1. Wise people live as Cross-centred people – 1Cor.1:10-3:23 1.The problem - 1:10-17 a. Divisions in the church b. The divisions were symptoms that:- 1. They were downplaying the heart of their faith – the Cross of Christ 2. They were focusing on worldly wisdom c. Paul shows how silly their divisions are(v.13) & what the basis of their unity is

2. 2. The solution – the Gospel of Christ crucified - 1:18-3:23 2:1 The Gospel contradicts human wisdom a.Gods foolishness – a crucified Messiah 1:18-25 Crucified – weak,humiliation,defeat Messiah – power,splendour,victory

3. Gods foolishness – a crucified Messiah The cross displays:- 1.Gods wisdom - God can be both JUST & LOVING - Humans are humbled –v.19-21 2. Gods power - defeating the power of sin,death & Satan - basis for a new creation

4. b. Gods foolishness – ordinary believers - 1:26-31 1.God bypasses human wisdom 2.Gods wisdom – Crucified Christ gives us - Righteousness – right standing - Holiness – set apart for God - Redemption – freedom from the power of sin,death & Satan

5. c. Gods foolishness – preaching the Cross - 2:1-5 Paul came to Corinth with:- 1.A foolish message – a message of weakness -v.2 2.Much weakness –v.3 3.A dependence on the Spirit to convince people of his message –v.4,5

6. 2:2 Having Gods wisdom -2:6-3:23 a.The Spirit reveals the cross to us -2:6-3:4 - Gods wisdom is different - v.6 - Gods wisdom is about the cross v.7,8 - Paul preached this wisdom –v.13; 2:2 - Gods wisdom was understood & received as the Spirit gave understanding –v.9-12 Spiritual people = Christians Gods secret,deep wisdom = the Cross

7. b. Seeing what Christian ministry & the Church is - 3:5-23 1.Christian leaders are only servants 2.The Church is precious to God - a strong foundation is laid –v.11 - Gods temple/building v.9,16,17 - Christian workers are accountable to God - Did they build with the Gospel? - Did they rely on the Spirit – prayer? - they will be rewarded –v.8,14 3. Gods wisdom & human wisdom contrasted

8. 3. Living as wise people a.Recognize limitations of human wisdom b.Embrace Gods foolish wisdom:- - a crucified Christ - the Spirit makes this wisdom real & precious to us c. Proclaim Gods weak & foolish wisdom d. Pray for the Spirit to reveal this wisdom