Power to Turn Losers into Winners

1 Cor. 1:18-25

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: "I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND BRING TO NOTHING THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRUDENT.“ 20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.“

1 Cor. 1:18-25

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“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God”

1 Cor. 1:18

Cultural Standards - Jesus the LoserDeath by crucifixionAuthorities turned against HimFriends deserted Him People He help condemned Him

“For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men”

1 Cor. 1:21-25

Jews were surprised by the crossGreeks were surprised by the cross

#1 The Cross Tells Us We Can’t Win on Our Own

Central Point of this TextChurch problem of division – 1 Cor. 3:4-6They followed those who spoke with great human wisdom

“O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps”

Jer. 10:23

“The Blind Men and the Elephant”

#1 The Cross Tells Us We Can’t Win on Our Own

“The Blind Men and the Elephant”

#1 The Cross Tells Us We Can’t Win on Our Own

“For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” 1 Cor. 1:21

#1 The Cross Tells Us We Can’t Win on Our Own

#2 The Cross Redefines What It Means To Win

Augustine4th Century Writer

Anthony Kingston

#3 The Cross Tells Christians We Are Already Winners

“I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus”

1 Cor. 1:4

“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption”

1 Cor. 1:30

#3 The Cross Tells Christians We Are Already Winners

#1 The Cross Tells Us We Can’t Win on Our Own

#2 The Cross Redefines What It Means To Win

Plan of SalvationPlan of Salvation•HearHear John 12:48John 12:48•BelieveBelieve John 8:24John 8:24•RepentRepent Luke 13:3Luke 13:3•ConfessConfess Matt. 10:32-33Matt. 10:32-33•BaptizedBaptized Mark 16:16Mark 16:16•FaithfulFaithful Matt. 24:13Matt. 24:13

“Tie a Yellow Ribbon Around That Oak Tree”