“Nonsense”
Sunday, October 2, 2011, 10:00 a.m.
Allendale Baptist Church, Allendale, MI
Pastor Jonathan DeCou
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5
BIG IDEA: What difference does the cross make?
“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV)
The _____________ to the cross.
I can _____________ _____________ the cross.
- I can _____________ _____________ the cross.
- I can _____________ the cross.
The _____________ of the cross.
- Consider __________ the cross _____________.
- Consider __________ the cross _____________.
The _____________ of the cross.
- The cross determines my _____________.
- The cross determines my _____________.
- The cross determines my _____________.
BIG IDEA: What difference does the cross make?
Read: Re-read 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5
Think: Reflect on Paul’s message about the cross of Jesus Christ and then ask yourself the following questions: When, in your estimation, did your parents suddenly become wiser What was the least useful course you had to take in high school or college? Why? What was the “wisdom and strength” which was so attractive to the Corinthians (1:20-21, 26; 2:1, 4-5)? In contrast, what was the “wisdom and power” of God (1:18, 21, 24-25, 27-30; 2:4-5)? Is Paul rejecting education itself, or some related and prideful assumptions? Explain. In 1:30, Paul uses four terms to describe what Christ is for those who trust Him. How would you define each one: wisdom (see Colossians 2:2, 8-10)? Righteousness (see Romans 3:22)? Holiness (see Galatians 2:20)? Redemption (See 1 Peter 1:18-19)?
Do: Identify some individuals who could be described as powerful, smart and successful from a worldly perspective. How do they sometimes come into conflict with Jesus Christ? How do people today confuse the world’s power with God’s power? How does that affect you? Think of situations where God uses the weak, lowly and despised to build His Kingdom in our day. How would others describe your response to the cross? How can you draw attention to the cross of Jesus Christ this week in a way that honors Him and helps others? Resolve to allow the cross of Jesus Christ to dominate your thinking, words and conduct this week.
