A Study of 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

In this passage, the apostle Paul, writing to the church at Corinth has sobering, God-breathed words for those who are claiming to be "wise". The unbelieving who are self-exalted, highly educated and/or religious elite.

Heavenly Father, I ask for Your wisdom and for Your understanding as I study Your word. Speak to my heart and soul, so that I may know You better. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen

Verses 18-19

Paul quotes from Isaiah 29:14 here, where God Himself says By His marvels He will make human wisdom look like nothing. Jesus dying on the cross for all sin is one of those marvels. Something that the unbelieving, who are often puffed up because of their high-level of education, can't even begin to comprehend. Instead they view it as foolishness as Paul writes 'for the words of the cross are foolishness to those who are perishing'. These are the people who are not saved, those who are not or may not be the sheep who hear Jesus' voice (John 10:27). Only the Lord knows who are truly His.

Verse 20

Paul is stating God's indictment against those who claim to be "wise". This world makes the gospel as stated, Christ dying on the cross for all sin, into something foolish. But it's God who is showing that the unbelieving, human wisdom is what is foolish. God uses the full trust that someone puts into His gospel to offer forgiveness and salvation.

Verses 21-23

By His design, we can't even begin to understand God's infinite wisdom, therefore we try and rely on our own understanding. Which through pride in our own knowledge, has led to the blindness to the gospel message, true for both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews). In the case of the Jewish people, the stumbling block is from their inability to see Jesus Christ for who He is, rather falling back on the idea that their true messiah will defeat the enemies of Israel and be their king the first time. According to Isaiah 53, Jesus is their Messiah, He came to die for all sin so that He might reconcile all, who accept Him, to Himself — both Jews and Gentiles. His second coming will be the one the Jewish people were expecting the first time around. God is pleased to offer salvation to those who will defy the "understanding" of this world and humble themselves to the level of thinking often associated with a child (Mark 10:14-15). That humbling makes the gospel message as clear as day to those who can achieve such humility.

Verses 24-25

To all who receive and accept the gospel of Christ, we accept Christ as the power and the wisdom of God. To the unbelieving world, their wisdom and strength are nothing compared to their perceived "foolishness" and "weakness" of God. As a follower of Christ, His wisdom and strength are laid upon you. His wisdom is sobering, bringing clarity to your mind. Through the Holy Spirit, the words of God become more and more understandable, and Jesus' strength helps give you peace and comfort in times of trials and need. Fortifying you for the spiritual battles that will occur as you walk with Christ.

Final Words:

In our fallen nature it can feel natural to become puffed up in our own knowledge and understanding. But humbling ourselves has benefits, not only in our lives as we interact with others, but ultimately it can lead to acceptance of God's greatest gift to mankind, salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. If you know Christ, ask Him today, to show you your heart, to make sure you're remaining humble in your walk with Him. Focusing on His pure and unimaginable love, while reflecting His light into a dark and foolish world.

Or if today you're someone who is feeling stirred up inside, maybe you're suddenly drawn to this whole gospel thing and are struggling to understand it. It could be Jesus knocking on the door waiting for you to answer. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you, to give you the understanding. He wants nothing more than for you to answer the door today and let Him in. Learn more about Jesus and what He did for you.