"The power of God."
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18
TWO DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES
Paul was very candid in his observations about people’s view of the message of the cross of Christ.
“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.”
1 Corinthians 1:18
1. “The message of the cross”
a) This was the way Paul described the heart of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
b) There are other aspects of the gospel message that must also be considered.
c) The “cross” represented the cruel way in which Christ suffered.
d) What was the message?
i) The necessity of the suffering of Christ.
ii) The tasting of death for everyone.
iii) The shedding of blood for the remission of sins.
2. “Is foolishness to those who are perishing”
a) The message of the cross means nothing to the unregenerate.
b) If anything at all, it is just “foolishness”.
c) “Those who are perishing”
i) This is a reference to those who have rejected the offer of salvation.
ii) They will have to stand before God’s judgment throne one day.
iii) How would they escape so great a salvation offered by the Lord Jesus Christ?
3. “But to us who are being saved it is the power of God”
a) “Those who are being saved”
i) There is enlightenment to the mind.
ii) There is conviction of the heart.
iii) There is a desire to seek cleansing and forgiveness from God.
iv) There is a deep sense of appreciation for the salvation offered by Christ Jesus.
b) “It is the power of God”
i) Power from God to cleanse our sinful life.
ii) Power from God to effect a wonderful change of life.