THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:16-17).

Devotion 23 of 27

THE WORLD'S WISDOM IS FOOLISHNESS

It is not possible to overemphasize this point! God has dethroned the wisdom of this world--all of it! All attempts to resolve the human dilemma by worldly wisdom are vain--and there are no exceptions! God has permanently voided the wisdom of this world. It is utterly impotent in things "pertaining to life and godliness." It is incapable of appropriating Divine benefits, and never gives a spiritual advantage to those possessing it. If that appears too strong, the words of the Lord must be aggressively believed. It is the "old serpent" who makes the Gospel appear powerless and foolish! There is no "debater" capable of successfully defending the employment of worldly wisdom in preaching! "Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" (1 Cor 1:20, NASB).

God gave the professed thinkers of this world 2,500 years, without a moral code, to come up with the answers, and 1,500 years with the law of commandments to do the same. After four millennia, the depravity of worldly wisdom was confirmed in the crucifixion of the Lord of glory--by the world's wise people.

"Wise" religion and "wise" politics joined together in an unanimous rejection of Wisdom incarnate. Here is the Word of the Lord on the subject. "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (1 Cor 2:7-8). Members of the most proficient earthly government, and the most astute of the only Divinely chosen people, joined forces against the Lord of glory. Before their very eyes enfleshed Deity stood, taught, and worked mighty wonders. Yet, their wisdom fell to the ground in utter impotence. Not a single prince of "this world" recognized the Lord of glory--even though presented with many proofs. If they--the "princes of this world"--had known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory!

How dare any person trust such wisdom in the matter of the salvation of mankind! Who is the person that would dare to pepper the preaching of the Gospel with the wisdom of this world? God has, in the revelation of Jesus Christ, "MADE" the wisdom of this world foolishness. He has revealed its worthlessness by confronting them with the Word made flesh. Their reaction--the crucified the Lord of glory. It is not possible to be more foolish!

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Jesus Christ for delivering a Gospel characterized by the wisdom that is from above.

-- Tomorrow: GOD IS PLEASED TO SAVE THROUGH PREACHING --