The Wisdom of the Cross

Warm Up

A smart person can access and retain a wide breadth of knowledge. A wise person can apply knowledge appropriately to life. Who is one of the smartest people you have ever known? Who is one of the wisest?

At what point in your life did you realize that your parents were wiser than you once imagined?

Exploring 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5

Remember the Corinthian church is quarreling unnecessarily over petty issues, such as what leader they preferred. Read 1:17 and 2:1-5. Does Paul claim that his message to them was persuasive because of his wisdom and eloquence? What was powerful about his message?

The Gospel (good news) is simply this: Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead. Those who wish to follow Christ humbly accept this truth as the gracious gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). How is it that so many stumble over the simplicity of this truth? 

In verses 1:19-21, Paul teaches human wisdom and intelligence will not lead to salvation. He is not diminishing the need for education but makes it clear that human effort does not save us. Why are we so prone to rely on self-efforts for salvation?

In verses 1:22-25, how does Paul compare the wisdom of man to the wisdom of God? If we can never achieve God’s wisdom on our own, how important is it that we seek Him?

Application

We often argue because of pride. We want to win! In verses 1:26-31, Paul asks the Corinthians to reflect on their own lives. What is the point being made in this guided reflection and what does he ask them to do? How might our lives change if we embraced the wisdom of the cross by living in humility?

Prayer

List one or two prayer concerns to share with your group.