SOMETHING FOR NOTHING

1 Corinthians 1:18-25



18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
20Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

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Some people simply refuse to believe in God if his existence can't be proven by scientific, intellectual means.  But God offers mankind a message that goes beyond the grasp of rational human intellect.  While
believers throughout the centuries have testified that faith in Jesus is reasonable, Paul reflects the fact that to most people, the message of salvation seems utterly foolish.  Why?  Because its only requirement is faith.  Men don't like that.  Most men feel like they want or need to do something to earn God's favor.

But for a believer, the gospel isn't foolish.  On the contrary, it demonstrates both the wisdom and power of God.  It shows God's wisdom by providing the only possible basis for forgiveness--a sinless
sacrifice.  It shows God's power because Jesus secured something through his death and resurrection that man was unable to produce: namely, our salvation.

One thing is clear, the gospel message came from God.  Men would never have dreamed up something so amazing and wonderful--and so completely free.