Friday, June 30
The wisdom and power of God
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2
1 Corinthians 2:6–7 Now we do speak wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are perishing. 7 Instead we speak the wisdom of God, hidden in a mystery, that God determined before the ages for our glory.
Observation
There were those in Corinth who valued “wisdom,” specifically the wisdom of this age. The message of Christ and the cross seemed foolish, weak, low and despised. A crucified Christ? A God who becomes a man and dies a criminal’s death? Foolishness, weakness in the eyes of the world and its wisdom.
But, Paul says in chapter 1, the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men. So Paul came to Corinth determined to “be concerned about nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
So he did bring wisdom. Not the wisdom of this world, but the wisdom of God hidden in a mystery—the mystery of the incarnation and the passion of the Christ.
Paul says that he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God to save us (Romans 1:16), and he tells Timothy not to be ashamed either (2 Timothy 1:7-8). This foolish message of a crucified God is the wisdom and power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).
Application
I also read this today:
2 Timothy 4:2–3 Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction. 3 For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching.
Proclaim the message—the message of Jesus, crucified and raised! Be ready at all times. For it is the wisdom and power of God. I don’t have to be clever or powerful—just tell the message and let it do its work.
Prayer: Lord, I love You. Give me opportunities today to share the good news of Jesus with others. I pray for open hearts ready to receive. Use me today.
More: Song of Songs 7-8, 2 Timothy 4