Christ and the Cross: Foolishness or Wisdom? 1 Cor. 1:18-31

Christ and the Cross: One Message, Two Reactions To one group, the message of Christ and the cross was sheer folly; to another group it was divine wisdom! How one views Christ and the cross depends on one’s heart, what one is searching for, what one’s perspective is, what one’s perception of self is! It’s amazing that one message, that of Christ and the cross, produces such totally different reactions in people; yet, such is the dual nature of the gospel message!

Christ and the Cross: Foolishness to “Wise” v. 18 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.

Christ and the Cross: Foolishness to “Wise” v. 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.

Christ and the Cross: Foolishness to “Wise” v. 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness

Christ and the Cross: Wisdom to “Foolish” v. 18 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.

Christ and the Cross: Wisdom to “Foolish” v. 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Who Accepts the Call of Christ and the Cross? Generally speaking, the message of Christ and the cross attracts the “fools” of the world! Generally speaking, the gospel message of a crucified Christ has no appeal whatsoever to the “wise” of our age! God uses those whom the world considers fools to shame those whom the world considers wise; what a wise plan!

Soul-Searching Questions About Christ and the Cross Are we foolish or wise? Do we listen to worldly experts or God? Are we teaching others the message of Christ and the cross?