WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.020 Good morning, church family. 00:00:03.459 --> 00:00:08.439 If you can turn your Bibles or devices open to 1 Corinthians 1, 00:00:08.980 --> 00:00:11.160 and we're picking up from verse 18. 00:00:12.540 --> 00:00:16.339 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, 00:00:16.960 --> 00:00:20.120 but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 00:00:21.019 --> 00:00:25.060 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise 00:00:25.060 --> 00:00:28.039 and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart. 00:00:28.039 --> 00:00:31.239 Where is the one who is wise? 00:00:31.939 --> 00:00:33.140 Where is the scribe? 00:00:33.780 --> 00:00:35.640 Where is the debater of this age? 00:00:36.600 --> 00:00:39.460 Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 00:00:40.519 --> 00:00:45.179 For since in the wisdom of God the world did not know God through wisdom, 00:00:45.739 --> 00:00:50.739 it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 00:00:51.980 --> 00:00:55.340 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 00:00:55.340 --> 00:01:02.700 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles. 00:01:03.420 --> 00:01:06.680 But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, 00:01:07.219 --> 00:01:10.780 Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 00:01:10.780 --> 00:01:15.460 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, 00:01:15.939 --> 00:01:19.540 and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 00:01:20.859 --> 00:01:23.260 For consider your calling, brothers. 00:01:24.240 --> 00:01:27.200 Not many of you were wise according to worldly standards. 00:01:28.159 --> 00:01:29.299 Not many were powerful. 00:01:29.760 --> 00:01:31.420 Not many were of noble birth. 00:01:31.420 --> 00:01:37.200 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. 00:01:38.079 --> 00:01:41.740 God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. 00:01:42.939 --> 00:01:47.180 God chose what is low and despised in the world, 00:01:47.680 --> 00:01:51.659 even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are. 00:01:51.659 --> 00:01:57.359 So that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 00:01:58.359 --> 00:02:01.399 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, 00:02:01.399 --> 00:02:08.699 who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 00:02:09.579 --> 00:02:11.960 so that, as it is written, 00:02:12.620 --> 00:02:15.599 let the one who boasts boast in the Lord. 00:02:15.599 --> 00:02:23.199 Well, looking at you this morning, 00:02:23.479 --> 00:02:25.439 there's a lot of people here I don't know after six months, 00:02:25.500 --> 00:02:26.359 which is a lovely thing, 00:02:26.699 --> 00:02:31.340 but I'm assuming that since you belong to this church, 00:02:32.959 --> 00:02:37.919 you want it to not only survive, but thrive. 00:02:39.659 --> 00:02:42.959 Those are two important words in the life of a church family. 00:02:42.960 --> 00:02:47.260 And I'm assuming, therefore, on the basis of that, 00:02:47.420 --> 00:02:50.400 you're not just sitting back on your backside 00:02:50.400 --> 00:02:53.879 waiting for somebody else to make it survive and thrive, 00:02:53.960 --> 00:02:56.900 but you see that you've got a really important part to play in that. 00:02:57.980 --> 00:03:01.300 So I'm assuming, therefore, that you each want to be useful 00:03:01.300 --> 00:03:07.780 in growing this church, humanly speaking, into the future. 00:03:09.520 --> 00:03:12.460 That is, that you each want to make a difference. 00:03:12.960 --> 00:03:17.659 That you each want to have a significant impact 00:03:17.659 --> 00:03:21.520 on the health and unity of this church family. 00:03:26.460 --> 00:03:29.920 But having said that, perhaps you feel stuck. 00:03:29.919 --> 00:03:35.659 You think, well, great intention, 00:03:35.839 --> 00:03:39.919 but I actually don't think I've got the skills or the ability 00:03:39.919 --> 00:03:44.579 or the gifts which are required to be really useful 00:03:44.579 --> 00:03:45.379 in this congregation. 00:03:46.579 --> 00:03:49.079 So yes, I would love to be useful, 00:03:49.259 --> 00:03:52.000 but I just don't think I can cut it. 00:03:52.000 --> 00:03:57.719 And so what you find yourself doing is relying on 00:03:57.719 --> 00:03:59.780 or remaining in the background, 00:04:00.919 --> 00:04:02.800 convinced that others in the church, 00:04:03.919 --> 00:04:05.900 those that you might think are upfront people, 00:04:06.099 --> 00:04:07.159 the go-getter type people, 00:04:07.560 --> 00:04:10.080 they're the ones that will carry the church into the future. 00:04:13.199 --> 00:04:16.779 Back in February, I planned this series of four sermons, 00:04:16.779 --> 00:04:19.779 plugged in and switched on to Jesus. 00:04:21.479 --> 00:04:26.319 Because I wanted to conclude formal ministry here at GECN, 00:04:26.979 --> 00:04:29.779 have encouraged you to understand 00:04:30.500 --> 00:04:34.159 what a truly helpful disciple looks like on the ground 00:04:34.160 --> 00:04:38.920 and how you actually get to be a truly helpful disciple 00:04:38.920 --> 00:04:42.820 and what it looks like in the context of, say, this church family. 00:04:45.320 --> 00:04:47.240 I want to encourage you this morning 00:04:47.240 --> 00:04:48.620 and over the next three weeks, 00:04:48.740 --> 00:04:51.140 last week and this three more weeks, 00:04:51.460 --> 00:04:53.700 I want to encourage each of you to be convinced 00:04:53.700 --> 00:04:57.920 that you will have the most influence in this church family 00:04:57.920 --> 00:04:59.660 and make the most difference 00:04:59.660 --> 00:05:01.840 in the lives of those around you here this morning 00:05:01.839 --> 00:05:04.560 and others who are yet to join the congregation in the future. 00:05:06.319 --> 00:05:08.919 As you're not only plugged into Jesus, 00:05:09.019 --> 00:05:09.959 that is, as you're a believer, 00:05:10.439 --> 00:05:12.139 but as you're switched on to him 00:05:12.139 --> 00:05:15.060 in every aspect of life. 00:05:16.859 --> 00:05:18.000 Picking up from last week, 00:05:18.439 --> 00:05:21.259 as you be what you are in Christ, 00:05:22.719 --> 00:05:26.199 that will overflow into expressing Christ 00:05:26.199 --> 00:05:29.939 in your interactions at a hundred different levels 00:05:29.939 --> 00:05:30.779 in this church family. 00:05:31.839 --> 00:05:33.759 being will lead to doing. 00:05:35.579 --> 00:05:36.299 You'll be the most, 00:05:36.399 --> 00:05:37.359 you'll be the wisest, 00:05:38.000 --> 00:05:41.139 most powerful agent for unity and growth 00:05:41.139 --> 00:05:44.699 in this church family going forward 00:05:44.699 --> 00:05:46.879 as a disciple of Jesus, 00:05:47.039 --> 00:05:48.739 plugged in and switched on. 00:05:49.899 --> 00:05:53.299 That is, switched on to your identity in Christ. 00:05:54.139 --> 00:05:54.899 I said last week, 00:05:54.939 --> 00:05:55.639 you have it all, 00:05:55.919 --> 00:05:57.239 every blessing in Christ. 00:05:58.620 --> 00:05:59.979 He defines you. 00:05:59.980 --> 00:06:04.259 Your security isn't him. 00:06:04.439 --> 00:06:06.120 Your future isn't him. 00:06:07.500 --> 00:06:09.180 Your present isn't him. 00:06:11.500 --> 00:06:15.120 So as you understand that 00:06:15.120 --> 00:06:19.060 and express that then in an overflow of passion 00:06:19.060 --> 00:06:24.019 to see others become more like Jesus 00:06:24.019 --> 00:06:25.300 in this church family, 00:06:26.019 --> 00:06:26.980 then my friend, 00:06:27.120 --> 00:06:29.019 you will be incredibly useful, 00:06:29.899 --> 00:06:30.899 incredibly wise, 00:06:31.540 --> 00:06:33.620 incredibly powerful in this church family. 00:06:33.620 --> 00:06:39.040 And that's something that's open to each one of you 00:06:39.040 --> 00:06:42.579 if you're plugged into Jesus. 00:06:43.199 --> 00:06:44.800 So let's jump into the text this morning 00:06:44.800 --> 00:06:48.759 recapping the problems in the church at Corinth. 00:06:49.220 --> 00:06:50.540 Perhaps you weren't here last week, 00:06:50.600 --> 00:06:51.720 so I'll recap some of it. 00:06:52.360 --> 00:06:53.480 So the situation in Corinth, 00:06:53.680 --> 00:06:54.459 young church, 00:06:55.000 --> 00:06:56.879 many people had become Christians, 00:06:56.879 --> 00:07:00.100 part of this new gospel community 00:07:00.100 --> 00:07:01.100 or church family, 00:07:01.839 --> 00:07:02.139 but 00:07:02.139 --> 00:07:05.100 their old Christian, 00:07:05.360 --> 00:07:07.379 their old pre-Christian worldview 00:07:07.379 --> 00:07:09.740 was dominating and shaping 00:07:09.740 --> 00:07:11.199 their thinking and actions 00:07:11.199 --> 00:07:14.019 more so than Jesus. 00:07:16.219 --> 00:07:18.120 Again, going back to the heading of this series, 00:07:18.219 --> 00:07:19.459 they were plugged into Jesus, 00:07:19.819 --> 00:07:21.219 but not switched on. 00:07:21.220 --> 00:07:24.760 So worldview 00:07:24.760 --> 00:07:27.600 is like the lens of my glasses. 00:07:28.540 --> 00:07:29.640 It's the matrix 00:07:29.640 --> 00:07:30.660 or the lens 00:07:30.660 --> 00:07:32.440 through which you understand the world. 00:07:33.440 --> 00:07:35.000 It's a framework of thinking 00:07:35.000 --> 00:07:36.000 and understanding 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:37.700 that shapes how you operate 00:07:37.700 --> 00:07:38.860 practically in the world. 00:07:40.600 --> 00:07:41.600 It determines 00:07:41.600 --> 00:07:43.120 how you think of people. 00:07:43.400 --> 00:07:44.500 It determines what you think 00:07:44.500 --> 00:07:45.480 is important to do. 00:07:46.880 --> 00:07:48.680 It determines how you evaluate things. 00:07:49.740 --> 00:07:51.080 It determines what you seek after 00:07:51.079 --> 00:07:52.060 as the most important. 00:07:53.459 --> 00:07:54.680 Well, the Corinthian worldview 00:07:54.680 --> 00:07:55.579 in Paul's day 00:07:55.579 --> 00:07:56.740 was driven by 00:07:56.740 --> 00:07:58.180 an incredible confidence 00:07:58.180 --> 00:08:00.019 in human thinking 00:08:00.019 --> 00:08:00.740 and ability 00:08:00.740 --> 00:08:02.439 to define 00:08:02.439 --> 00:08:03.120 and create 00:08:03.120 --> 00:08:04.019 the good life 00:08:04.019 --> 00:08:06.680 they so much desired. 00:08:08.259 --> 00:08:09.060 Corinthian culture 00:08:09.060 --> 00:08:09.879 promoted 00:08:09.879 --> 00:08:10.939 personal freedom 00:08:10.939 --> 00:08:11.860 and happiness. 00:08:14.419 --> 00:08:15.539 Promoted pleasure. 00:08:17.219 --> 00:08:18.279 These are the measures 00:08:18.279 --> 00:08:19.319 of the good life. 00:08:19.319 --> 00:08:21.459 I have to stop 00:08:21.459 --> 00:08:21.699 and say, 00:08:21.779 --> 00:08:22.459 as I said last week, 00:08:22.519 --> 00:08:23.459 that sounds so, 00:08:23.639 --> 00:08:24.120 so familiar 00:08:24.120 --> 00:08:25.099 to the Australian culture, 00:08:25.199 --> 00:08:25.579 doesn't it? 00:08:27.279 --> 00:08:28.180 So if you want to be 00:08:28.180 --> 00:08:29.339 an authentic person 00:08:29.339 --> 00:08:29.920 in Australia, 00:08:30.339 --> 00:08:31.079 well, you pursue 00:08:31.079 --> 00:08:32.120 freedom, 00:08:32.259 --> 00:08:32.860 personal freedom, 00:08:33.080 --> 00:08:33.419 happiness, 00:08:33.799 --> 00:08:34.100 pleasure. 00:08:34.740 --> 00:08:35.439 And that means, 00:08:35.639 --> 00:08:36.059 essentially, 00:08:36.279 --> 00:08:37.319 when you look at it 00:08:37.319 --> 00:08:38.080 in practical terms, 00:08:38.419 --> 00:08:38.700 that means 00:08:38.700 --> 00:08:39.759 each person 00:08:39.759 --> 00:08:40.779 does what they like 00:08:40.779 --> 00:08:45.639 in order to be 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:46.539 the best possible 00:08:46.539 --> 00:08:47.679 version of themselves. 00:08:48.679 --> 00:08:49.620 And the city of Corinth 00:08:49.620 --> 00:08:50.480 prided itself 00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:52.100 on its tolerance 00:08:52.100 --> 00:08:53.039 and unity 00:08:53.039 --> 00:08:55.919 in inclusive society, 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:56.339 we'd say, 00:08:56.399 --> 00:08:56.939 in these days. 00:08:59.279 --> 00:09:00.259 Any viewpoint 00:09:00.259 --> 00:09:01.500 apparently was accepted 00:09:01.500 --> 00:09:01.959 equally. 00:09:01.960 --> 00:09:04.720 But when you sort of 00:09:04.720 --> 00:09:05.920 scratch into us 00:09:05.920 --> 00:09:07.040 a culture like ours, 00:09:07.200 --> 00:09:08.139 like theirs, 00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:09.940 as is the case with ours, 00:09:10.259 --> 00:09:11.060 when you scratch 00:09:11.060 --> 00:09:11.860 below the surface, 00:09:12.800 --> 00:09:13.400 it's anything 00:09:13.400 --> 00:09:14.340 but exclusive 00:09:14.340 --> 00:09:14.900 inclusive. 00:09:16.900 --> 00:09:17.580 In fact, 00:09:17.960 --> 00:09:19.040 this whole notion 00:09:19.040 --> 00:09:20.240 of inclusivity 00:09:20.240 --> 00:09:21.940 actually thinly 00:09:21.940 --> 00:09:22.639 covers 00:09:22.639 --> 00:09:24.840 disunity 00:09:24.840 --> 00:09:25.560 and dislike. 00:09:25.559 --> 00:09:30.659 And so, 00:09:30.899 --> 00:09:31.399 what they had 00:09:31.399 --> 00:09:31.959 in the church 00:09:31.959 --> 00:09:32.500 at Corinth 00:09:32.500 --> 00:09:34.019 was competitive 00:09:34.019 --> 00:09:35.159 individualism. 00:09:37.419 --> 00:09:37.939 So, 00:09:38.299 --> 00:09:38.619 yes, 00:09:38.979 --> 00:09:39.859 different views, 00:09:40.279 --> 00:09:40.819 but they weren't 00:09:40.819 --> 00:09:41.459 harmonious. 00:09:41.919 --> 00:09:42.399 They were all 00:09:42.399 --> 00:09:43.259 vying for 00:09:43.259 --> 00:09:44.259 dominance 00:09:44.259 --> 00:09:46.059 and preeminence. 00:09:46.819 --> 00:09:47.259 They were all 00:09:47.259 --> 00:09:48.179 after status. 00:09:48.859 --> 00:09:49.399 My view 00:09:49.399 --> 00:09:50.099 is the best view 00:09:50.099 --> 00:09:50.399 and so, 00:09:51.019 --> 00:09:51.519 subtly, 00:09:51.679 --> 00:09:52.099 perhaps, 00:09:52.479 --> 00:09:53.079 I'm going to 00:09:53.079 --> 00:09:53.919 diss your view. 00:09:55.559 --> 00:09:59.559 And the worldview 00:09:59.559 --> 00:10:00.059 was causing 00:10:00.059 --> 00:10:00.959 major problems 00:10:00.959 --> 00:10:01.579 in the church. 00:10:02.059 --> 00:10:02.539 Factions 00:10:02.539 --> 00:10:04.719 dividing over 00:10:04.719 --> 00:10:05.739 different personalities, 00:10:06.739 --> 00:10:07.559 different emphases, 00:10:08.719 --> 00:10:09.639 and competing 00:10:09.639 --> 00:10:11.239 to make their 00:10:11.239 --> 00:10:12.919 favored personality 00:10:12.919 --> 00:10:14.019 dominant 00:10:14.019 --> 00:10:14.899 while 00:10:14.899 --> 00:10:16.619 perhaps, 00:10:17.039 --> 00:10:17.500 as I say, 00:10:17.599 --> 00:10:18.419 being a bit subtle, 00:10:18.559 --> 00:10:18.919 but they're 00:10:18.919 --> 00:10:20.039 passive-aggressively, 00:10:20.159 --> 00:10:20.379 perhaps, 00:10:20.459 --> 00:10:20.899 we could say. 00:10:21.519 --> 00:10:22.259 As they try to make 00:10:22.259 --> 00:10:23.919 their favored personality 00:10:23.919 --> 00:10:24.399 dominant, 00:10:24.399 --> 00:10:25.559 then they're 00:10:25.559 --> 00:10:26.500 actually working 00:10:26.500 --> 00:10:27.480 to undermine 00:10:27.480 --> 00:10:28.159 others, 00:10:30.600 --> 00:10:31.379 dismiss others 00:10:31.379 --> 00:10:31.819 in the church 00:10:31.819 --> 00:10:32.240 family. 00:10:32.679 --> 00:10:33.039 And Paul's 00:10:33.039 --> 00:10:33.399 antidote, 00:10:33.439 --> 00:10:33.919 as we saw 00:10:33.919 --> 00:10:34.720 in the verses 00:10:34.720 --> 00:10:35.439 1 to 17 00:10:35.439 --> 00:10:36.039 last week, 00:10:36.360 --> 00:10:37.579 was to remind 00:10:37.579 --> 00:10:38.259 the believers 00:10:38.259 --> 00:10:39.779 that in Christ 00:10:39.779 --> 00:10:40.759 they had a deep 00:10:40.759 --> 00:10:41.240 unity. 00:10:43.399 --> 00:10:44.000 Why? 00:10:44.779 --> 00:10:45.620 Because they were 00:10:45.620 --> 00:10:47.279 defined by him. 00:10:48.319 --> 00:10:49.399 They were blessed 00:10:49.399 --> 00:10:50.659 equally in him, 00:10:51.759 --> 00:10:52.659 plugged into Jesus. 00:10:52.779 --> 00:10:53.399 As I've already said, 00:10:53.399 --> 00:10:54.100 they had it all 00:10:54.100 --> 00:10:56.539 and needed to 00:10:56.539 --> 00:10:57.379 think and act 00:10:57.379 --> 00:10:58.740 practically in the 00:10:58.740 --> 00:10:59.379 light of who they 00:10:59.379 --> 00:10:59.959 were in Jesus. 00:11:00.899 --> 00:11:01.579 And this point 00:11:01.579 --> 00:11:02.259 was very simple. 00:11:02.879 --> 00:11:03.439 If they're doing 00:11:03.439 --> 00:11:03.779 that, 00:11:03.860 --> 00:11:04.620 then factions, 00:11:05.459 --> 00:11:05.959 divisions, 00:11:06.279 --> 00:11:06.799 disunity, 00:11:06.980 --> 00:11:07.480 and enmity 00:11:07.480 --> 00:11:08.759 would disappear. 00:11:09.939 --> 00:11:10.659 How would that 00:11:10.659 --> 00:11:10.899 work? 00:11:11.259 --> 00:11:11.459 Well, 00:11:11.579 --> 00:11:12.340 as they were 00:11:12.340 --> 00:11:13.139 focused on 00:11:13.139 --> 00:11:13.959 expressing their 00:11:13.959 --> 00:11:14.819 indebtedness to 00:11:14.819 --> 00:11:15.279 Christ, 00:11:16.100 --> 00:11:16.779 and expressing 00:11:16.779 --> 00:11:18.319 their being defined 00:11:18.319 --> 00:11:19.179 by Christ, 00:11:19.259 --> 00:11:19.980 and their security 00:11:19.980 --> 00:11:20.779 in Christ, 00:11:21.740 --> 00:11:23.620 rather than 00:11:23.620 --> 00:11:24.519 expressing all 00:11:24.519 --> 00:11:24.980 those things 00:11:24.980 --> 00:11:25.519 in terms of 00:11:25.519 --> 00:11:26.200 allegiance to 00:11:26.200 --> 00:11:26.560 people, 00:11:28.080 --> 00:11:30.840 then all those 00:11:30.840 --> 00:11:31.180 things would 00:11:31.180 --> 00:11:32.080 disappear. 00:11:35.680 --> 00:11:36.620 As they focused 00:11:36.620 --> 00:11:37.700 on making Jesus 00:11:37.700 --> 00:11:38.379 dominant, 00:11:38.379 --> 00:11:40.379 and preeminent, 00:11:41.379 --> 00:11:43.480 then they 00:11:43.480 --> 00:11:44.200 wouldn't also 00:11:44.200 --> 00:11:45.420 make individuals 00:11:45.420 --> 00:11:46.039 within the church 00:11:46.039 --> 00:11:47.180 family dominant, 00:11:47.179 --> 00:11:48.139 and preeminent. 00:11:50.379 --> 00:11:51.319 In our focus 00:11:51.319 --> 00:11:52.079 verses today, 00:11:52.299 --> 00:11:53.019 that was read to 00:11:53.019 --> 00:11:53.199 us, 00:11:54.159 --> 00:11:54.819 Paul presents 00:11:54.819 --> 00:11:55.639 the gospel as 00:11:55.639 --> 00:11:56.879 a radically new 00:11:56.879 --> 00:11:58.000 worldview at 00:11:58.000 --> 00:11:58.979 odds with 00:11:58.979 --> 00:12:00.120 human ideas of 00:12:00.120 --> 00:12:01.459 what is wise 00:12:01.459 --> 00:12:02.500 and powerful, 00:12:02.779 --> 00:12:03.259 and of who 00:12:03.259 --> 00:12:03.959 is wise and 00:12:03.959 --> 00:12:04.279 powerful. 00:12:06.079 --> 00:12:07.099 His point is 00:12:07.099 --> 00:12:07.879 very simple and 00:12:07.879 --> 00:12:08.399 very blunt, 00:12:08.479 --> 00:12:08.819 I think. 00:12:10.179 --> 00:12:10.579 He's really 00:12:10.579 --> 00:12:11.139 saying to these 00:12:11.139 --> 00:12:12.240 believers at 00:12:12.240 --> 00:12:12.419 Corinth, 00:12:12.539 --> 00:12:13.179 your old 00:12:13.179 --> 00:12:14.159 pre-Christian 00:12:14.159 --> 00:12:15.799 worldview is 00:12:15.799 --> 00:12:16.199 wrong, 00:12:16.200 --> 00:12:17.300 and has no 00:12:17.300 --> 00:12:17.900 place in the 00:12:17.900 --> 00:12:18.200 church. 00:12:21.420 --> 00:12:21.980 Why? 00:12:22.980 --> 00:12:23.560 Because it's 00:12:23.560 --> 00:12:24.300 actually contrary 00:12:24.300 --> 00:12:25.100 to the gospel. 00:12:28.020 --> 00:12:28.820 Your old 00:12:28.820 --> 00:12:29.740 pre-Christian 00:12:29.740 --> 00:12:30.259 worldview, 00:12:30.540 --> 00:12:31.280 your Corinthian 00:12:31.280 --> 00:12:32.460 culture worldview 00:12:32.460 --> 00:12:34.180 is not 00:12:34.180 --> 00:12:35.759 grace-based 00:12:35.759 --> 00:12:37.480 or Jesus-focused 00:12:37.480 --> 00:12:38.000 living. 00:12:41.280 --> 00:12:41.840 So, 00:12:42.020 --> 00:12:43.000 one aspect, 00:12:43.259 --> 00:12:43.700 and it's just 00:12:43.700 --> 00:12:44.240 one aspect, 00:12:44.340 --> 00:12:44.740 behind their 00:12:44.740 --> 00:12:45.140 competitive 00:12:45.139 --> 00:12:46.000 individualism 00:12:46.000 --> 00:12:46.779 and striving 00:12:46.779 --> 00:12:47.340 for dominant 00:12:47.340 --> 00:12:47.879 status, 00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:49.580 was a worldly 00:12:49.580 --> 00:12:50.100 view of 00:12:50.100 --> 00:12:50.639 leadership. 00:12:52.000 --> 00:12:52.439 If you read 00:12:52.439 --> 00:12:52.960 through the two 00:12:52.960 --> 00:12:53.799 letters to 00:12:53.799 --> 00:12:54.059 Corinth, 00:12:54.500 --> 00:12:55.019 you see that 00:12:55.019 --> 00:12:55.580 leadership comes 00:12:55.580 --> 00:12:56.220 up time and 00:12:56.220 --> 00:12:56.620 time and time 00:12:56.620 --> 00:12:56.939 again. 00:12:59.340 --> 00:13:00.319 A worldly 00:13:00.319 --> 00:13:01.419 way of 00:13:01.419 --> 00:13:02.639 ranking usefulness 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:04.379 within the 00:13:04.379 --> 00:13:05.000 church family. 00:13:05.840 --> 00:13:06.639 That's what was 00:13:06.639 --> 00:13:07.580 happening in the 00:13:07.580 --> 00:13:08.240 church at Corinth. 00:13:09.279 --> 00:13:10.220 They were using 00:13:10.220 --> 00:13:10.779 a worldly 00:13:10.779 --> 00:13:12.379 category of 00:13:12.379 --> 00:13:12.700 what was 00:13:12.700 --> 00:13:13.500 essential to 00:13:13.500 --> 00:13:13.980 the health 00:13:13.980 --> 00:13:14.639 and growth 00:13:14.639 --> 00:13:15.039 of the 00:13:15.039 --> 00:13:15.399 church. 00:13:16.960 --> 00:13:17.159 And so, 00:13:17.279 --> 00:13:17.440 a wrong 00:13:17.440 --> 00:13:18.519 understanding of 00:13:18.519 --> 00:13:19.019 wisdom and 00:13:19.019 --> 00:13:19.980 power was 00:13:19.980 --> 00:13:20.720 destroying the 00:13:20.720 --> 00:13:21.059 church, 00:13:21.279 --> 00:13:22.580 diminishing the 00:13:22.580 --> 00:13:23.159 lordship of 00:13:23.159 --> 00:13:23.500 Jesus, 00:13:24.299 --> 00:13:25.000 because it 00:13:25.000 --> 00:13:25.419 was taking 00:13:25.419 --> 00:13:25.980 them away 00:13:25.980 --> 00:13:26.639 from Jesus 00:13:26.639 --> 00:13:27.500 and putting 00:13:27.500 --> 00:13:27.940 the focus 00:13:27.940 --> 00:13:28.539 on individual 00:13:28.539 --> 00:13:28.940 people. 00:13:31.539 --> 00:13:32.059 So, 00:13:32.240 --> 00:13:33.440 let me give 00:13:33.440 --> 00:13:33.759 you a little 00:13:33.759 --> 00:13:34.259 bit of a 00:13:34.259 --> 00:13:34.679 glimpse into 00:13:34.679 --> 00:13:35.360 what wisdom 00:13:35.360 --> 00:13:36.080 in Corinth 00:13:36.080 --> 00:13:37.820 was deemed 00:13:37.820 --> 00:13:38.279 to be. 00:13:38.799 --> 00:13:39.460 In Corinthian 00:13:39.460 --> 00:13:39.919 culture, 00:13:40.139 --> 00:13:41.360 wisdom was 00:13:41.360 --> 00:13:42.019 about self 00:13:42.019 --> 00:13:42.560 promotion. 00:13:45.379 --> 00:13:46.300 The person 00:13:46.300 --> 00:13:46.580 who was 00:13:46.580 --> 00:13:48.960 confident and 00:13:48.960 --> 00:13:49.500 out there, 00:13:50.139 --> 00:13:52.580 particularly with 00:13:52.580 --> 00:13:53.340 the ability to 00:13:53.340 --> 00:13:54.360 win arguments, 00:13:56.039 --> 00:13:56.919 to out-argue 00:13:56.919 --> 00:13:58.019 those around 00:13:58.019 --> 00:13:58.879 you, to 00:13:58.879 --> 00:14:00.039 impress others 00:14:00.039 --> 00:14:00.620 with your 00:14:00.620 --> 00:14:01.419 words and 00:14:01.419 --> 00:14:01.740 with your 00:14:01.740 --> 00:14:02.980 demeanor and 00:14:02.980 --> 00:14:03.580 with your 00:14:03.580 --> 00:14:04.639 aggressiveness, 00:14:04.639 --> 00:14:05.320 perhaps, in 00:14:05.320 --> 00:14:05.659 argument. 00:14:09.500 --> 00:14:10.440 That's wisdom. 00:14:11.360 --> 00:14:13.240 power was 00:14:13.240 --> 00:14:13.919 the reward 00:14:13.919 --> 00:14:14.720 for wisdom. 00:14:17.180 --> 00:14:18.620 Because as 00:14:18.620 --> 00:14:18.879 you were 00:14:18.879 --> 00:14:20.500 dominant by 00:14:20.500 --> 00:14:21.440 taking others 00:14:21.440 --> 00:14:23.600 down, then 00:14:23.600 --> 00:14:24.440 you became 00:14:24.440 --> 00:14:25.840 powerful and 00:14:25.840 --> 00:14:26.379 influential. 00:14:28.680 --> 00:14:28.919 And so 00:14:28.919 --> 00:14:29.560 power was 00:14:29.560 --> 00:14:31.080 actually very 00:14:31.080 --> 00:14:31.899 transactional. 00:14:33.039 --> 00:14:34.240 To remain 00:14:34.240 --> 00:14:34.800 powerful, to 00:14:34.800 --> 00:14:35.379 get powerful, 00:14:35.700 --> 00:14:36.080 you actually 00:14:36.080 --> 00:14:36.800 had to use 00:14:36.800 --> 00:14:37.180 and at 00:14:37.180 --> 00:14:37.879 times even 00:14:37.879 --> 00:14:39.019 abuse other 00:14:39.019 --> 00:14:40.980 people to 00:14:40.980 --> 00:14:41.799 gain dominance 00:14:41.799 --> 00:14:42.240 over them, 00:14:43.279 --> 00:14:44.100 to gain high 00:14:44.100 --> 00:14:44.759 status, to 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:45.519 gain reputation. 00:14:48.100 --> 00:14:48.740 It was a 00:14:48.740 --> 00:14:49.579 very powerful 00:14:49.579 --> 00:14:50.319 aspect of 00:14:50.319 --> 00:14:50.659 Corinthian 00:14:50.659 --> 00:14:51.100 culture. 00:14:53.220 --> 00:14:53.559 And boy, 00:14:53.600 --> 00:14:53.879 oh boy, 00:14:53.919 --> 00:14:54.360 do we see it 00:14:54.360 --> 00:14:54.759 in our own 00:14:54.759 --> 00:14:55.220 Australian 00:14:55.220 --> 00:14:55.799 culture these 00:14:55.799 --> 00:14:56.059 days. 00:14:57.559 --> 00:14:58.439 It drives 00:14:58.439 --> 00:14:59.139 social media, 00:14:59.240 --> 00:14:59.600 doesn't it? 00:15:01.360 --> 00:15:02.139 But when you 00:15:02.139 --> 00:15:02.579 look at it, 00:15:02.759 --> 00:15:03.220 it's pretty 00:15:03.220 --> 00:15:03.579 ugly. 00:15:03.580 --> 00:15:03.620 ugly. 00:15:06.620 --> 00:15:07.379 It's pretty 00:15:07.379 --> 00:15:07.720 ugly. 00:15:08.460 --> 00:15:09.020 Transactional 00:15:09.020 --> 00:15:10.040 and 00:15:10.040 --> 00:15:12.060 destructive. 00:15:13.300 --> 00:15:13.460 Well, 00:15:13.700 --> 00:15:14.259 verse 18, 00:15:15.280 --> 00:15:16.060 Paul says, 00:15:16.980 --> 00:15:17.240 for the 00:15:17.240 --> 00:15:17.759 word of the 00:15:17.759 --> 00:15:18.280 cross 00:15:18.280 --> 00:15:20.940 is folly 00:15:20.940 --> 00:15:21.960 to those 00:15:21.960 --> 00:15:23.300 who are 00:15:23.300 --> 00:15:23.680 perishing. 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:24.139 That word 00:15:24.139 --> 00:15:24.840 folly there 00:15:24.840 --> 00:15:25.300 is the 00:15:25.300 --> 00:15:25.800 word in 00:15:25.800 --> 00:15:26.060 Greek, 00:15:26.300 --> 00:15:26.720 moron. 00:15:26.720 --> 00:15:29.259 the word 00:15:29.259 --> 00:15:29.519 of the 00:15:29.519 --> 00:15:30.160 cross is 00:15:30.160 --> 00:15:31.120 absolutely 00:15:31.120 --> 00:15:32.120 moronic 00:15:32.120 --> 00:15:34.220 to those 00:15:34.220 --> 00:15:34.460 who are 00:15:34.460 --> 00:15:34.879 perishing. 00:15:38.600 --> 00:15:39.320 That's how 00:15:39.320 --> 00:15:39.820 unbelievers 00:15:39.820 --> 00:15:40.300 think about 00:15:40.300 --> 00:15:40.700 the gospel, 00:15:40.840 --> 00:15:41.100 isn't it? 00:15:42.360 --> 00:15:42.960 It just 00:15:42.960 --> 00:15:43.700 makes no 00:15:43.700 --> 00:15:44.519 sense to 00:15:44.519 --> 00:15:45.139 unbelievers 00:15:45.139 --> 00:15:46.320 to talk 00:15:46.320 --> 00:15:47.220 of Jesus 00:15:47.220 --> 00:15:48.080 being God's 00:15:48.080 --> 00:15:48.340 son. 00:15:49.220 --> 00:15:49.639 And then 00:15:49.639 --> 00:15:50.340 to add to 00:15:50.340 --> 00:15:50.660 that that 00:15:50.660 --> 00:15:51.180 God's son 00:15:51.180 --> 00:15:51.519 would be 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:52.300 crucified as 00:15:52.300 --> 00:15:52.740 a criminal. 00:15:54.200 --> 00:15:54.960 And all of 00:15:54.960 --> 00:15:55.440 that in 00:15:55.440 --> 00:15:55.820 order to 00:15:55.820 --> 00:15:56.160 secure 00:15:56.159 --> 00:15:56.779 forgiveness 00:15:56.779 --> 00:15:59.559 and make 00:15:59.559 --> 00:15:59.919 us people 00:15:59.919 --> 00:16:00.319 acceptable 00:16:00.319 --> 00:16:00.799 to God. 00:16:02.539 --> 00:16:03.199 And then 00:16:03.199 --> 00:16:03.519 add to 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:03.719 that 00:16:03.719 --> 00:16:04.240 resurrection. 00:16:05.679 --> 00:16:06.000 And then 00:16:06.000 --> 00:16:06.279 add to 00:16:06.279 --> 00:16:06.519 that 00:16:06.519 --> 00:16:07.259 modeling 00:16:07.259 --> 00:16:07.639 yourself 00:16:07.639 --> 00:16:07.959 on this 00:16:07.959 --> 00:16:08.299 Jesus 00:16:08.299 --> 00:16:08.779 who was 00:16:08.779 --> 00:16:09.399 defeatist 00:16:09.399 --> 00:16:10.219 and who 00:16:10.219 --> 00:16:10.839 urged 00:16:10.839 --> 00:16:12.480 self-sacrifice 00:16:12.480 --> 00:16:14.000 and generosity 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:15.259 towards other 00:16:15.259 --> 00:16:15.620 people. 00:16:16.459 --> 00:16:16.879 Putting other 00:16:16.879 --> 00:16:17.439 people before 00:16:17.439 --> 00:16:17.799 your own 00:16:17.799 --> 00:16:18.079 rights. 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:18.919 It was 00:16:18.919 --> 00:16:19.559 moronic 00:16:19.559 --> 00:16:21.100 to the 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:21.620 unbelieving 00:16:21.620 --> 00:16:21.980 mind. 00:16:21.980 --> 00:16:27.980 people will 00:16:27.980 --> 00:16:28.379 only take 00:16:28.379 --> 00:16:29.080 advantage of 00:16:29.080 --> 00:16:29.740 you if 00:16:29.740 --> 00:16:30.039 you try 00:16:30.039 --> 00:16:30.379 to be 00:16:30.379 --> 00:16:31.659 selfless 00:16:31.659 --> 00:16:33.740 and generous 00:16:33.740 --> 00:16:34.080 towards 00:16:34.080 --> 00:16:34.360 others. 00:16:35.399 --> 00:16:35.940 You can't 00:16:35.940 --> 00:16:36.340 do that. 00:16:36.420 --> 00:16:36.680 You have to 00:16:36.680 --> 00:16:37.300 stand up for 00:16:37.300 --> 00:16:37.620 yourself. 00:16:37.740 --> 00:16:38.180 Stand up for 00:16:38.180 --> 00:16:38.440 your own 00:16:38.440 --> 00:16:38.840 rights. 00:16:41.840 --> 00:16:42.139 Take 00:16:42.139 --> 00:16:42.820 people down 00:16:42.820 --> 00:16:43.379 before they 00:16:43.379 --> 00:16:43.899 take you 00:16:43.899 --> 00:16:44.200 down. 00:16:45.740 --> 00:16:46.139 The gospel 00:16:46.139 --> 00:16:46.740 is moronic. 00:16:46.740 --> 00:16:50.799 Their 00:16:50.799 --> 00:16:51.399 assessment of 00:16:51.399 --> 00:16:51.759 the gospel 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:52.240 you see 00:16:52.240 --> 00:16:52.940 was based 00:16:52.940 --> 00:16:53.379 on their 00:16:53.379 --> 00:16:53.840 own 00:16:53.840 --> 00:16:54.460 wisdom. 00:16:56.379 --> 00:16:57.100 What was 00:16:57.100 --> 00:16:57.539 that wisdom 00:16:57.539 --> 00:16:58.060 telling them? 00:16:58.740 --> 00:16:59.240 That well 00:16:59.240 --> 00:17:00.539 I have 00:17:00.539 --> 00:17:01.080 inherent 00:17:01.080 --> 00:17:01.700 goodness. 00:17:03.659 --> 00:17:04.339 And that 00:17:04.339 --> 00:17:04.940 if I do 00:17:04.940 --> 00:17:05.299 the right 00:17:05.299 --> 00:17:05.720 thing with 00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:06.240 my inherent 00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:06.620 goodness 00:17:06.620 --> 00:17:07.480 then I 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:08.059 have already 00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:09.000 what I 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:09.279 already 00:17:09.279 --> 00:17:09.740 deserve 00:17:09.740 --> 00:17:10.980 and I 00:17:10.980 --> 00:17:11.740 can earn 00:17:11.740 --> 00:17:12.200 God's 00:17:12.200 --> 00:17:12.579 acceptance. 00:17:13.660 --> 00:17:13.880 So 00:17:13.880 --> 00:17:15.099 it's 00:17:15.099 --> 00:17:15.420 moronic 00:17:15.420 --> 00:17:15.859 to talk 00:17:15.859 --> 00:17:16.160 to me 00:17:16.160 --> 00:17:16.660 about needing 00:17:16.660 --> 00:17:16.960 to be 00:17:16.960 --> 00:17:17.360 saved. 00:17:17.920 --> 00:17:18.100 Needing 00:17:18.100 --> 00:17:18.400 to be 00:17:18.400 --> 00:17:18.779 rescued. 00:17:20.060 --> 00:17:20.540 Because 00:17:20.540 --> 00:17:21.019 I'm bad. 00:17:23.300 --> 00:17:23.779 But 00:17:23.779 --> 00:17:24.300 against that 00:17:24.300 --> 00:17:24.519 you see 00:17:24.519 --> 00:17:25.019 believers 00:17:25.019 --> 00:17:25.420 have come 00:17:25.420 --> 00:17:26.160 to understand 00:17:26.160 --> 00:17:26.420 their 00:17:26.420 --> 00:17:26.880 rebellion, 00:17:27.040 --> 00:17:27.460 their guilt, 00:17:27.580 --> 00:17:28.200 their helplessness 00:17:28.200 --> 00:17:28.840 before God's 00:17:28.840 --> 00:17:29.740 justice and 00:17:29.740 --> 00:17:30.620 gladly accept 00:17:30.620 --> 00:17:31.320 Jesus as 00:17:31.320 --> 00:17:32.180 God's powerful 00:17:32.180 --> 00:17:33.500 means of 00:17:33.500 --> 00:17:34.019 salvation. 00:17:34.519 --> 00:17:34.759 And there 00:17:34.759 --> 00:17:35.160 the second 00:17:35.160 --> 00:17:35.540 part of 00:17:35.540 --> 00:17:35.720 that. 00:17:36.600 --> 00:17:36.960 The word 00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:37.660 power there 00:17:37.660 --> 00:17:38.360 is dunamis. 00:17:38.480 --> 00:17:38.779 That's the 00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:39.060 word we 00:17:39.060 --> 00:17:40.220 get dynamite 00:17:40.220 --> 00:17:40.460 from. 00:17:42.640 --> 00:17:43.360 So that 00:17:43.360 --> 00:17:43.640 which 00:17:43.640 --> 00:17:44.519 unbelievers 00:17:44.519 --> 00:17:44.960 consider 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:45.640 moronic 00:17:45.640 --> 00:17:47.200 is 00:17:47.200 --> 00:17:47.500 actually 00:17:47.500 --> 00:17:48.259 God's 00:17:48.259 --> 00:17:48.900 dynamite 00:17:48.900 --> 00:17:49.920 that 00:17:49.920 --> 00:17:50.820 blasts 00:17:50.820 --> 00:17:51.420 us free 00:17:51.420 --> 00:17:51.900 from our 00:17:51.900 --> 00:17:52.140 sin, 00:17:52.680 --> 00:17:53.180 clear out 00:17:53.180 --> 00:17:53.600 of hell 00:17:53.600 --> 00:17:54.320 into heaven. 00:18:01.320 --> 00:18:01.920 There's 00:18:01.920 --> 00:18:02.320 no point 00:18:02.320 --> 00:18:02.900 of overlap 00:18:02.900 --> 00:18:03.820 between those 00:18:03.820 --> 00:18:04.560 two worldviews, 00:18:04.600 --> 00:18:04.780 is there? 00:18:08.280 --> 00:18:08.900 What 00:18:08.900 --> 00:18:09.620 unbelievers 00:18:09.620 --> 00:18:10.540 despise 00:18:10.540 --> 00:18:11.860 will always 00:18:11.860 --> 00:18:13.100 be central 00:18:13.099 --> 00:18:14.139 to believers? 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:17.339 And when 00:18:17.339 --> 00:18:17.919 God's people 00:18:17.919 --> 00:18:18.500 are operating 00:18:18.500 --> 00:18:19.219 practically 00:18:19.219 --> 00:18:19.599 in line 00:18:19.599 --> 00:18:20.139 with God's 00:18:20.139 --> 00:18:20.639 wisdom and 00:18:20.639 --> 00:18:20.980 power, 00:18:21.639 --> 00:18:21.899 they will 00:18:21.899 --> 00:18:22.879 always be 00:18:22.879 --> 00:18:23.619 totally at 00:18:23.619 --> 00:18:24.980 odds with 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:25.359 the world 00:18:25.359 --> 00:18:25.959 around them. 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:28.399 And don't 00:18:28.399 --> 00:18:29.179 we feel that 00:18:29.179 --> 00:18:30.079 particularly 00:18:30.079 --> 00:18:31.819 in this time 00:18:31.819 --> 00:18:32.419 in our 00:18:32.419 --> 00:18:32.699 culture? 00:18:37.439 --> 00:18:38.480 Paul illustrates 00:18:38.480 --> 00:18:39.159 this point with 00:18:39.159 --> 00:18:40.099 three case studies 00:18:40.099 --> 00:18:41.139 of disastrous 00:18:41.139 --> 00:18:42.259 consequences of 00:18:42.259 --> 00:18:43.019 worldly wisdom 00:18:43.019 --> 00:18:43.419 and power. 00:18:43.500 --> 00:18:44.119 Verse 19 00:18:44.119 --> 00:18:46.399 refers back to 00:18:46.399 --> 00:18:46.980 Isaiah chapter 00:18:46.980 --> 00:18:47.559 29. 00:18:49.019 --> 00:18:49.740 In Isaiah's 00:18:49.740 --> 00:18:50.139 time, 00:18:51.699 --> 00:18:52.240 God's people 00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:52.899 were facing 00:18:52.899 --> 00:18:53.740 invasion, 00:18:54.119 --> 00:18:54.980 imminent invasion, 00:18:55.139 --> 00:18:55.859 by the ruthless 00:18:55.859 --> 00:18:56.719 Assyrian 00:18:56.719 --> 00:18:58.179 army, 00:18:58.699 --> 00:18:59.480 which hitherto 00:18:59.480 --> 00:19:00.059 had swept 00:19:00.059 --> 00:19:01.379 all resistance 00:19:01.379 --> 00:19:02.219 before them, 00:19:03.899 --> 00:19:04.619 brutally 00:19:04.619 --> 00:19:05.439 and ruthlessly. 00:19:05.440 --> 00:19:09.100 God says 00:19:09.100 --> 00:19:09.660 to his 00:19:09.660 --> 00:19:09.880 people, 00:19:10.340 --> 00:19:10.880 trust me, 00:19:10.960 --> 00:19:11.320 I will 00:19:11.320 --> 00:19:11.759 care for 00:19:11.759 --> 00:19:11.920 you and 00:19:11.920 --> 00:19:12.059 I'll 00:19:12.059 --> 00:19:12.580 protect you. 00:19:14.480 --> 00:19:14.960 God's 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:15.220 people, 00:19:15.440 --> 00:19:15.640 in their 00:19:15.640 --> 00:19:15.860 own 00:19:15.860 --> 00:19:16.220 wisdom, 00:19:17.420 --> 00:19:18.059 decided that 00:19:18.059 --> 00:19:18.420 that wasn't 00:19:18.420 --> 00:19:18.820 good enough. 00:19:18.960 --> 00:19:19.240 And so, 00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:20.680 contrary to 00:19:20.680 --> 00:19:21.019 God's 00:19:21.019 --> 00:19:21.779 explicit 00:19:21.779 --> 00:19:22.360 statement, 00:19:22.620 --> 00:19:22.960 they went 00:19:22.960 --> 00:19:23.440 and formed 00:19:23.440 --> 00:19:24.039 a political 00:19:24.039 --> 00:19:24.580 military 00:19:24.580 --> 00:19:25.240 alliance with 00:19:25.240 --> 00:19:25.720 Egypt. 00:19:26.500 --> 00:19:26.940 That's 00:19:26.940 --> 00:19:27.360 where our 00:19:27.360 --> 00:19:27.880 security 00:19:27.880 --> 00:19:29.299 and future 00:19:29.299 --> 00:19:29.700 will be. 00:19:31.420 --> 00:19:31.880 Well, 00:19:31.940 --> 00:19:32.259 you can go 00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:33.080 and read it 00:19:33.080 --> 00:19:33.400 for yourself. 00:19:33.519 --> 00:19:34.019 But essentially, 00:19:34.019 --> 00:19:35.200 when push 00:19:35.200 --> 00:19:35.839 comes to shove, 00:19:35.920 --> 00:19:36.379 the Egyptians 00:19:36.379 --> 00:19:37.059 did nothing. 00:19:40.259 --> 00:19:41.420 But God 00:19:41.420 --> 00:19:43.859 destroyed the 00:19:43.859 --> 00:19:44.639 Assyrian army 00:19:44.639 --> 00:19:45.359 miraculously 00:19:45.359 --> 00:19:46.839 overnight and 00:19:46.839 --> 00:19:47.319 delivered his 00:19:47.319 --> 00:19:47.539 people. 00:19:52.940 --> 00:19:53.740 Paul's point? 00:19:55.099 --> 00:19:55.940 Their wisdom, 00:19:56.099 --> 00:19:56.619 their own 00:19:56.619 --> 00:19:57.019 wisdom, 00:19:57.160 --> 00:19:58.220 almost destroyed 00:19:58.220 --> 00:19:58.559 them. 00:20:00.079 --> 00:20:00.799 But the 00:20:00.799 --> 00:20:01.759 Lord graciously 00:20:01.759 --> 00:20:02.579 and miraculously 00:20:02.579 --> 00:20:03.519 delivered them 00:20:03.519 --> 00:20:04.139 as promised. 00:20:07.059 --> 00:20:08.139 Verse 22a, 00:20:09.359 --> 00:20:09.740 that the 00:20:09.740 --> 00:20:10.279 Jews 00:20:10.279 --> 00:20:12.680 demand 00:20:12.680 --> 00:20:13.359 signs. 00:20:16.099 --> 00:20:16.460 Well, 00:20:16.519 --> 00:20:16.779 I think, 00:20:16.879 --> 00:20:17.220 what does that 00:20:17.220 --> 00:20:17.400 mean? 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:17.579 Well, 00:20:17.599 --> 00:20:18.000 it's a little 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:18.460 bit hard to 00:20:18.460 --> 00:20:18.579 know. 00:20:18.639 --> 00:20:19.079 I think this 00:20:19.079 --> 00:20:19.400 is what it 00:20:19.400 --> 00:20:19.639 means. 00:20:19.819 --> 00:20:20.359 The Jews, 00:20:20.519 --> 00:20:20.900 in their 00:20:20.900 --> 00:20:21.379 wisdom, 00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:23.099 were convinced 00:20:23.099 --> 00:20:24.720 that Messiah, 00:20:25.240 --> 00:20:25.619 when he would 00:20:25.619 --> 00:20:26.160 come into the 00:20:26.160 --> 00:20:26.359 world, 00:20:26.879 --> 00:20:27.400 would do 00:20:27.400 --> 00:20:28.139 spectacular 00:20:28.139 --> 00:20:28.879 things. 00:20:30.579 --> 00:20:30.799 And so, 00:20:30.859 --> 00:20:31.400 their measure 00:20:31.400 --> 00:20:32.000 of Jesus' 00:20:32.259 --> 00:20:32.920 ministry was 00:20:32.920 --> 00:20:33.519 in terms of 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:34.279 show us 00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:35.160 more spectacular 00:20:35.160 --> 00:20:35.640 things, 00:20:35.720 --> 00:20:36.200 because that's 00:20:36.200 --> 00:20:36.539 what we 00:20:36.539 --> 00:20:37.860 expect that 00:20:37.860 --> 00:20:38.360 God would 00:20:38.360 --> 00:20:38.960 do through 00:20:38.960 --> 00:20:39.640 his Messiah. 00:20:41.080 --> 00:20:42.240 Give Israel 00:20:42.240 --> 00:20:43.380 dominant status 00:20:43.380 --> 00:20:43.860 among the 00:20:43.860 --> 00:20:44.320 nations. 00:20:48.500 --> 00:20:49.300 But when 00:20:49.300 --> 00:20:50.200 they confronted 00:20:50.200 --> 00:20:50.759 Jesus, 00:20:50.759 --> 00:20:50.799 Jesus, 00:20:50.799 --> 00:20:53.240 he was not 00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:53.960 spectacular. 00:20:56.140 --> 00:20:56.779 And his 00:20:56.779 --> 00:20:57.519 message appeared 00:20:57.519 --> 00:20:57.940 to them as 00:20:57.940 --> 00:20:58.240 one of 00:20:58.240 --> 00:20:58.700 defeat. 00:21:00.660 --> 00:21:01.180 So, 00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:01.460 in their 00:21:01.460 --> 00:21:01.880 wisdom, 00:21:03.039 --> 00:21:03.740 they rejected 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:05.680 Jesus and 00:21:05.680 --> 00:21:06.360 missed out on 00:21:06.360 --> 00:21:07.059 the salvation 00:21:07.059 --> 00:21:08.180 that they had 00:21:08.180 --> 00:21:08.980 waited for for 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:09.779 generations. 00:21:09.779 --> 00:21:16.180 man's wisdom 00:21:16.180 --> 00:21:17.639 against God's 00:21:17.639 --> 00:21:17.920 wisdom. 00:21:19.200 --> 00:21:19.420 And verse 00:21:19.420 --> 00:21:20.099 22b, 00:21:20.680 --> 00:21:21.420 the Greeks 00:21:21.420 --> 00:21:23.440 seek wisdom 00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:25.039 in a similar 00:21:25.039 --> 00:21:25.500 process. 00:21:25.599 --> 00:21:26.019 I think that's 00:21:26.019 --> 00:21:26.460 what Paul's 00:21:26.460 --> 00:21:26.779 saying here. 00:21:27.220 --> 00:21:27.779 In a similar 00:21:27.779 --> 00:21:28.319 process, 00:21:28.440 --> 00:21:28.839 the Greeks 00:21:28.839 --> 00:21:29.339 decided, 00:21:29.559 --> 00:21:29.680 well, 00:21:30.359 --> 00:21:31.420 the gospel 00:21:31.420 --> 00:21:32.139 is just 00:21:32.139 --> 00:21:33.399 weird. 00:21:34.039 --> 00:21:34.359 It's 00:21:34.359 --> 00:21:34.980 certainly not 00:21:34.980 --> 00:21:35.539 intellectual 00:21:35.539 --> 00:21:36.319 enough for us 00:21:36.319 --> 00:21:36.879 Corinthians, 00:21:37.079 --> 00:21:37.500 who pride 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:38.420 ourselves on 00:21:38.420 --> 00:21:39.019 learning and 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:39.539 philosophy. 00:21:42.279 --> 00:21:43.200 And again, 00:21:43.839 --> 00:21:44.519 it just 00:21:44.519 --> 00:21:45.440 doesn't fit 00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:46.200 with our 00:21:46.200 --> 00:21:47.379 idea of 00:21:47.379 --> 00:21:47.879 how God 00:21:47.879 --> 00:21:48.259 would do 00:21:48.259 --> 00:21:49.299 things in 00:21:49.299 --> 00:21:49.799 this world. 00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:52.579 It didn't 00:21:52.579 --> 00:21:53.079 leave any 00:21:53.079 --> 00:21:53.579 room for 00:21:53.579 --> 00:21:54.259 people's own 00:21:54.259 --> 00:21:55.059 cleverness, 00:21:55.180 --> 00:21:55.599 for people's 00:21:55.599 --> 00:21:56.259 own ability 00:21:56.259 --> 00:21:57.900 to impress 00:21:57.900 --> 00:21:58.259 God. 00:22:00.480 --> 00:22:01.339 Paul's point, 00:22:01.960 --> 00:22:02.579 once again, 00:22:03.079 --> 00:22:04.059 their so-called 00:22:04.059 --> 00:22:06.299 wisdom was 00:22:06.299 --> 00:22:07.660 in danger of 00:22:07.660 --> 00:22:08.180 making them 00:22:08.180 --> 00:22:08.759 miss out. 00:22:09.019 --> 00:22:10.480 on the 00:22:10.480 --> 00:22:11.000 very thing 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:11.359 they needed. 00:22:14.779 --> 00:22:15.180 And in 00:22:15.180 --> 00:22:16.500 verses 21, 00:22:17.619 --> 00:22:18.099 Paul, I 00:22:18.099 --> 00:22:18.220 think, 00:22:18.319 --> 00:22:18.519 saying, 00:22:18.619 --> 00:22:18.920 look, you 00:22:18.920 --> 00:22:19.359 guys in 00:22:19.359 --> 00:22:19.619 Corinth, 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:20.119 you've got 00:22:20.119 --> 00:22:20.400 the same 00:22:20.400 --> 00:22:20.859 choice to 00:22:20.859 --> 00:22:21.019 me. 00:22:21.619 --> 00:22:21.879 So he 00:22:21.879 --> 00:22:22.180 says to 00:22:22.180 --> 00:22:22.299 them, 00:22:22.339 --> 00:22:23.259 where is 00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:23.859 the one 00:22:23.859 --> 00:22:24.160 who is 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:24.559 wise? 00:22:25.859 --> 00:22:26.400 Where is 00:22:26.400 --> 00:22:27.000 the scribe, 00:22:27.259 --> 00:22:27.579 the great 00:22:27.579 --> 00:22:27.920 writer? 00:22:29.240 --> 00:22:29.599 Where is 00:22:29.599 --> 00:22:30.119 the debater 00:22:30.119 --> 00:22:30.660 of this 00:22:30.660 --> 00:22:30.960 age? 00:22:31.500 --> 00:22:31.759 Again, 00:22:31.879 --> 00:22:32.500 high status, 00:22:32.619 --> 00:22:33.220 high dominance 00:22:33.220 --> 00:22:33.879 in 00:22:33.879 --> 00:22:34.420 Corinthians 00:22:34.420 --> 00:22:35.579 society, 00:22:35.839 --> 00:22:36.400 being able 00:22:36.400 --> 00:22:36.980 to use 00:22:36.980 --> 00:22:37.519 your words 00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:38.220 to achieve 00:22:38.220 --> 00:22:39.000 great things. 00:22:41.000 --> 00:22:41.379 Has not 00:22:41.379 --> 00:22:41.960 God made 00:22:41.960 --> 00:22:42.940 foolish the 00:22:42.940 --> 00:22:43.339 wisdom of 00:22:43.339 --> 00:22:43.700 the world? 00:22:44.879 --> 00:22:45.579 For since 00:22:45.579 --> 00:22:46.139 in the wisdom 00:22:46.139 --> 00:22:46.680 of God, 00:22:46.920 --> 00:22:47.420 the world 00:22:47.420 --> 00:22:47.960 did not 00:22:47.960 --> 00:22:48.500 know God 00:22:48.500 --> 00:22:49.220 through wisdom, 00:22:49.940 --> 00:22:50.519 it plays 00:22:50.519 --> 00:22:50.940 God through 00:22:50.940 --> 00:22:51.440 the folly 00:22:51.440 --> 00:22:51.859 of what we 00:22:51.859 --> 00:22:53.359 preach to 00:22:53.359 --> 00:22:53.900 save those 00:22:53.900 --> 00:22:54.460 who believe. 00:22:54.460 --> 00:22:54.519 life. 00:22:57.960 --> 00:22:58.440 Practically, 00:22:59.120 --> 00:22:59.660 the church 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.240 in Corinth 00:23:00.240 --> 00:23:01.740 needed to 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:03.400 decide who 00:23:03.400 --> 00:23:04.259 and what 00:23:04.259 --> 00:23:05.140 was important 00:23:05.140 --> 00:23:05.559 in the 00:23:05.559 --> 00:23:06.120 church. 00:23:09.319 --> 00:23:09.920 Would they 00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:10.720 do it based 00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:11.120 on their 00:23:11.120 --> 00:23:12.480 old pre-Christian 00:23:12.480 --> 00:23:13.019 ways of 00:23:13.019 --> 00:23:13.340 thinking? 00:23:15.019 --> 00:23:15.380 And there's 00:23:15.380 --> 00:23:15.980 already evidence 00:23:15.980 --> 00:23:16.440 they were doing 00:23:16.440 --> 00:23:16.799 that in the 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:17.180 church with 00:23:17.180 --> 00:23:17.660 the factions 00:23:17.660 --> 00:23:18.380 and divisions. 00:23:19.940 --> 00:23:20.620 Their old 00:23:20.620 --> 00:23:21.279 pre-Christian 00:23:21.279 --> 00:23:22.200 ideas of who 00:23:22.200 --> 00:23:22.960 was wise and 00:23:22.960 --> 00:23:23.220 who was 00:23:23.220 --> 00:23:23.640 powerful. 00:23:24.460 --> 00:23:25.400 Or would 00:23:25.400 --> 00:23:26.079 they frame 00:23:26.079 --> 00:23:26.840 their thinking 00:23:26.840 --> 00:23:27.340 and actions 00:23:27.340 --> 00:23:28.400 in light of 00:23:28.400 --> 00:23:29.819 God's wisdom 00:23:29.819 --> 00:23:30.400 and power 00:23:30.400 --> 00:23:31.140 displayed in 00:23:31.140 --> 00:23:31.440 Jesus? 00:23:33.620 --> 00:23:34.759 In 23, 00:23:34.900 --> 00:23:35.259 24, 00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:35.960 and 25, 00:23:36.779 --> 00:23:37.140 Paul, I 00:23:37.140 --> 00:23:37.259 think, 00:23:37.340 --> 00:23:38.039 affirms his 00:23:38.039 --> 00:23:38.960 choice of 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:39.640 God's wisdom 00:23:39.640 --> 00:23:40.200 and power. 00:23:41.620 --> 00:23:42.220 But we, 00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:44.279 it might just 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:44.860 be Paul and 00:23:44.860 --> 00:23:45.440 his companions 00:23:45.440 --> 00:23:45.980 or it might 00:23:45.980 --> 00:23:47.019 be we 00:23:47.019 --> 00:23:47.579 collectively 00:23:47.579 --> 00:23:48.680 as believers, 00:23:48.860 --> 00:23:49.460 but we 00:23:49.460 --> 00:23:50.799 preach Christ 00:23:50.799 --> 00:23:51.539 crucified, 00:23:51.539 --> 00:23:53.599 a stumbling 00:23:53.599 --> 00:23:54.139 block to 00:23:54.139 --> 00:23:56.159 Jews and 00:23:56.159 --> 00:23:57.339 moronic to 00:23:57.339 --> 00:23:58.220 Gentiles. 00:24:00.279 --> 00:24:00.859 But to 00:24:00.859 --> 00:24:01.139 those who 00:24:01.139 --> 00:24:01.539 are called, 00:24:01.639 --> 00:24:02.139 both Jews 00:24:02.139 --> 00:24:02.599 and Greeks, 00:24:02.899 --> 00:24:03.279 Christ, 00:24:04.019 --> 00:24:04.539 the power 00:24:04.539 --> 00:24:05.000 of God 00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:06.119 and the 00:24:06.119 --> 00:24:06.559 wisdom of 00:24:06.559 --> 00:24:06.799 God. 00:24:08.480 --> 00:24:08.879 For the 00:24:08.879 --> 00:24:09.680 foolishness of 00:24:09.680 --> 00:24:10.500 God, if 00:24:10.500 --> 00:24:10.960 such a thing 00:24:10.960 --> 00:24:11.299 could even 00:24:11.299 --> 00:24:12.359 exist, it's a 00:24:12.359 --> 00:24:12.940 hyperbole, 00:24:13.200 --> 00:24:13.559 for the 00:24:13.559 --> 00:24:14.339 foolishness of 00:24:14.339 --> 00:24:15.500 God is 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:16.059 wiser than 00:24:16.059 --> 00:24:16.319 men. 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:17.859 And again, 00:24:17.920 --> 00:24:18.440 the hyperbole, 00:24:18.539 --> 00:24:18.980 the weakness 00:24:18.980 --> 00:24:19.639 of God is 00:24:19.639 --> 00:24:20.159 stronger than 00:24:20.159 --> 00:24:20.319 men. 00:24:20.319 --> 00:24:22.720 In other 00:24:22.720 --> 00:24:23.240 words, it's a 00:24:23.240 --> 00:24:23.879 no-brainer, 00:24:24.480 --> 00:24:25.079 says Paul. 00:24:31.659 --> 00:24:32.240 It's a 00:24:32.240 --> 00:24:32.679 no-brainer. 00:24:32.859 --> 00:24:33.939 Paul's not 00:24:33.939 --> 00:24:34.659 aiming to 00:24:34.659 --> 00:24:35.220 make God 00:24:35.220 --> 00:24:35.740 number one 00:24:35.740 --> 00:24:36.059 on his 00:24:36.059 --> 00:24:36.460 agenda. 00:24:37.259 --> 00:24:37.759 Rather, he 00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:38.519 recognizes that 00:24:38.519 --> 00:24:39.240 God is in 00:24:39.240 --> 00:24:39.819 Jesus, has 00:24:39.819 --> 00:24:40.220 set him a 00:24:40.220 --> 00:24:40.939 complete new 00:24:40.939 --> 00:24:43.399 agenda, a 00:24:43.399 --> 00:24:44.000 complete new 00:24:44.000 --> 00:24:44.419 worldview. 00:24:46.259 --> 00:24:46.819 Therefore, to 00:24:46.819 --> 00:24:47.500 change the 00:24:47.500 --> 00:24:48.259 gospel message, 00:24:48.259 --> 00:24:50.839 move away from 00:24:50.839 --> 00:24:51.579 the so-called 00:24:51.579 --> 00:24:52.680 foolishness of 00:24:52.680 --> 00:24:53.579 Christ crucified 00:24:53.579 --> 00:24:55.599 would be to 00:24:55.599 --> 00:24:56.879 reject God's 00:24:56.879 --> 00:24:59.200 wisdom, would 00:24:59.200 --> 00:25:00.140 be to promote 00:25:00.140 --> 00:25:00.859 competitive 00:25:00.859 --> 00:25:01.819 individualism, 00:25:02.619 --> 00:25:03.180 would be to 00:25:03.180 --> 00:25:04.079 give worldly 00:25:04.079 --> 00:25:05.240 wisdom dominant 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:09.059 status, even 00:25:09.059 --> 00:25:10.019 though it 00:25:10.019 --> 00:25:10.460 leads to 00:25:10.460 --> 00:25:10.960 destruction. 00:25:10.960 --> 00:25:11.059 people. 00:25:13.360 --> 00:25:13.940 And the 00:25:13.940 --> 00:25:14.600 weird thing is, 00:25:14.600 --> 00:25:14.960 I was having 00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:15.740 two conversations 00:25:15.740 --> 00:25:16.140 this morning 00:25:16.140 --> 00:25:16.799 before church, 00:25:17.680 --> 00:25:18.360 two guys at 00:25:18.360 --> 00:25:18.900 least in this 00:25:18.900 --> 00:25:19.579 church know 00:25:19.579 --> 00:25:20.400 what is to 00:25:20.400 --> 00:25:21.160 be in another 00:25:21.160 --> 00:25:21.840 church where 00:25:21.840 --> 00:25:23.680 precisely that 00:25:23.680 --> 00:25:24.220 has happened. 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:24.339 world. 00:25:31.200 --> 00:25:32.220 Well, in sharp 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:33.960 contrast to the 00:25:33.960 --> 00:25:35.100 destructive impact 00:25:35.100 --> 00:25:35.660 of worldly 00:25:35.660 --> 00:25:37.200 wisdom, Paul 00:25:37.200 --> 00:25:37.839 describes the 00:25:37.839 --> 00:25:38.259 Corinthian 00:25:38.259 --> 00:25:40.019 Christians as a 00:25:40.019 --> 00:25:40.980 case study in 00:25:40.980 --> 00:25:41.819 God's wisdom and 00:25:41.819 --> 00:25:42.079 power. 00:25:42.920 --> 00:25:44.019 And this, I'm 00:25:44.019 --> 00:25:44.539 just going to read 00:25:44.539 --> 00:25:44.960 it again, it's 00:25:44.960 --> 00:25:45.600 going to take extra 00:25:45.600 --> 00:25:46.100 time, but I'm 00:25:46.100 --> 00:25:46.460 going to read it 00:25:46.460 --> 00:25:47.140 because it almost 00:25:47.140 --> 00:25:47.980 speaks for itself. 00:25:50.779 --> 00:25:51.660 He's just asking 00:25:51.660 --> 00:25:53.680 them to reflect on 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:54.759 this issue of 00:25:54.759 --> 00:25:55.240 wisdom and 00:25:55.240 --> 00:25:55.560 power. 00:25:56.700 --> 00:25:57.440 It's almost as if 00:25:57.440 --> 00:25:58.120 he said, look, 00:25:58.299 --> 00:25:58.980 just guys, just 00:25:58.980 --> 00:25:59.519 stop for a minute 00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:00.220 and look around 00:26:00.220 --> 00:26:01.759 the church family 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:02.580 you're now part of 00:26:02.580 --> 00:26:04.240 in Corinth and 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:06.660 just ask, where's 00:26:06.660 --> 00:26:07.200 the wisdom and 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:07.900 power evident? 00:26:09.779 --> 00:26:10.900 For consider your 00:26:10.900 --> 00:26:11.660 calling, brothers. 00:26:12.840 --> 00:26:13.940 Not many of you 00:26:13.940 --> 00:26:15.180 were wise according 00:26:15.180 --> 00:26:15.920 to worldly 00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:16.500 standards. 00:26:17.620 --> 00:26:18.480 Not many were 00:26:18.480 --> 00:26:18.960 powerful. 00:26:20.460 --> 00:26:21.539 Not many were of 00:26:21.539 --> 00:26:22.220 noble birth. 00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:25.560 But God chose 00:26:25.560 --> 00:26:26.600 what is foolish in 00:26:26.600 --> 00:26:27.539 the world to 00:26:27.539 --> 00:26:28.480 shame the wise. 00:26:29.279 --> 00:26:30.340 God chose what is 00:26:30.340 --> 00:26:31.620 weak in the world to 00:26:31.620 --> 00:26:32.519 shame the strong. 00:26:33.279 --> 00:26:34.080 God chose what is 00:26:34.080 --> 00:26:35.420 low and despised in 00:26:35.420 --> 00:26:36.360 the world, even 00:26:36.360 --> 00:26:37.380 things that are not 00:26:37.380 --> 00:26:38.400 or of no consequence, 00:26:39.180 --> 00:26:40.220 to bring to nothing 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:41.060 things that are. 00:26:42.980 --> 00:26:44.620 So that no human 00:26:44.620 --> 00:26:45.960 being might boast in 00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:46.840 the presence of God. 00:26:48.560 --> 00:26:49.820 He is the source of 00:26:49.820 --> 00:26:50.740 your life in Jesus 00:26:50.740 --> 00:26:52.880 Christ, whom God 00:26:52.880 --> 00:26:54.599 made our wisdom, our 00:26:54.599 --> 00:26:55.960 righteousness, our 00:26:55.960 --> 00:26:57.079 sanctification and 00:26:57.079 --> 00:26:57.440 redemption. 00:26:59.000 --> 00:26:59.819 Therefore, as it is 00:26:59.819 --> 00:27:00.839 written, that the one 00:27:00.839 --> 00:27:02.460 who boasts, boasts in 00:27:02.460 --> 00:27:02.839 the Lord. 00:27:05.299 --> 00:27:06.319 So just look around. 00:27:06.859 --> 00:27:08.160 Just do a brief survey 00:27:08.160 --> 00:27:09.400 of the church family 00:27:09.400 --> 00:27:11.120 around you and you 00:27:11.120 --> 00:27:12.160 will see that God 00:27:12.160 --> 00:27:12.859 doesn't pick 00:27:12.859 --> 00:27:13.660 intellectuals. 00:27:14.579 --> 00:27:15.299 He doesn't pick 00:27:15.299 --> 00:27:16.339 influential people. 00:27:16.339 --> 00:27:17.459 He doesn't pick 00:27:17.459 --> 00:27:18.619 people of status 00:27:18.619 --> 00:27:19.779 necessarily in our 00:27:19.779 --> 00:27:20.299 society. 00:27:21.559 --> 00:27:22.720 He doesn't pick the 00:27:22.720 --> 00:27:23.819 best educated people. 00:27:25.139 --> 00:27:26.419 There's nothing about 00:27:26.419 --> 00:27:27.399 the church family in 00:27:27.399 --> 00:27:28.139 Corinth, says Paul, 00:27:28.500 --> 00:27:29.399 that's elite or 00:27:29.399 --> 00:27:30.639 highbrow or 00:27:30.639 --> 00:27:31.299 preeminent. 00:27:34.399 --> 00:27:35.819 In fact, says Paul, 00:27:35.899 --> 00:27:36.480 the point of the 00:27:36.480 --> 00:27:37.419 gospel is that 00:27:37.419 --> 00:27:39.299 quite unremarkable 00:27:39.299 --> 00:27:42.159 people are saved 00:27:42.159 --> 00:27:44.859 and become incredibly 00:27:44.859 --> 00:27:46.519 remarkable people in 00:27:46.519 --> 00:27:46.919 Christ. 00:27:50.679 --> 00:27:52.079 And that proves that 00:27:52.079 --> 00:27:53.219 God doesn't care for 00:27:53.219 --> 00:27:54.099 the values and 00:27:54.099 --> 00:27:55.059 assessments of this 00:27:55.059 --> 00:27:55.419 world. 00:27:57.379 --> 00:27:57.959 The end point of 00:27:57.959 --> 00:27:58.919 that, here's the 00:27:58.919 --> 00:27:59.799 really practical term, 00:28:00.259 --> 00:28:01.000 the end point of that 00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:03.379 is no believer can 00:28:03.379 --> 00:28:04.740 big note themselves 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:08.019 as a Christian, 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:10.619 either because of 00:28:10.619 --> 00:28:12.519 their personality or 00:28:12.519 --> 00:28:13.159 because of their 00:28:13.160 --> 00:28:14.980 understanding or 00:28:14.980 --> 00:28:15.480 because of their 00:28:15.480 --> 00:28:15.920 actions. 00:28:20.080 --> 00:28:21.019 In fact, says Paul, 00:28:21.180 --> 00:28:22.080 if you want to 00:28:22.080 --> 00:28:22.820 brag, and that 00:28:22.820 --> 00:28:24.500 bragging was one of 00:28:24.500 --> 00:28:25.820 the baseline features 00:28:25.820 --> 00:28:27.080 of Corinthian culture, 00:28:27.240 --> 00:28:27.759 Paul says, well, 00:28:28.100 --> 00:28:29.440 okay, let's just 00:28:29.440 --> 00:28:29.920 look at the word 00:28:29.920 --> 00:28:30.240 bragging. 00:28:30.340 --> 00:28:31.160 If you only brag, 00:28:33.240 --> 00:28:34.120 if you only boast, 00:28:37.480 --> 00:28:37.800 well, 00:28:40.400 --> 00:28:41.519 boast about Jesus. 00:28:43.160 --> 00:28:43.800 Because that's the 00:28:43.800 --> 00:28:44.560 only thing you have to 00:28:44.560 --> 00:28:45.080 boast about. 00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:51.720 The only thing you 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:52.540 have to boast about 00:28:52.540 --> 00:28:53.700 or brag about is 00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:55.180 God's amazing grace 00:28:55.180 --> 00:28:56.120 in saving you. 00:29:00.900 --> 00:29:01.660 Friends, I hope you 00:29:01.660 --> 00:29:02.840 see Paul's point here. 00:29:03.120 --> 00:29:04.080 The categories that 00:29:04.080 --> 00:29:05.440 matter in God's 00:29:05.440 --> 00:29:07.320 church are not 00:29:07.320 --> 00:29:08.140 being clever, 00:29:08.800 --> 00:29:10.480 not being necessarily 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:11.539 naturally gifted, 00:29:12.299 --> 00:29:12.920 not being 00:29:12.920 --> 00:29:14.200 influential as our 00:29:14.200 --> 00:29:15.000 society would 00:29:15.000 --> 00:29:16.120 call influential, 00:29:16.519 --> 00:29:17.039 not being 00:29:17.039 --> 00:29:18.240 sophisticated as our 00:29:18.240 --> 00:29:19.259 society would deem 00:29:19.259 --> 00:29:20.200 sophistication, 00:29:20.799 --> 00:29:23.700 but those who 00:29:23.700 --> 00:29:25.259 happily show God's 00:29:25.259 --> 00:29:26.180 wisdom and power 00:29:26.180 --> 00:29:28.920 by reflecting 00:29:28.920 --> 00:29:31.140 the character 00:29:31.140 --> 00:29:33.759 and death and 00:29:33.759 --> 00:29:34.400 resurrection of 00:29:34.400 --> 00:29:34.640 Jesus. 00:29:34.640 --> 00:29:34.780 people. 00:29:38.620 --> 00:29:39.400 And that, my 00:29:39.400 --> 00:29:40.340 friends, is every 00:29:40.340 --> 00:29:41.340 one of you here 00:29:41.340 --> 00:29:42.060 who is a believer. 00:29:47.440 --> 00:29:48.400 So putting Paul's 00:29:48.400 --> 00:29:48.900 argument together, 00:29:48.960 --> 00:29:49.660 verses 2 to 9, 00:29:49.740 --> 00:29:50.420 we're not far from 00:29:50.420 --> 00:29:50.900 being finished. 00:29:52.340 --> 00:29:53.880 Jesus defines you 00:29:53.880 --> 00:29:54.840 as a believer 00:29:54.840 --> 00:29:57.560 individually and 00:29:57.560 --> 00:29:58.200 together as a 00:29:58.200 --> 00:29:58.840 church family. 00:30:00.100 --> 00:30:01.020 And it's Jesus and 00:30:01.020 --> 00:30:02.080 the gospel in verses, 00:30:02.380 --> 00:30:03.560 that's verse 2 to 9, 00:30:03.559 --> 00:30:04.460 and it's Jesus and 00:30:04.460 --> 00:30:05.059 the gospel in verses 00:30:05.059 --> 00:30:06.079 10 through to 31, 00:30:06.679 --> 00:30:07.539 that should define 00:30:07.539 --> 00:30:08.319 their thinking and 00:30:08.319 --> 00:30:10.319 actions in respect of 00:30:10.319 --> 00:30:12.099 each other and in 00:30:12.099 --> 00:30:13.079 respect of the 00:30:13.079 --> 00:30:13.440 message. 00:30:16.119 --> 00:30:17.259 So, circle 00:30:17.259 --> 00:30:18.000 back around to my 00:30:18.000 --> 00:30:18.440 introduction. 00:30:21.119 --> 00:30:22.299 The most important 00:30:22.299 --> 00:30:23.119 takeaway from these 00:30:23.119 --> 00:30:23.859 verses, I believe. 00:30:25.359 --> 00:30:26.220 You will be most 00:30:26.220 --> 00:30:27.399 useful in this church 00:30:27.399 --> 00:30:27.879 family. 00:30:29.539 --> 00:30:30.440 You'll be most 00:30:30.440 --> 00:30:31.899 powerful in this 00:30:31.899 --> 00:30:32.500 church family. 00:30:32.500 --> 00:30:33.380 You'll be 00:30:33.380 --> 00:30:34.559 outstanding in 00:30:34.559 --> 00:30:35.579 wisdom in this 00:30:35.579 --> 00:30:38.059 church family as 00:30:38.059 --> 00:30:39.160 you strive to 00:30:39.160 --> 00:30:39.920 promote Jesus. 00:30:43.660 --> 00:30:44.960 As you strive to 00:30:44.960 --> 00:30:45.680 be like Jesus 00:30:45.680 --> 00:30:46.460 before others. 00:30:49.279 --> 00:30:50.519 That will be 00:30:50.519 --> 00:30:51.740 wisdom and power 00:30:51.740 --> 00:30:54.200 that, humanly 00:30:54.200 --> 00:30:55.160 speaking, will not 00:30:55.160 --> 00:30:55.980 only help this 00:30:55.980 --> 00:30:57.000 congregation survive, 00:30:58.059 --> 00:30:58.940 but will make it 00:30:58.940 --> 00:30:59.339 thrive. 00:30:59.339 --> 00:31:04.339 if you can do 00:31:04.339 --> 00:31:06.980 that, if you can 00:31:06.980 --> 00:31:08.319 see those things as 00:31:08.319 --> 00:31:09.000 the defining 00:31:09.000 --> 00:31:11.359 categories of 00:31:11.359 --> 00:31:12.240 everything that 00:31:12.240 --> 00:31:12.859 happens in this 00:31:12.859 --> 00:31:13.539 church family, 00:31:16.539 --> 00:31:17.579 then you have 00:31:17.579 --> 00:31:18.459 every reason to be 00:31:18.459 --> 00:31:19.339 confident moving into 00:31:19.339 --> 00:31:19.759 the future. 00:31:20.980 --> 00:31:22.379 Remember, you have 00:31:22.379 --> 00:31:23.599 everything you need 00:31:23.599 --> 00:31:25.579 in Jesus to be 00:31:25.579 --> 00:31:27.139 grace-based and 00:31:27.140 --> 00:31:27.940 Jesus focused. 00:31:30.220 --> 00:31:31.200 Making, as I say, 00:31:31.259 --> 00:31:32.280 your own involvement 00:31:32.280 --> 00:31:33.800 in this church a 00:31:33.800 --> 00:31:35.940 model of God's 00:31:35.940 --> 00:31:37.100 wisdom and power. 00:31:39.780 --> 00:31:41.180 And qualifying you, 00:31:41.340 --> 00:31:42.120 therefore, also, my 00:31:42.120 --> 00:31:43.300 friend, to challenge 00:31:43.300 --> 00:31:45.960 others when you see 00:31:45.960 --> 00:31:47.480 worldly wisdom or 00:31:47.480 --> 00:31:48.440 worldly means of 00:31:48.440 --> 00:31:49.820 power creeping into 00:31:49.820 --> 00:31:51.300 this church family if 00:31:51.300 --> 00:31:51.759 and when that 00:31:51.759 --> 00:31:52.180 happens. 00:31:52.180 --> 00:31:58.660 you, individually, 00:31:59.240 --> 00:32:00.039 each one of you, 00:32:00.140 --> 00:32:01.019 has a responsibility 00:32:01.019 --> 00:32:02.480 to make sure the 00:32:02.480 --> 00:32:04.180 church survives and 00:32:04.180 --> 00:32:06.759 thrives by being 00:32:06.759 --> 00:32:08.279 grace-based and 00:32:08.279 --> 00:32:08.940 Jesus focused. 00:32:11.019 --> 00:32:12.039 And the overflow of 00:32:12.039 --> 00:32:12.820 all that will be the 00:32:12.820 --> 00:32:13.940 deep unity, verse 10, 00:32:13.980 --> 00:32:14.600 that we spoke about 00:32:14.600 --> 00:32:15.180 last week. 00:32:18.299 --> 00:32:20.160 So, simple, very 00:32:20.160 --> 00:32:20.980 simple, practical 00:32:20.980 --> 00:32:21.420 question. 00:32:21.420 --> 00:32:22.580 You need to look at 00:32:22.580 --> 00:32:24.060 your own engagement 00:32:24.060 --> 00:32:25.000 in this church family 00:32:25.000 --> 00:32:26.860 and ask, are you 00:32:26.860 --> 00:32:28.660 predominantly driven 00:32:28.660 --> 00:32:31.240 by grace-based, 00:32:31.960 --> 00:32:33.000 Jesus focused 00:32:33.000 --> 00:32:33.700 categories? 00:32:36.660 --> 00:32:37.500 Or are you 00:32:37.500 --> 00:32:38.320 predominantly driven 00:32:38.320 --> 00:32:39.320 by human categories 00:32:39.320 --> 00:32:43.039 of who and what is 00:32:43.039 --> 00:32:43.620 important in the 00:32:43.620 --> 00:32:43.900 church? 00:32:44.360 --> 00:32:45.860 So, let me just 00:32:45.860 --> 00:32:46.740 tease that out a 00:32:46.740 --> 00:32:47.000 little bit. 00:32:47.660 --> 00:32:48.259 You need to ask 00:32:48.259 --> 00:32:49.420 yourself, who is it 00:32:49.420 --> 00:32:50.080 in the church that 00:32:50.079 --> 00:32:50.599 you value? 00:32:51.500 --> 00:32:52.419 What is the 00:32:52.419 --> 00:32:53.299 personality in the 00:32:53.299 --> 00:32:53.759 church you think, 00:32:53.819 --> 00:32:54.839 yeah, they're the 00:32:54.839 --> 00:32:55.639 people I want to be 00:32:55.639 --> 00:32:55.899 like? 00:32:59.240 --> 00:33:00.059 Who is it you 00:33:00.059 --> 00:33:01.099 desire to be around 00:33:01.099 --> 00:33:01.839 in the church family? 00:33:01.980 --> 00:33:03.240 Yeah, I just need to 00:33:03.240 --> 00:33:04.199 hang out with this 00:33:04.199 --> 00:33:05.480 person because he 00:33:05.480 --> 00:33:07.059 will, his grace-based 00:33:07.059 --> 00:33:08.119 or her grace-based 00:33:08.119 --> 00:33:09.839 Jesus focus will just 00:33:09.839 --> 00:33:11.699 flow over onto me and 00:33:11.699 --> 00:33:12.599 that's exactly what I 00:33:12.599 --> 00:33:12.839 need. 00:33:12.839 --> 00:33:19.579 Or are you still 00:33:19.579 --> 00:33:21.459 drawn to the high 00:33:21.459 --> 00:33:22.259 profile people? 00:33:24.980 --> 00:33:26.059 The cool people? 00:33:27.720 --> 00:33:29.240 Maybe the fashion-savvy 00:33:29.240 --> 00:33:30.159 people like myself? 00:33:32.259 --> 00:33:34.579 The nice people like 00:33:34.579 --> 00:33:34.939 Simon? 00:33:34.940 --> 00:33:42.259 It's really bad when a 00:33:42.259 --> 00:33:43.200 pastor holds a grudge, 00:33:43.299 --> 00:33:43.539 isn't it? 00:33:45.460 --> 00:33:46.779 The successful people. 00:33:48.900 --> 00:33:50.080 The people with formal 00:33:50.080 --> 00:33:50.880 positions in the 00:33:50.880 --> 00:33:51.220 church. 00:33:52.080 --> 00:33:53.180 The people, perhaps, 00:33:53.279 --> 00:33:54.480 who just talk enough 00:33:54.480 --> 00:33:55.740 about godliness and use 00:33:55.740 --> 00:33:56.539 the language of the 00:33:56.539 --> 00:33:57.840 Bible but don't really 00:33:57.840 --> 00:33:59.080 actually challenge you 00:33:59.080 --> 00:34:00.180 to change your views, 00:34:00.340 --> 00:34:01.200 change your behaviors. 00:34:02.240 --> 00:34:02.980 Churches are full of 00:34:02.980 --> 00:34:03.559 people like that. 00:34:09.920 --> 00:34:11.219 Are you applying God's 00:34:11.219 --> 00:34:12.159 wisdom and power to 00:34:12.159 --> 00:34:12.880 your relationships? 00:34:14.400 --> 00:34:15.079 I talked about that 00:34:15.079 --> 00:34:16.019 last week, especially 00:34:16.019 --> 00:34:17.659 broken and strained 00:34:17.659 --> 00:34:18.980 relationships with your 00:34:18.980 --> 00:34:20.840 brothers and sisters in 00:34:20.840 --> 00:34:21.679 this church family. 00:34:22.340 --> 00:34:23.400 Or as I said last week, 00:34:23.860 --> 00:34:25.360 are you living happily 00:34:25.360 --> 00:34:28.420 with spiritual 00:34:28.420 --> 00:34:29.579 disfigurement because we 00:34:29.579 --> 00:34:30.800 got spiritual breaks, 00:34:31.039 --> 00:34:32.300 we got relational breaks? 00:34:32.980 --> 00:34:35.539 See, at the heart of the 00:34:35.539 --> 00:34:37.719 gospel is reconciliation. 00:34:39.340 --> 00:34:40.780 The reconciliation that 00:34:40.780 --> 00:34:42.659 God effected between us 00:34:42.659 --> 00:34:45.159 and him is far, far more 00:34:45.159 --> 00:34:46.460 costly and profound than 00:34:46.460 --> 00:34:47.599 anything we will be called 00:34:47.599 --> 00:34:50.260 to do in reconciling with 00:34:50.260 --> 00:34:51.880 brothers and sisters that we 00:34:51.880 --> 00:34:52.539 fall out with. 00:34:52.539 --> 00:35:01.880 It's the model of carrying 00:35:01.880 --> 00:35:05.039 offense at a personal level 00:35:05.039 --> 00:35:06.900 rather than demanding 00:35:06.900 --> 00:35:07.440 rights. 00:35:09.539 --> 00:35:10.980 That's God's wisdom and 00:35:10.980 --> 00:35:11.279 power. 00:35:15.279 --> 00:35:17.980 It's forgiving when the 00:35:17.980 --> 00:35:19.619 person who's offended you 00:35:19.619 --> 00:35:21.219 isn't necessarily truly 00:35:21.219 --> 00:35:21.859 repentant. 00:35:23.459 --> 00:35:24.619 That's God's wisdom and 00:35:24.619 --> 00:35:24.879 power. 00:35:30.399 --> 00:35:31.599 It's a challenge to us. 00:35:33.199 --> 00:35:35.039 We need to address 00:35:35.039 --> 00:35:36.919 hurts and differences on 00:35:36.919 --> 00:35:38.179 the basis of God's wisdom 00:35:38.179 --> 00:35:38.659 and power. 00:35:39.939 --> 00:35:41.039 Reminding yourself as you 00:35:41.039 --> 00:35:42.599 engage at that level that 00:35:42.599 --> 00:35:44.299 you have so much in common 00:35:44.299 --> 00:35:44.959 in Christ. 00:35:45.399 --> 00:35:46.319 You actually have the 00:35:46.320 --> 00:35:48.860 platform from which you 00:35:48.860 --> 00:35:50.200 can resolve those issues. 00:35:54.920 --> 00:35:57.720 Last Sunday, as I wound 00:35:57.720 --> 00:35:59.380 up, I asked, based on 00:35:59.380 --> 00:36:00.500 verse 10, about the idea 00:36:00.500 --> 00:36:01.600 of knitting together, I 00:36:01.600 --> 00:36:02.500 asked each of you to be 00:36:02.500 --> 00:36:02.940 knitters. 00:36:03.500 --> 00:36:04.460 Yep, and that included the 00:36:04.460 --> 00:36:04.740 blokes. 00:36:06.180 --> 00:36:07.800 You need to take the lead in 00:36:07.800 --> 00:36:09.160 this church family in being 00:36:09.160 --> 00:36:09.680 knitters. 00:36:09.679 --> 00:36:11.639 Well, today I'm asking you 00:36:11.639 --> 00:36:13.679 to be braggers, boasters. 00:36:18.819 --> 00:36:20.799 Make it your goal to be 00:36:20.799 --> 00:36:22.119 known in this church as 00:36:22.119 --> 00:36:23.619 someone who just boasts 00:36:23.619 --> 00:36:25.019 incessantly. 00:36:25.019 --> 00:36:31.000 not about your own 00:36:31.000 --> 00:36:33.380 abilities, not about your 00:36:33.380 --> 00:36:35.460 clever use of words, not 00:36:35.460 --> 00:36:36.800 about your grievances with 00:36:36.800 --> 00:36:38.500 others and how I gave them 00:36:38.500 --> 00:36:39.860 a bit of a rev up and I 00:36:39.860 --> 00:36:40.840 took them down and I 00:36:40.840 --> 00:36:42.980 sorted them out and they'll 00:36:42.980 --> 00:36:43.980 never speak to me like that 00:36:43.980 --> 00:36:44.239 again. 00:36:47.280 --> 00:36:49.079 But boasting about being 00:36:49.079 --> 00:36:51.139 shaped and blessed in Christ 00:36:51.139 --> 00:36:53.340 together with every other 00:36:53.340 --> 00:36:54.259 believer in this church 00:36:54.259 --> 00:36:54.519 family. 00:36:55.719 --> 00:36:56.920 Would that we were a 00:36:56.920 --> 00:36:58.280 congregation of boasters in 00:36:58.280 --> 00:36:59.079 that context. 00:37:01.719 --> 00:37:02.960 Well, pray with me, please. 00:37:11.659 --> 00:37:13.259 Lord, we just get it so 00:37:13.259 --> 00:37:13.539 wrong. 00:37:14.199 --> 00:37:16.340 We know what's right, we 00:37:16.340 --> 00:37:17.320 want what's right, but we 00:37:17.320 --> 00:37:18.059 get it so wrong. 00:37:19.340 --> 00:37:20.860 We just default back and 00:37:20.860 --> 00:37:21.960 under pressure, we default 00:37:21.960 --> 00:37:23.300 back into that old pre- 00:37:23.300 --> 00:37:24.900 Christian way of 00:37:24.900 --> 00:37:27.300 thinking and evaluating and 00:37:27.300 --> 00:37:27.619 acting. 00:37:28.960 --> 00:37:31.740 Help us to be grace-based 00:37:31.740 --> 00:37:33.260 and Jesus-focused. 00:37:34.639 --> 00:37:36.000 Help us to be those who 00:37:36.000 --> 00:37:38.460 boast in nothing other than 00:37:38.460 --> 00:37:40.340 our identity in Christ, 00:37:41.119 --> 00:37:43.260 our security in Christ, 00:37:43.960 --> 00:37:45.480 and our unity in Christ. 00:37:45.480 --> 00:37:47.840 in Jesus' name we pray. 00:37:47.840 --> 00:37:48.340 Amen.