Understanding 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 and Its Meaning for Us Today
The Power and Wisdom of God
The Power of God
The death of Jesus on the cross is something that surprises many people. It’s not what anyone expected, but it shows how powerful, wise, and loving God truly is. In 1 Corinthians 1:19, Paul quotes Isaiah: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise.” The intelligence of the intelligent God will frustrate. This means that God’s way of doing things often turns our own ideas upside down. Through Jesus’ death, God offers everyone a chance to be saved. By coming back to life, He offers a chance to live forever with Him. What seems foolish to some people—the cross—is actually the best example of God’s wisdom and love. It reminds us that real strength comes from being humble. Real strength means being willing to serve and obeying God. It is not just relying on our own power.
A Call to Embrace God’s Wisdom
Paul’s letter advises us not to only trust in what we or others consider smart or important. Instead, it encourages us to seek the wisdom God reveals through the cross. God’s wisdom is different from ours, and it often doesn’t make sense to the world. But it is the wisdom we need to truly live.
This message isn’t just something to think about—it’s meant to change how we live each day. We’re encouraged to live like Jesus. We should show humility, put others before ourselves, and love in ways that sometimes need sacrifice. This is how we show others what Jesus is like.
What This Means for Us Today
The message of the cross is still important in today’s world. Many people focus on being successful, powerful, or smart. But the cross invites us to care more about God’s wisdom, showing kindness, and serving others.
For Christians today, pursuing the way of the cross means sometimes making choices that go against what’s popular. It means caring more about helping others than just getting ahead. It also involves forgiving people who hurt us. Moreover, it includes trusting God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense. When we do this, we experience the true power of the good news about Jesus. This helps us make our lives and our communities better.
Conclusion
The message of the cross, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:18-19, turns our usual ideas upside down. It shows us how deep God’s love is and reveals His plan for saving us. Paul invites us to trust this message, even when it seems confusing or strange. It is actually where we find God’s greatest power and wisdom.
Through the cross, God gives us hope, forgiveness, and a new life that goes beyond anything this world can offer. As Christians, we are called to live out these truths every day. We achieve this by being humble, caring for others, and loving in a way that reflects Jesus. By doing this, we show God’s love to the world and let His light shine through us.
Blessing
May your love grow stronger and stronger, filled with understanding and wisdom. I hope you see what matters most, so you can live a good and blameless life until Jesus returns. May your life show the good results of being saved. Develop the kind of character Jesus brings. In this way, God is honored and praised. (Philippians 1:9-11 NLT)
Blessings in Christ,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 