1. Context (BKC)
...II. Divisions in the Church (1:10–4:21)
A. The reality of division (1:10–17)
B. The causes of division (1:18–4:5)
1. A misunderstanding of the message (1:18–3:4)
(BKC) Fundamentally the Corinthians needed a renewal of their minds (Rom. 12:2). They were trying to live their Christian lives on the basis of unsanctified common sense which has self-preservation as its ultimate goal. This kind of life is self-seeking, self-serving, and ultimately self-destructive (Luke 9:24–25).
2. Content
Pattern: God chose (not the superior by human standards)...to shame (the human standards)
27 But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and
God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong.
Both the word, "chose," and the "to" indicate this is an action with purpose.
The following verses expand the ideas and tell us why God did that.
28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, 29 so that no one can boast in his presence. 30 He is the reason you have a relationship with Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom...
- First of all, no boasting. Since our superior feelings are only based on some foolish human standards that God wanted to set aside there is no point to boast in those.
- Second, we are who we are is based on our relationship with JC. Since His substitutional death saves us. He is our substitute in front of God. He is wise and thus we are wise in front of God. He is righteous....
- Third, note, the things that human standard see as superior is wisdom, being strong, etc. But, what are considered worthy in front of God is wisdom (from God), and being in God's redemption plan. (BKC) in Him the Corinthians experienced righteousness, that is, justification (Rom. 4:24–25), holiness, that is, sanctification (2 Thes. 2:13–15), and redemption, that is, glorification (Rom. 8:23; Eph. 4:30).
(BKC) But when God called, he turned the world’s standards upside down and usually chose the ordinary rather than the outstanding in order that no one may boast before Him (v. 29) but only in the Lord...In the wisdom of God the plan of salvation was accomplished by a crucified Christ hidden from the wise and learned but revealed to simple believers (cf. Matt. 11:25–26).
3. Reflection
When do people usually boast? During argument. When I argued with co-workers I felt I am smarter than they are. When they did not listen and pushed me to do something then I felt being treated unrighteously. This passage said, I am not wise according to God, and I am not even righteous. All because of Jesus' righteousness that I can stand in front of God. There is no reason why I cannot forgive them.
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