Lesson 205: 1 Corinthians 1:18
1 Corinthians 1:18
The Blueprint — The Verse
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
Paul writes to Corinth, a proud commercial city valuing rhetoric and wisdom. The crucified Messiah overturns human standards of power and status, dividing responders into those perishing and those being saved.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
After greeting a divided church, Paul refuses to preach with eloquent wisdom lest the cross be emptied. To the perishing the cross is folly; to believers it is God's saving power.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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1 Corinthians 1:17
17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (1 Corinthians 1:17) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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1 Corinthians 1:19
19For it is written:“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (1 Corinthians 1:19) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- When has the cross seemed foolish to people around you?
- How has the cross been God's power in your life?
- What worldly wisdom competes with the gospel in your church?