THE FOOLISHNESS OF TRUSTING IN HUMAN WISDOM (Lesson One)

Introduction

    A.  We are faced with many issues over which people disagree.  Examples:

    B.  People appeal to certain authorities such as experts in science, philosophy & religion

          and place their faith in such authorities.

    C.  We will begin a series of lessons based on the theme of the foolishness of trusting in

          human wisdom.  I Corinthians 1:18-23 (841) this morning.

I.  God has made foolish the wisdom of the wise.

    A.  The message of the cross. V18

          1.  There are two groups of people:  the perishing and the saved.

          2.  Why are they in their condition?  2 Thessalonians 1:8-10 (830); Romans 1:16-17 (830)

          3.  Those who are perishing accept human wisdom.

    B.  The foolishness of the message is by design.V19 (reference to Isaiah 29:14, read v13 also)

          1. What would God do to the wisdom of the wise?  Why?  When?  Vv20-21;  Acts 17:19-

              24,30-31 (818); John 8:21,24 (787); Romans 2:5-11 (830)

    C.  The idea of 1 Corinthians  1:22-23.

          1.  The Jews refused to accept Christ by faith and wanted proof.

          2.  The Greeks had always trusted in their wisdom and man-made gods.  They

               viewed the idea of the gospel of the cross as pure foolishness. 

    D.  Our salvation is based on a crucified and resurrected Savior.  Acts 2:16,21-33,36-39 (802)

  Closing

    A.  On what should we place our faith?  Romans 10:17 (836)

    B.  As Christians we base our salvation on the acceptance of the message of the cross.