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. For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Bottom Line: God wins by losing.
Why is Paul explaining all this heady theology?
If the Corinthians understood the cross, they wouldn’t be divided over leaders.
If we understood the cross, we wouldn’t be divided over partisan politics.
The downfall of the early church was gaining political power.
Cruciformity was corrupted, slowly giving way to power-over.
The key to our unity as a church
- Allegiance: we must give undivided loyalty to Jesus
- Cruciformity: we must choose cross-power
Action Steps
Prayer
- Where am I still uncomfortable with a God who wins by losing?
- Where am I relating to others out of rivalry rather than cruciformity?
- Is the way I’m engaging in politics producing the fruit of the Spirit in my life?
Practice
- Practicing “winning by losing” in one small way
- Fast from social media and notice its effect on you
- Intentionally choose humble service at work and at home
