In 1 Corinthians Study Part 3 1:17-31 How to Embrace Salvation, Paul addresses ongoing problems in the Corinthian church by focusing on the message of Christ and Him crucified. He teaches that when believers understand the central importance of the cross, other issues become less significant. Instead of seeking power, wisdom, or aligning with specific leaders, the church is called to unity and transformation through the gospel. Embracing salvation means letting Christ’s work be the foundation for every part of life and the church community.
1 Corinthians Study Part 3 1:17-31 How to Embrace Salvation
Audio
1 Corinthians Study Part 3 1:17-31 How to Embrace Salvation
Scriptures used in this lesson:
1 Corinthians 1:17-31
The Corinthians faced many problems. Each chapter of the letter addresses a different issue. These problems are still relevant to churches today.
Addressing Church Divisions
In chapter one, verses 10-17, Paul addresses the problem of divisions in the church. Members were aligning themselves with different leaders, such as Paul, Apollos, or Cephas. This caused factions and disunity. There was also a perception of spiritual superiority among some groups. Our church was sometimes viewed in this way, but its reputation is improving. People are beginning to understand that the church is different now.
Paul responded to these divisions by asking essential questions. He reminded the church that Christ is not divided. Paul was not crucified for them, nor were they baptized in his name. The focus should be on Jesus, not on individual leaders.
When the church learns to look to Jesus, divisions will end. The goal is to find where God wants each person to be and to become rooted there. This unity comes from following Christ, who is the author and finisher of faith.
1 Corinthians Study Part 3 1:17-31 How to Embrace Salvation
The Search for Power and Wisdom
Paul moved on to discuss new issues in chapter 1, verses 17-31. These verses address two primary issues that plagued the church in the past and continue to affect churches today.
The first problem is the power search. People want to see the power of God at work. They look for signs and miracles. This desire causes them to move from one place to another, hoping to witness something extraordinary.
The second problem is the search for wisdom. Many seek answers to life’s questions. They visit different places and listen to various teachers, hoping to find truth and understanding.
Paul addresses both the desire for power and the desire for wisdom. He points out that these searches can lead to divisions in the church. People become focused on experiences or knowledge instead of unity in Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:17-31
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that
the cross of Christ would not be made void.
18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is
the power of God.
19 For it is written, “I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS
OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.”
20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made
foolish the wisdom of the world?
1 Corinthians Study Part 3 1:17-31 How to Embrace Salvation
21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not {come to} know God, God was
well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
22 For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;
23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness,
24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of
God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many
mighty, not many noble;
27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak
things of the world to shame the things which are strong,
28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He
may nullify the things that are,
29 so that no man may boast before God.
30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness
and sanctification, and redemption,
31 so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”
1 Corinthians Study Part 3 1:17-31 How to Embrace Salvation
I wanted to finish chapter two, but I found many essential points to discuss. People are still searching for answers and for God’s power. This search leads them from one place to another, just as it did in Paul’s time.
The Centrality of the Cross
Paul explained that he was not sent to baptize. He clarified that baptism is important, but it was not the focus of his mission. Paul’s main message was about Christ crucified and the cross of Christ. He preached the cross so that its message would not lose its meaning.
Preachers often focus on specific doctrines. Pentecostals emphasize Holy Ghost baptism and speaking in tongues. Baptists highlight salvation prayers and water baptism. Episcopalians and Protestants value sacraments, communion, and order. There is nothing wrong with these practices.
Paul taught that when you preach Christ and him crucified, everything else follows. Preaching the cross brings Holy Ghost baptism, water baptism, salvation, and order. Paul’s priority was to share the message of the cross, not to count how many people he baptized.
1 Corinthians Study Part 3 1:17-31 How to Embrace Salvation
The cross of Christ touches every part of life. Paul’s goal was to make sure that the message remained clear and powerful.
1 Corinthians 1:18
18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is
the power of God.
Salvation as an Ongoing Process
There is a difference in how Bible translations write this verse. The King James Bible says “are saved,” while the NASB says “are being saved.” This shows salvation is not just a past event but an ongoing process. There was a moment when your life changed because of Jesus Christ and the cross. But salvation continues—right now, you are being saved, and tomorrow you will be saved again.
Biblical salvation is not about praying a prayer, shaking a preacher’s hand, or joining a church. The first use of “salvation” in the Bible is in Exodus, when Moses told the Israelites to “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” This happened when God delivered them from Egypt, sent plagues, allowed them to plunder Egypt, and then set them free. Salvation involved deliverance, provision, and victory over enemies.
1 Corinthians Study Part 3 1:17-31 How to Embrace Salvation
Salvation today is daily deliverance from the devil. The world faces many troubles and dangers, but God’s salvation keeps believers safe. Just as the Israelites were protected in Goshen, believers can experience God’s ongoing protection and deliverance. Salvation is not just for one moment; it is for yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Another part of salvation is plundering the kingdom of darkness. As believers witness and minister, they help move people, resources, and service from darkness into the kingdom of light. This is an active process—families and lives can be brought out of darkness and into God’s kingdom.
Finally, salvation includes the future defeat of the devil. The devil’s destiny is judgment and defeat. Salvation means being saved daily, moving resources and people into God’s kingdom, and seeing God’s victory over darkness.
Paul teaches that “we are being saved,” and the power of God is found in the message of the cross. Salvation does not come through clever speech, human wisdom, or personal opinions. It comes through the preaching of the cross and the work of the Holy Spirit. Many people seek churches and leaders for wisdom or tradition, but true power is only found in the message of Christ crucified.
1 Corinthians Study Part 3 1:17-31 How to Embrace Salvation
So what Paul first deals with here is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:19-21
19 For it is written, “I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.”
20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
Paul discusses true wisdom in these verses. He asks, “Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age?” Paul points out that God has made the wisdom of the world foolish. The world claims to have answers to life’s problems, but these answers often fail to provide effective solutions.
Dr. Ruth advises on marriage, but marriages not built on Jesus’ teachings do not last. Dr. Spock offers ideas on raising children, but those ideas do not guarantee good results. Donald Trump’s financial wisdom, or the health choices of celebrities like Liberace and Rock Hudson, are also examples. The regimes of leaders like Noriega, Saddam Hussein, Stalin, Khrushchev, and Gorbachev demonstrate the failure of worldly wisdom in governing nations. Even welfare programs do not address the root problems.
1 Corinthians Study Part 3 1:17-31 How to Embrace Salvation
All these examples show that human wisdom is based on fleshly desires. Paul says that man’s wisdom cannot deliver anyone from evil. Only the preaching of the cross of Christ can save and deliver. Philosophy and worldly wisdom are described as a blind man in a dark room searching for a black cat that is not there. There is no real wisdom in the world.
Paul’s message is clear: following the world’s way leads to failure and disappointment. There will be no lasting peace, joy, or righteousness. Families will struggle, marriages will falter, and lives will not flourish. The only true wisdom is found in the cross of Jesus Christ. When people hear, accept, and apply the gospel, their lives change. They receive peace, joy, and deliverance. Only God’s wisdom brings lasting fruit. The world’s wisdom always fails.
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not {come to} know God, God was
well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
22 For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;
23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness,
24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of
God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1 Corinthians Study Part 3 1:17-31 How to Embrace Salvation
Paul explains that everyone fits into one of two groups: Jews or Greeks. Jews want to see signs and the power of God. Greeks seek wisdom and clarity, wanting things to make sense. Most people desire one or both of these.
When Christ crucified is preached, Jews see it as a stumbling block. They expect a mighty conqueror, not a crucified man. This disappoints them and becomes a scandal. They cannot accept a Messiah who died on a cross.
Greeks, on the other hand, find the message foolish. They want everything to be logical and reasonable. The idea that wisdom and answers can come from a crucified man does not make sense to them. It does not compute in their minds.
Paul says that these two groups have different expectations. Jews want miracles and power. Greeks want logic and understanding. But neither group finds what they want in the message of the cross. The cross does not fit their expectations.
The answer, Paul says, is Christ himself. For those who are called, whether Jew or Greek, Christ is both the power of God and the wisdom of God. If someone wants to see a sign, they should look at a changed life. The power of God is seen in people whom Christ has transformed.
1 Corinthians Study Part 3 1:17-31 How to Embrace Salvation
Wisdom is also found in those who live by the word of the cross. Their lives show answers to life’s questions. Marriages, finances, and families improve when people follow Christ’s teachings. The message of the cross brings real change.
Paul’s main point is that Christ is everything people need. He is the power to save and the wisdom to guide. The cross may seem foolish or weak to some, but it is the true source of strength and understanding.
1 Corinthians 26-31
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;
27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,
28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are,
29 so that no man may boast before God.
30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,
31 so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”
1 Corinthians Study Part 3 1:17-31 How to Embrace Salvation
God’s Wisdom and Choosing
Paul teaches that people do not choose God on their own. He repeats that God chooses believers. Ephesians 1:4 says God chose us before the foundation of the world. This means that salvation is not a decision we make on our own. We cannot boast about choosing God, because it is God who draws people to Himself.
No one can come to Christ unless the Father draws them. Jesus told His disciples, “You did not choose me, I chose you.” Salvation is not something we can achieve by our own effort or wisdom. It is by God’s grace and mercy that anyone is saved. We cannot work our way into God’s favor. We cannot be smart enough or powerful enough. All we can do is thank and praise God for choosing us.
Paul emphasizes that it is “by his doing” that we are in Christ Jesus. If anyone doubts their salvation, they should remember it is God’s work, not their own. Christ becomes our wisdom, righteousness, and sanctification. Answers to life’s problems are found in Christ and the message of the cross.
1 Corinthians Study Part 3 1:17-31 How to Embrace Salvation
If you want to do what is right, the answer is in the gospel. The preaching of the cross should touch every area of life—finances, marriage, family, work, and worship. The gospel provides wisdom for every situation.
Sanctification means being set apart and used by God. Just as gold and silver from Jericho were set apart for godly worship, believers are set apart for God’s purposes. This is not something we do for ourselves. It is God who chooses, saves, and uses us. The only proper response is praise and gratitude for His work.
1 Corinthians Study Part 3
1 Corinthians Study Part 3
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