The God given power of human intellect and wisdom is amazing and a reason to give thanks and praise to God. But human beings have a sinful tendency to take good things and make them ultimate things. Paul writes to the church at Corinth to admonish them for seeking power, prestige, and pride through human intellect independent of God (1 Cor 1:18-31). Instead, they (and we) need to return to the Cross which is where the true power and wisdom we need is found.

Paul teaches them that God has set himself against independent human wisdom. He has made foolish the wisdom of the world through the unexpected sending of the Son of God to be crucified and saving those who believe (v. 19-21). We are welcome to ask questions and seek answers, but we are warned against using “human intellect” to distance ourselves from God. Moreover, we must test all claims to wisdom and intelligence against the humility, sacrifice, and love exhibited in the Cross.

Ironically, independent human wisdom doesn’t lead to the utopia it promises. Instead, it puffs us up and causes divisions (1:12) and excludes others. However, through faith in the Cross, the church becomes a place of radical acceptance where God draws to himself people from all different backgrounds (v. 24), including the unimpressive in the world (v. 26-31).

At the Cross, we find our deepest longings and needs met in Christ. He is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption (v. 30). Because he is our righteousness, we are accepted before God. Because he is our holiness, we have confidence that we are becoming more like him by his power. Because he is our redemption, we are set free from worldliness and sin. 

This is all God’s doing (v. 24, 26 - 30) so we don’t boast in our wit, wisdom, or works, but in Christ (v. 31)!

How will you utilize your intelligence and wisdom for God’s glory?

Which of these gifts from Christ in v. 30 most deeply minister to your heart?