Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 4, 2018
“Come Back to the Cross” 1 Corinthians 1:10-25 Bible Study 03/04/18
This morning we are beginning the study of 1 Corinthians. It is a letter directed to a gifted yet problem-riddled church. Almost immediately, Paul addresses the issue of divisiveness in the church. After identifying and assessing the problem, he proceeds to expound on its solution. His readers need to “come back” to the cross. Because the word of the cross demonstrates the complete supremacy of God’s wisdom and power to a dying world, depend on it and declare it confidently.
I. Context/Background
-pastoral letter addressed to a “troubled and triumphant church”
-Paul had spent 18 months in Corinth previously.
-objective: unity rooted in the cross
-confirmation of calling (1:1-9)
-contention in the church (1:10-17)
II. The Cross Exposes the Futility of Human Wisdom (1:18-21)
-synonym for the gospel
-its disregard results in distraction and division
-failure to address ultimate issues
-contrast: perishing/folly and being saved/power
-supporting OT reference: Isa. 29:13-14
-exposure of foolishness (Isa. 35:18)
-God’s pleasure in what appears “foolish”
III. The Cross Exceeds the Power of Human Effort (1:22-25)
-demand for signs: the spectacular
-demand for wisdom: the intellectual
-a rescue rooted in divine determination
-stumbling block and folly (Deut. 21:22-23)
-foolish wisdom and weak strength
-pulverizes pride (1:31 and Jer. 9:23-24)
IV. So What?
-Because the word of the cross demonstrates the complete supremacy of God’s wisdom and power to a dying world, depend on it and declare it confidently.
-“How soon faith would freeze without a cross.” (S. Ford)
-“…If we blunt the sharp edges of the cross, we dull the glittering diamond of God’s love.” (Jeffery, Ovey and Sach in Pierced for Our Transgressions)
-Dynamic power calls for delighted dependence.
-“Forbid it, Lord that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.” (Watts)
-“Alas! And did my Savior bleed and did my Sov’reign die? Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?” (Watts)
-“Jesus, keep me near the cross, there a precious fountain, free to all a healing stream, flows from Calv’ry”s mountain. (Crosby)
