Following Jesus 133

Following Jesus: The Progress of the Pilgrim.

Ultimately, why did God choose to relieve man of the great and heavy burden of his sin the way He chose to do so? What is the ultimate reason for God’s wisdom in the word of the cross? God reveals the reason for the word of the cross in I Corinthians 1:26-31. 

To begin with, the reason for the message of the word of the cross is to shame (embarrassment; dishonor; humiliate) the wisdom of the world. “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, and not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;” vs. 26-27. 

As followers of Christ consider their covenant relationship of grace with God, our relationship was not based on our fallen and sinful wisdom, our powerful influence within the world, not our high status and nobility. 

Rather, God chose to use the corresponding opposites to the world’s wisdom, power and nobility to shame and embarrass, humiliate and disgrace the worldly wise, powerful and noble. 

God not only chose to shame the world’s wisdom but also to bring it nothing. “God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,” vs. 28. 

Finally, this was done for the overarching purpose of bringing God glory. “So that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” Vs. 29-31. 

As followers of Christ, we are to celebrate Jesus. No one else and nothing else is to be the object of our praise. 

Galatians 6:14 – But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14 ESV)

Romans 8:1-3 – There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, (Romans 8:1-3 ESV)

I Peter 2:24 – He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24 ESV)

Talking Points

• Do you remember a time when you thought the message of the cross was foolishness? Do you remember when you received Jesus as your Savior and the message of the cross became the sweetest and greatest news you ever heard?
• Do you know of someone who is without Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord? Begin even this moment praying for them and for their salvation.
• Is there a particular hymn or spiritual song that is your testimony song? What is it?

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