1 Corinthians 1: Is Christ Divided?
Verse of the Day: (V13) “Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?”
1. The Will Of God (V1-17)
V1 “Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,”
It is the will of God that Paul was called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ, and that His church be united as one body, with Christ as the Head. However, the Corinthian Church, as well as the churches today, had envy and infighting, and are divided into various groups, based on personality, race, status, etc. Therefore, God through Paul pleaded with them to avoid these unhealthy conflicts and divisions, and be united as one body in Christ.
V13 “Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?”
2. The Wisdom Of God (V18-21)
V18 “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
Since the beginning of Adam and Eve, and until today, men always insist on their own ways and reject God’s ways. Therefore, it is not surprising that they reject the preaching of the cross - that Christ died on the cross, and shed His blood for their sins, and whosoever believes in Him shall never perish in fiery hell, but have everlasting life with Him in glorious heaven one day. Indeed, the preaching of the cross is the power and wisdom of God to them who believes, but it is vain and foolishness to them who rejects it.
V21 “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”
3. The Weakness Of God (V22-31)
V25 “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
Indeed, the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men, because God is the Creator, and men are only creatures. Yet men think highly of themselves, and refuse to acknowledge God, their Creator. Therefore, God only saves those who truly confess and repent their wrongdoings, and believe and trust in Him. Men have nothing to boast about, except to glorify Christ, their personal Saviour and Lord.
V29 “That no flesh should glory in his presence.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to submit to Christ, and be one in Christ.
