HIGHLIGHT
1 Corinthians 1:22–24 (ESV): 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
EXPLAIN
Paul was writing a church that was being torn apart by various divisions. The people choosing different personalities in whose name they were allying under. Paul urged them, instead, to be united by the same mindset.
With this in mind, Paul expressed gratitude that he had not baptized any of the Corinthians, except a few, so that the people would have one less reason to claim his name. For Paul’s purpose was not to gain personal followers, but to proclaim the gospel.
The gospel turns the wisdom of the world on its head. Therefore, both Jews and Greeks find the gospel offensive, but for those called by God, it is the wisdom and power of God.
APPLY
As we seek to make disciples who make disciples of Jesus, our attempt must never be to gain personal followers, but to proclaim the gospel so that people will follow Jesus.
Many may find God’s Word to be offensive, simple, or foolish, but for those who accept God’s truth, they will be changed dramatically by the grace of Jesus.
Therefore, our task always is to point people to God’s Word so they might know Jesus.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, thank you for the life-transforming power of your Word. Help me to proclaim the gospel in such a way that you gain all the glory. Amen.