”. In our lesson, Paul gives an unmatched revelation of the Cross of Christ as a counter to the foolishness of all human wisdom and boasting.
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God unto salvation.” For it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. “For the Jews require a sign and the Greeks seek after wisdom.” But we preach Christ crucified, the Jews are offended and the Greeks think its nonsense. But God has opened the eyes of those called for salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, to see that Christ is the mighty power of God to save them.
The saints at Corinth were not saved by following human wisdom, it was God who called and chose then by the preaching of the gospel. Paul reminds them, “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” But God has deliberately chosen the foolish things to shame the wise; weak things to shame the mighty; lowly and despised things which are not to bring to nought things that are. God has done this, “That no flesh should glory (boast) in His presence.” Paul concludes this chapter with a quote from Jeremiah 9:24a, “That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”
Practical Application
By Tarae King
This week’s lesson is about God’s true wisdom. The first practical application is to make sure we do not attempt to overshadow the power of God with flowery words. There is a time and place but, we need to let His glory do the redeeming work.
Secondly, there is a stark contrast between what the world values and what is important to God. The world wants us to put knowledge and material success above all else.
Christians know that our deepest need has already been fulfilled. Lastly, We are called by God. We did not call ourselves and there is nothing we can do without God. So we have nothing to boast about except to boast that we truly know Him and understand that He is the Lord. It is important to note that knowledge has its place in our lives but does not take priority over our spiritual journey. We are in the world but not of the world.
