December 18, 2020

Witnessing With the Right Message

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE." Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

If you’ve been a Christian for any length of time, you’ve probably heard that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only message God has given us by which people can be saved (Acts 4:12). It doesn’t change with the times or cultural patterns, and we are not to adapt it to be more appealing to a lost world.

Paul said the word of the cross was a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles, but that didn’t stop him from preaching Christ crucified. In that era, crucifixion was shameful, and the thought of a Savior nailed to a cross was offensive and ridiculous. How could such a God save anyone?

The gospel is still offensive today, though it’s usually because people don’t want to admit they are sinners or accept that Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Some believers may be tempted to downplay the role of sin and shame when sharing the good news; however, neglecting to mention sin, repentance, and the exclusivity of Christ robs listeners of the chance to genuinely be saved. When the true gospel is presented, God’s Spirit is able to overcome the offense and bring people to Jesus Christ.

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