Study Notes
4/12/2004
Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:17-31
Introductory Questions
What is a paradox? Tell us one.
What are some characteristics of the early church?
What are some characteristics of the medieval church?
What are some characteristics of the church today?
Reading
Let’s read 1 Corinthians 1:17-31
So what is Paul, the human author, talking about?
What is the keyword in this passage?
Word count:
Wisdom – 12 times
Foolishness – 6 times
The Corinthians have a problem here: what do you think it is? It will be difficult; you will have to dig deep and read between the lines to figurew out what it is.
Pride. They think they are something because they can argue, debate, and speak wisely.
We saw last week that Paul was already beginning his rebuke, and he will continue his rebuke for most of the book. The church of the Corinthians believe they have arrived spiritually.
Here are some manifestations of their pride:
Divisions 1:10-15
Sexual sin 5-7
Lawsuits against believers 6
Causing weaker brothers and sisters in Christ to stumble 8
Idolatry 10
Abuse of spiritual gifts 12-14
Denial of the bodily resurrection 15
According to our passage how does the wisdom of man compare to the wisdom of God?
According to verse 18, how can an unbeliever possibly understand the message of the cross of Jesus Christ when it is foolishness to them? Answer Holy Spirit
What does that mean when we evangelize the lost?
They will not be won over by our well sounding arguments. Only the Holy Spirit can woo them to Himself. It is His work to draw people; and we must be prepared to give an answer for the hope that we have. 1 Peter 3:15
Why would God choose the foolish things, the weak things, the base things to preach His gospel to put to shame the wise, mighty, etc?
Answer vs. 29, 31
So who is it all about?
Application
What does that mean for us today?
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