SIGNS, WISDOM OR BOTH?
- Key Verse
- "For indeed Jews ask for signs, and Greeks search for wisdom...but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." (1 Corinthians 1:22, 24)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
People look for signs or man's wisdom to lead them. What they need is the simple Gospel - Christ crucified.
Reflections
As I reviewed this passage, I realized that what I need in my life is the simple Gospel preached. Testimonies of other people's experiences with God are encouraging, but sometimes they distract me and I get sidetracked. I try to follow a formula or routine to achieve my spiritual goals instead of getting back to basics.I think that was part of what Paul was trying to get across to the Corinthians in this first chapter. He encourages them to preach Christ crucified, not to be part of a clique based on who led them to Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:10-17) Paul says, "For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18) and ". . . Jews ask for signs, and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified . . . ." (1 Corinthians 1:22) Then Paul again declares that God's power and wisdom are expressed in the plain message of Christ crucified. (1 Corinthians 1:24b)
The Gospel of Christ is so simple that it made the Jews stumble and was foolishness to the Greeks. What does that mean? Are people today any different than in Paul's day? I think it means that Christ has both the power and wisdom people are so desperately seeking, even today. But, the Gospel must be accepted by faith. We can't see it, touch it or even completely comprehend it intellectually, but the Gospel is real. Christ's power is real. His wisdom is real.
Christ died so that we, you and I, could have a restored, eternal relationship with God. That is the bottom line. That is what my focus should be. I don't need to offer sophisticated, detailed theological instruction to bring someone to Christ. I just need to preach Christ crucified and let God minister to the person's heart. It's so simple we can miss it if we're not careful.
Discussion Questions
- Have you ever been spiritually sidetracked by pursuing a "formula" or routine? If so, how did you get back on track?
- Is there someone you know who needs to hear the simplicity of the Gospel message?
- Are you willing to risk looking "foolish" to share Christ with that person?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Grace Community Church.
John C. Holden
April 13, 2010 08:50 AM
Lori: Thank you for your very direct devotional. It is difficult for me to try and share my faith with others; but if I will just remember the facts and circumstances of Christ's journey for us, then I can share this with others and, as you said, let God work on their hearts. Thank you so much for sharing! John
Susan Miner
April 13, 2010 09:46 AM
I so relate to what you are saying today, Lori. Thank you for reminding me I don't have to get it right. Just pray and let the Gospel speak for itself.