“For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God,
it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”
(1 Corinthians 1:21)
The wisdom of God is displayed in both what He reveals and how He reveals it. And yet the world, surrounded by His works and filled with evidences of His power and order, does not come to know Him by its own wisdom. Human reason can observe creation, measure causes and effects, and admire beauty … all while remaining blind to the living God. And not because the light is insufficient, but because the heart is unwilling. Though the wisdom of God is present, the world by wisdom cannot know God.
In this holy design, God chose to magnify His glory by providing a way of salvation that would humble human pride and exalt divine grace. It pleased God to save believers through what the world calls foolishness. Preaching became the appointed means by which eternal life is given, because what reason despises, God honors. What the world mocks, God uses to redeem.[1]
The offense of preaching lies not in its weakness, but in its authority. It confronts the sinner with truth that cannot be ignored without consequence. Still many reject it outright, judging it to be empty and unproductive, unable to see how a spoken word concerning a crucified Christ could accomplish anything eternal. But to call preaching folly is to pass sentence on the wisdom of God Himself.
Others hate preaching not for what it is, but for what it threatens. When the gospel touches profit, pleasure, reputation, or cherished sin, it becomes intolerable because it disturbs agendas and exposes loyalties. The gospel will not allow men to continue traveling comfortably toward destruction. For this reason, preaching has always been opposed by those who love gain, power, or indulgence more than truth.
Yet none of this frustrates the purpose of God. Satan rages, opposition increases, but the gospel advances. Preaching continues to gather the elect, to enlighten the ignorant, to humble the proud, and to sanctify the redeemed. God has bound saving knowledge to Christ, and Christ is made known through the proclamation of His cross.
There is no saving knowledge of God apart from Christ. Creation may awaken awe, conscience may accuse or excuse, but only Christ reveals the Father in a way that brings life. When Christ is preached, God is made known, sin is exposed, pride is subdued, and holiness begins to germinate. This knowledge of God fills the mind, and the Spirit uses that knowledge to cleanse, rule, and renew the soul. Therefore, what the world calls foolishness is the very instrument of divine wisdom, chosen by God to glorify His Son and to save those who believe.
Contemplations:
- My thoughts about God’s wisdom. I am prone to admire what appears impressive, refined, and clever in human terms. But when I value learning, influence, or eloquence above truth, I must ask myself whether I truly revere God’s wisdom as it is revealed in Christ crucified, or whether I secretly wish He had chosen a way more agreeable to my preferences.
- My response to the preached Word. I must consider how I receive preaching. Do I approach it as a means appointed by God, or do I treat it lightly, as routine or optional? If I find myself resistant, impatient, or dismissive, the problem is not with the message but with my heart. I must ask whether I listen to be changed, or just to be informed.
- My knowledge of God through Christ. A true knowledge of God will transform my desires and direct my obedience. If my life remains untouched by holiness, my knowledge is shallow and incomplete. I must search my heart to see whether Christ has revealed the Father to me in a way that humbles, comforts, and reforms me.
- My esteem for God’s appointed means. I often look for signs, impressions, or extraordinary experiences in my spiritual walk, while neglecting the ordinary ministry of the Word. Yet God has bound His saving work to preaching. If I undervalue what He esteems, I place myself in opposition to Him. I must cultivate gratitude for the gospel proclaimed and pray that God would keep me faithful under it, knowing that this is His chosen way of bringing life.
Prayer (Adoration)
O most wise and glorious God, I adore You for wisdom beyond all created thought. Your ways are higher than mine, and Your counsel stands firm while human understanding falters. I praise You for designing salvation in a manner that humbles pride and magnifies grace.
I worship You for the wisdom displayed in Christ crucified whom You have exalted as the power and wisdom of God. I adore You that You reveal Yourself according to Your holy will, and all Your works are done in perfect harmony with Your nature.
I praise You for appointing preaching as the means by which Christ is made known. You open blind eyes, soften hard hearts, and bring dead sinners to life. I adore You that You speak through Your word with authority, clarity, and saving power.
I glorify You for the knowledge of God that comes through Christ alone. You have not left Yourself hidden, but have revealed Your heart, Your mercy, and Your purposes in Your Son. In Him, I see Your holiness without terror and Your grace without compromise. In Him, wisdom and love meet perfectly.
I adore You that no power of darkness can silence what You have ordained. Your truth stands firm, Your elect are gathered, and Your Son is glorified through the very means the world despises. All praise belongs to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for wisdom so deep and grace so rich.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for 1 Corinthians 1:21:
1 Corinthians 1:18; Matthew 11:25; Romans 3:22; Ephesians 4:18
[1] Thomas Adams, The Works of Thomas Adams: Being the Sum of His Sermons, Meditations, and Other Divine and Moral Discourses (Edinburgh; London; Dublin: James Nichol; James Nisbet and Co.; W. Robertson, 1861–1862), 162–163.
