April 26. 1 Corinthians 1. Dave "BJ" Aznar
Humanity Divides while the Cross Unites
The Church is not immune to the pressures of the world, as shown in the letter Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. However, despite the disorder, disunity, and error among the body, they were still nevertheless a part of God’s Church, sanctified in Christ and united with Him. Paul initiates his letter with this reminder of God’s mercy and grace before his initial rebuke of disunity and division occurring in that region.
“Is Christ divided? Or is the Church?...” The answer to all questions in this passage is no. Factions, cliques, divisions, there is no room for such things. The members of the body had been taught by Paul, Peter, and Apollos, but they emphasized them rather than Christ. They were men used by God to bring forth the gospel. But still men. It may be hard to conceptualize that disciples could have made this mistake so early in the church, but we’re not immune to the same issues. It’s not uncommon for people to place their faith in people and their relationships. Whether it’s the influencers of the world or close family members, we must keep Christ at the seat that no others may occupy as our loyalty is to Him alone.
Salvation is in Christ, not in the wisdom of men. God’s “least significant thought” is more worthwhile than the wisest plans of mankind. Human wisdom by itself doesn’t promote salvation or an understanding of how God works in the world. In fact, the straightforward message of the Cross leads the prideful lost to consider it foolishness. People of the world may present sound arguments to gain your favor. Politicians have made careers out of it. So have all the pundits in media. Politics, sports, entertainment. They attract people with their promises and arguments. But when Christ is brought up, very few want to hear His message. Fortunately for us, it was God’s purpose to save those who believe in the seemingly foolish process of preaching the Cross. His Cross restores man to immortality and stirs up desire for the things of heaven.
By the standards of the world, most of us are much like what Paul describes here. Mundane, ordinary men and women who lack influence and nobility. But that does not matter to God, for he is all the more glorified by His work through us in the Church. God chose us according to His Grace, not our merits. God chose the weak and helpless so that he might put shame to the “wise and powerful” by showing how temporary and insignificant their achievements are in comparison to salvation.
When we hear any message from someone, it does not matter their intelligence, strength, or worldly position. The question we must ask ourselves when it comes to hearing their “wisdom” is whether or not it is centered on Christ’s message, and whether or not we’re focused more on the messenger vs the message itself.