1 Corinthians 1:22-25 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God – Jan 8, 2025
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 (KJV)
"For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
Devotional Thought
The world often seeks power and wisdom in ways that ignore God’s truth. The Jews looked for miraculous signs, and the Greeks sought intellectual wisdom, yet God’s plan of salvation through Christ crucified seemed foolish to them. However, for those who believe, Christ is both the power and wisdom of God. Through the cross, God displays His ultimate power to save and His infinite wisdom to redeem humanity.
Supporting Points
1. The world misunderstands God’s wisdom.
Paul identifies the contrast between human expectations and God’s ways. The Jews demanded signs, and the Greeks sought wisdom, but God’s answer was Christ crucified. What seemed foolish and weak to them was God’s perfect plan.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
(Isaiah 55:8-9, KJV)
God’s wisdom confounds human understanding. His ways reveal His perfect plan to save us through the cross.
2. Christ is the power of God.
To the believer, Christ crucified is not weakness but the power of God. The cross is where Jesus conquered sin, death, and the devil, displaying God’s unmatched strength and love.
"O sing unto the Lord a new song: for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory."
(Psalm 98:1, KJV)
The world may see weakness in the cross, but for us who believe, it is the greatest display of God’s power and victory.
3. Christ is the wisdom of God.
The cross reveals the wisdom of God—His ability to save humanity through the sacrifice of His Son. The wisdom of men cannot compare to God’s eternal plan of redemption, fulfilled through Christ.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
(Proverbs 9:10, KJV)
True wisdom begins with knowing God and understanding His ways. The cross is the ultimate display of His perfect and eternal wisdom.
Reflection Questions
- How do the world’s values of power and wisdom differ from God’s?
- In what ways have you experienced Christ as the power of God in your life?
- How can you share the message of the cross with those who see it as foolishness?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your power and wisdom through the cross of Christ. Teach me to trust in Your ways, even when the world does not understand. Help me to see Christ crucified as the greatest display of Your strength and wisdom. Give me boldness to share this truth with others so that they too may believe and experience Your saving power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.