1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Helpful Background Information:
At the end of our sermon passage, the Lord Jesus utters one of his most famous teachings, “But many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Mark 10:18). The Kingdom of God does not work in the same manner as this world. Although in this world, the rich and the powerful and the ultra-successful may hold seats of prominence, true greatness in the Kingdom of God is about humility, service, and sacrificing one’s glory for the sake of Christ. It is this truth that the rich young ruler rejected when he refused to give up his wealth for Christ, while the disciples gave up everything to follow Him.
Small note: it is not as though being rich is inherently sinful or less holy than being working class or impoverished. Jesus does not categorically condemn wealth. Neither the unnamed woman of Mark 14:3–9 nor Joseph of Arimathea (Mark 15:43) is questioned or condemned in Mark, although both are wealthy. The issue is trusting in riches, which prevents one from trusting in Jesus, which is condemned here.
The Apostle Paul strikes a similar note in his epistle to the Corinthians. In context, Paul is proving that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and not of human origin. Here, Paul urges the Corinthians to reflect upon their own testimony to prove it. The members of the Corinthians church were unimpressive by worldly standards. The majority of them were the common, unrefined citizens of Corinth, not the elite and those who had influence over society.
Again, we see the Kingdom of God does not work in the same manner as this world. Human wisdom would instinctively tell us that if you want to build a successful movement, God should pick the most sophisticated, influential, wealthy, and skilled people to advance the mission further. Yet God is pleased to turn human wisdom upside down, using unexpected means to further his own glory. Regardless of our origin, in Christ Jesus our identity and status are inverted and radically redefined. If only a few in the church are impressive by human standards, everyone has the same enviable status before God, and he will use all of them for his glory.
Reflection Questions:
In what ways do the values of God’s Kingdom differ from the values that our culture celebrates? Where do you most clearly see this tension in your own life or environment (school, work, social media, friendships)?
Paul emphasizes that our boasting is not in ourselves but in the Lord. What are some things you are tempted to “boast” in or rely on instead of Christ?
Why do you think God delights in using what the world considers weak or foolish? How does this truth reshape the way you view your limitations, insecurities, or failures?