I Corinthians 1:13-4:21 (Part 6) The Solutions to Dissension (Disunity)

Unity is achieved by considering the person and work of Christ—1:13-17

• There is only one Christ, cross, & baptism

Unity is achieved by considering the true nature of the Gospel—1:18-25

Two evaluations of the cross

• Foolishness—those that are perishing

• Power of God—those that are being saved

The attitude of the unbeliever

• His attitude was prophesied in Scripture—v. 19

• His attitude is proved by experience—v. 20

• His attitude expressed—vv. 21-23

The doctrine of judicial blindness/divine hardening (Isa. 6 and Isa. 29)

• You can see

• You choose not to see

• You cannot see

Encounter with truth involves . . .

• Hearing—you can’t encounter truth without hearing it

• Response

• Effect

*The message of the cross: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died a death wherein the guilt and penalty of man’s sin was placed on Him, making it possible for salvation to be extended to all who believe.

Isaiah 29:9-12—Judicial blindness (divine hardening). The Book of Isaiah focused on the northern kingdom.

• Its cause—29:9-12

1. Human cause—v. 9

2. Divine cause—vv. 10-14

“Among you Christians I have some questions to ask”—I Cor. 1:20

• Where is the wise?

• Where is the scribe?

• Where is the debater of this age?

• The conclusion—v. 20b—God has made foolish the wisdom of this world

Why is human wisdom foolish?

• Fails to lead to God—v. 21

• It is brazen—v. 22

Evaluation of the believer—vv. 23-25

Our message is that of the cross

• Stands in total contrast to what man wants

• It is not a discussion—it is a proclamation

• Its content reveals . . .

1. The person of Christ

2. The work of Christ—“crucified” points to . . .

a) The nature of His death

b) The completeness of His death

c) The effectiveness of His death

The response to the message of the cross—v. 23b (critique of the unbeliever)—it is offensive

• Stumblingblock

• Foolishness

Why is the cross offensive?

• The cross underscores the gravity of man’s problem

• The cross underscores that man can do nothing to save himself

• The cross leaves no room for human pride