MAIN COURSE(XLM 8/24/11): God’s Wisdom vs. the World’s and His purpose

Since we are called to preach the Good News (as discussed in the ‘side dish’), then we are to preach it.  But many of the Christians today have doubts and hesitations on doing so.  Why?  Because they think that preaching the Good News means foolishness, perhaps to their friends, classmates, workmates.  The world will laugh at them and because of this, they may lose friends.  Well, I’m not writing this to say that that’s not true—-because it is true and it is biblical.  But hang on! I’m sure that this passage will encourage you (as it has encouraged me also) to preach Christ all the more despite the side comments of the world; because their words, their wisdom are no match to God’s.  God has intended it! for His glory!  Let us discuss it now.

Please read the following verses.  Paul said it all, and I have only few to add.

• v.18  For the message about Christ’s death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved, it is God’s power.
• v. 21  For God in His wisdom made it impossible for people to know Him by means of their own wisdom.  Instead, by means of the so-called “foolish” message we preach, God decided to save those who believe.
• v. 23-24  As for us, we proclaim the crucified Christ, a message that is offensive to the Jews and nonsense to the Gentiles; but for those whom God has called, both Jews and gentiles, this message is Christ, who is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
• v. 25 For what seems to be God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and what seems to be God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

See!  Got it?  It is biblical that the world will think of the Word/Gospel as “foolish”.  Those whom God has called understand it but those who are not do not.  We understand Christ’s death as the saving power of God and those whom God has called to believe will also understand.  No matter how hard we try to convince a fellow to chew the gospel, if He’s really not called by God, he won’t accept it.  But why did God make it that way?  He has a purpose.  Please read the following verses:

• v.27  God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise, and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful.
• v.28  He chose what the world looks down and despises and thinks is nothing, in order to destroy what the world thinks is important.
• v.29  This means that no one can boast in God’s presence.

This is simply amazing.  God intended all these things all for His glory.  To humble people and make them realize that HE IS GOD…and that this world is not all there is! (as always told us by our Pastor Mel Cartera).  In the end, all glory belongs to Him alone (Soli Deo Gloria!).

God is with those whom He has called to preach the Good News.  It is said in Romans 8:31 “…If God is for us, who can be against us?”.  God’s wisdom and power is the greatest and is unparalleled.  We have nothing to be afraid of.

Further discussions are posted in our ‘dessert’ (Boast of What the Lord has Done!) but for now, let us drink some refreshment (Who were we then and who are we now?).  Something to reflect on and something to be, again, thankful for.

Soli Deo Gloria!