Introduction: The temptation to become like the people of the world.
I: OUR CALLING (v. 26)
Paul wants us to consider our position in this world when we were saved.
According to worldly standards (ESV) = according to the flesh
II: THE WORLD’S CRITICISM (vv. 27-28a)
Their injunctions are like this: “Let no one educated, no one wise, no one sensible draw near. For these abilities are thought by us to be evils. But as for anyone ignorant, anyone stupid, anyone uneducated, anyone who is a child, let him come boldly.” By the fact that they themselves admit that these people are worthy of their God, they show that they want and are able to convince only the foolish, dishonorable and stupid, and only slaves women, and children. Celsus, [from Origen, Contra Celsum 3.44]
The world looks at us as foolish, weak, low, and despised.
III: GOD’S CHOICE (vv. 27-31)
To shame the wise and the strong (vv. 27, 28)
To lead us to true wisdom (v. 30)
To cause us to boast in the Lord alone (vv. 29, 30a, 31).
IV: THE RELEVANCE
1: Not to value people on the basis of their position in this world.
2: Not to find our worth & identity from the unbelieving world.
3. To re-evaluate our evangelism & approach to church growth.
4. Not to give people what they want but to give them what they need.
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Rev. Ryce and Janine, his wife of 20 years, were born and raised in the Pittsburgh area and previously served in ministry at Tucson Reformed Church (2010-14) and Springs Reformed Church (2014-22), the Christian & Missionary Alliance (2007-09), and the Evangelical Presbyterian...
