The Foolishness of the Message Preached

The Foolishness of the Message Preached

“For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” 1 Cor. 1:21.

God has hidden His wisdom to such an extent in the things that appear lowly and insignificant that it is impossible for the natural man to find it. He considers the preaching of God’s wisdom the preaching of foolishness, and he doesn’t want to have anything to do with it. “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Cor. 2:14.

It is foolishness to the wise men of this world when we preach that it is more blessed to give than to receive, to requite evil with good, to suffer injustice with joy, to deny oneself, etc.

“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory . . . .” 1 Cor. 2:7.

Jesus thanked His heavenly Father that He had hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to the poor and to babes.

This is also a wonderful and glorious comfort. Only those who sincerely acknowledge that they know nothing and can do nothing unless it has been revealed to them gain access to God’s wisdom. They believe the Word in all simplicity, as it is written, without any protest from their human reasoning.

It is written that it pleased God to save those who believe through the foolishness of preaching, and it is great unfaithfulness to preach in such a way that it suits the listeners’ human reasoning. This kind of preaching does not result in salvation and transformation, but rather fosters stiff forms and customs.

God’s hidden wisdom, which He has before ordained for our glory, is found in life’s many tribulations and difficulties. While most people are annoyed at all these things, we can rejoice, knowing that tribulations produce patience; and patience, character; and character, hope. Rom. 5:3-4.

It is utter folly to the wise men of this world when we preach glory through tribulations, sufferings, and reproach. However, for all those who believe it works a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Cor. 4:17.

Blessed are those who have received anointed eyes so that they can see the wisdom of the Most High God in the preaching that the wise men of this world reject as foolishness. By this hidden wisdom, the church of the living God, which is God’s greatest work of creation, is being fully prepared to be to His eternal praise and glory and honor.