Outline (BKC)
I. Introduction (1:1–9)
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)
1. Context: (BKC) From a human viewpoint wisdom, influence, and high breeding were apparently in short supply. If God had chosen on the basis of such criteria, He would have passed them by. 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...the futility of human wisdom, compared with the power and wisdom of God
2. Content:
A. The comparisons: The method and the content of Paul's message needed to be consistent
v.1 I did not come with superior eloquence or wisdom vs the testimony of God (Jesus Christ, and him crucified)
v.4 with persuasive words of wisdom vs with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power
v.5 human wisdom vs the power of God
i.e. since the method need to match the content, now while the content is about Jesus Christ's crucifixion then then the only method matches that is the one which demonstrates the Spirit and God's power.
B. The repeated theme: the wisdom of God, hidden in a mystery v.7; God has revealed these to us by the Spirit v.10
Since the content of the mystery is explicitly stated in v.7, i.e. that God determined before the ages for our glory (through the crucifixion of the Lord of glory v.8) then the content of the revelation in v.10 should be the same. Therefore, what the deep things of God in v.10 should be the glorification of the saints through the crucifixion of the Lord, and not anything else.
(BKC) The message which Paul proclaimed was God’s secret wisdom, known only by God’s revelation (Matt. 11:25). At the heart of this wisdom is the plan of salvation intended for our glory, determined before time began (Eph. 1:4)...The only way the Corinthians could know this was by the Spirit, who knows and reveals these deep things of God about salvation.
3. Application: We have received the Spirit and it reveals to us the deep things of God about salvation and that is about the things that are freely given to us by God v.12.
Reflection: Is our method of evangelism match the content of our message? Do I try to impress people with my wisdom and therefore I use an approach that is totally not consistent with the message? The Gospel is the power of God. Pray for the unsaved that they will see the power of God in the Gospel.
On the other hand, I need the Holy Spirit to understand the Gospel as well as all the other things. Never, I can be alone when I can understand the things of God. Why am I boast?
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