Introduction: The problems – quarreling, “the weak”, & “the strong”
I: WHAT IS ‘WORLDLY WISDOM?’
A particular philosophy; a well-articulated worldview that helps people make sense of life & order their choices, values, & priorities.
…. nothing but idolatrous attempts to domesticate God.
II: THE APPARENT FOOLISHNESS OF THE CROSS (18, 22, 23)
Because of the nature of the message itself (v. 18)
Because of the nature of man (v. 22)
What would you think if a woman wore earrings stamped with an image of the mushroom cloud of the atomic bomb dropped over Hiroshima? What would you think of a church building that had a mural of the mass grave at Auschwitz? Both visions are grotesque. They are not only intrinsically abhorrent, but they are shocking because of the powerful cultural associations. A far worse shocked horror was associated with crucifixion in the first century. The cultural associations of a cross conjured up images of evil, corruption, and abysmal rejection.” D. A. Carson
III: THE DESTRUCTIVE POWER OF THE CROSS (vv. 19-21)
God purposely designed the Gospel to be offensive & foolish to the unbelieving world.
The Gospel is not about human achievement; it is about divine accomplishment.
IV: THE POWER AND WISDOM OF THE CROSS (vv. 18b, 24-25)
“… ironical expressions meant to beat down the presumption of the flesh.” John Calvin
The Cross & Christ – the power of God (vv. 18, 14) (cf. Rom. 1:16)
To those who are being saved, we see the wisdom of the gospel. (Rom. 3:26)
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Rev. Ryce and Janine, his wife of 20 years, were born and raised in the Pittsburgh area and previously served in ministry at Tucson Reformed Church (2010-14) and Springs Reformed Church (2014-22), the Christian & Missionary Alliance (2007-09), and the Evangelical Presbyterian...
