Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:17-2:5

Introduction

A. When Paul came to Corinth, he met greater success than he had found in other places, and continued there for 18 months (Acts 18:11).

B. The difference was not in Paul’s deliverance (Acts 18:4-5), but rather in the willingness of the people (Acts 18:10).

Discussion

I. God’s word is so powerful and yet so simple.

A. It is powerful enough to convict men (Acts 2:37).

B. It is powerful enough to lead us to repentance (Acts 2:38).

C. It is so simple that it can be taught, understood, and obeyed in a matter of minutes (Acts 8).

II. God can confuse the wise while enlightening the common man.

A. Jesus taught in parables in order to hide the mysteries of the kingdom from those who would refuse it (Matthew 13:11-16).

B. God hides truth in plain sight (John 18:20; 1 Corinthians 2:14).

C. The children of this world cannot understand these truths, because they lack the eyes to see spiritual things (John 8:44).

III. God’s Word can be proclaimed by anyone.

A. The power to save the lost does not rest with the speaker, but with the Father (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 3:5).

B. One does not need to be highly educated to be an effective evangelist (John 7:15; Acts 4:13).

Conclusion

A. Don’t be concerned if the seemingly “wise men” around you aren’t obeying the truth, for the religious elite crucified Jesus.

B. God’s power is not found in human wisdom, but in the “foolishness of preaching” (1 Corinthians 1:21). Will you be a “fool for Christ’s sake” (4:10)?