1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Central Image

Letting the Cowboys pick the Steelers’ quarterback pictured the church accepting its opponents’ standards for who matters and who should lead.

The Turn

We can start thinking that impressive people and polished methods give the church its power, but God saved us through a crucified Christ whom the world called foolish.

Outline

“Maybe spelling wasn’t the main thing”

The Cowboys could mock Bradshaw’s intelligence, but spelling wasn’t what won the game.

Why would the Steelers let their opponent set the qualifications for their quarterback? Pressure and embarrassment can get us to accept somebody else’s standards without noticing.

“Mended back together”

The Corinthians were competing over who preached to them, who baptized them, and whose spiritual heritage was better.

Whatever our story, we all came by God’s providence and grace. Paul wanted them mended together with one attitude and the same purpose.

“The method to God’s madness” — 1 Corinthians 1:18–25

The message of the cross looked foolish to outsiders, but to those being saved it was God’s power. God wasn’t trying to impress the world by its own standards.

“We proclaim Christ crucified”—and proclaiming includes telling that news over coffee, not just preaching on Sunday.

“Christ. God’s power. God’s wisdom.” That’s where the power is.

“So what? Consider your calling” — 1 Corinthians 1:26–31

Not many of them came from powerful or noble backgrounds. God chose the people the world dismissed, on purpose, so nobody could boast before him.

Wisdom, wealth, and position aren’t inherently bad; they just don’t get us there with God. Christ brings righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

Corinth rewarded people who promoted themselves, and the church had brought that competition into its gatherings. “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

“We’re going to preach to the preacher”

Toby is responsible for much of how Sunday morning works, so the temptation to make method everything is real.

“It doesn’t have to be the greatest show on earth, but it does have to not suck.” Careless work can put obstacles in people’s way; doing the work well matters.

But “technique is not the gospel.” Faithfulness means putting the work in without treating our methods as what saves people.

“Technique is not power”

The Barbie ad had Darcy moving as soon as the music started. Somebody had paid good money to get that response—technique can get results.

But the power of the gospel isn’t something we can produce by arranging the service just right.

“Technique, if it’s what it ought to be, is faithfulness. But power is Christ and Him crucified.”

“I will boast in that”

When Toby invites people here, he points to the Lord at work in people: a worship leader’s care, the welcome across different backgrounds, and conversations that keep going long after church.

The Tuesday recovery group gives people somewhere to speak honestly with others who understand. These are things worth telling people about.

Our boast is the crucified Lord working in people’s hearts, not a claim that our preaching or song service beats somebody else’s.

The Landing

Work faithfully without trying to build our own kingdom by our own power, and boast about what Christ is doing among us. The invitation made asking for help concrete: let somebody know you need Jesus and the church’s prayers.

1. What’s a criticism you’ve heard about your favorite team that you’re still willing to argue about?
2. How were the Corinthians letting the “opposing team” decide who deserved attention in their church?
3. Why did Paul tell the Corinthians to look at their own backgrounds when explaining “the method to God’s madness”?
4. Whose opinion can make you feel like you’ve got to prove you’re somebody?
5. Where do you feel the pressure Toby described—being responsible for getting things right until it starts feeling like everything depends on you?
6. When could “technique is not the gospel” become an excuse for doing a careless job?
7. Who might we overlook in our church if we give the most attention to whoever sounds the most impressive?
8. This week, who could you tell about one specific thing the Lord is doing in someone’s life here, the way Toby did?