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Ptr. Rei Dela Torre
UBC Manila

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1 Corinthians 1:18-25

CENTRAL EMPHASIS: The cross has removed the obstacles to reconciliation between man and God. Believers are indispensable to gospel propagation.

Why do you do what you do?
1“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. Revelation 3:1-2

  • Revelation of God’s
    Redemption Plan (v. 18)
    18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
    • The cross is God’s total revelation; the gospel in all its fullness, which centers in the Incarnation and Crucifixion of Christ. – John MacArthur
    • Your view of God determines your life and it has eternal consequences.
      30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,
      1 Corinthians 1:30
  • Revelation of Man’s
    Rebellious Nature (vv. 19-22)
    19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.” 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;
    • The purpose of Jesus’ death and resurrection was to create a transformed people, living out their original purpose in the image of God together in a new covenant relationship with God.
  • Reconciliation Through Christ (vv. 23-25)
    23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
    • Reasons to Preach Christ Crucified
      • Power of God to save
      • Wisdom of God for salvation
      • Salvation to those who believe
      • It pleases God when we preach Christ

Application

  • Why we have to go on mission with God?
    Just like the Apostle Paul:
    • We are called
    • We are commanded (Matthew 28:19-20)
    • We are compelled (2 Corinthians 5:14)
    • We are convicted of whom we believe (2 Timothy 5:14)
    • We are a steward of the ministries of God (1 Cor. 4:1-2)
    • We as servant is indispensable to the gospel (2 Tim. 2:24)

Conclusion

  • As Christians, we are called to proclaim the good news of the cross to our neighbor (people who is not you.)
  • Our task is not to lessen the offense by watering down the message, but to find ways of communicating the message so that people will understand its truth.

Vision: To see equipped members fulfilling the Great Commission.