1 Corinthians 1:22-24 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:… I. THE LEANING THEME OF PAUL'S MINISTRY. 1. The Person declared in his ministry. Christ, not the patriarchs, prophets, &c. Men of renown in history must not supplant Jesus. 2. The atonement proclaimed in his ministry. We have to speak to the masses — not science, philosophy, &c., but a crucified Lord. II. THE GREAT DIFFICULTIES IN PAUL'S MINISTRY. 1. The superstition of the Jews. They spurned the gospel because it appealed to their spiritual nature. They did not want a suffering Messiah. If we are seeking signs, we are superstitious. We are rejecting the tidings of "Christ crucified." 2. The scepticism of the Greeks. A crucified Christ appeared to them a fable. Many in spirit are still doing the same. III. THE DIVINE CHARACTER OF PAUL'S MINISTRY. 1. The universality of the gospel. The glorious gospel is for all mankind. 2. The powerfulness of the gospel. The death of the Cross is the greatest manifestation of the power of God. 3. The knowledge of the gospel. Christ displays God's highest wisdom. None can instruct us aright but Christ, and we shall never learn the wisdom of God unless we sit at the foot of the Cross.Conclusion: 1. There is no other way of salvation but what is revealed in the gospel of a crucified Saviour. 2. May we never be of the class who reject and despise God's method of redemption. 3. Between the conflict of power and wisdom, Christ is the living embodiment of the greatest force in the world. 4. We must believe the gospel before we can experience its saving influence. (A. Buckley.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: |
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