Introduction:

In our walk with Christ, we sometimes find ourselves straying from His intended path. Just like the church in Corinth, we can become distracted, divided, and defiled. But there is hope! By returning to the cross, we can rediscover the power and wisdom of God. This study explores how the message of the cross can transform our lives, drawing from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.

1. The Faithfulness of God

Paul begins his letter to the Corinthians not with rebuke, but with a reminder of God’s faithfulness. He declares that God has enriched them in all utterance and knowledge, lacking no spiritual gift.

• Scripture: “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him” (1 Corinthians 1:4-5).
• Application: Take time to reflect on how God has been faithful in your own life. Instead of magnifying problems, magnify the Lord and remember His goodness.

2. The Desperation for Unity

Paul pleads with the Corinthian church to speak the same thing and to have no divisions. He is desperate for them to return to unity and to be perfectly joined together in the same mind and judgment.

• Scripture: “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, that there be no divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
• Application: Divisions often arise when we lose focus on Christ and place our eyes on man. Strive for unity by prioritizing Christ above all else.

3. The Distraction from the Cross

The Corinthians had become distracted and divided, losing focus on the cross of Christ. Paul reminds them that he was not sent to baptize, but to preach the gospel, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

• Scripture: “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect” (1 Corinthians 1:17).
• Application: Guard against diluting the message of the cross with persuasive words or worldly wisdom. The purity of the cross is the key to returning to the heart of worship.

4. The Foolishness and Power of the Cross

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved, it is the power of God. God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.

• Scripture: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
• Application: Embrace the “foolishness” of the cross. It is through the cross that we find salvation, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

5. God’s Determination and Our Response

God has determined to destroy the wisdom of the wise and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. He desires that we boast in Him alone.

• Scripture: “But it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord’” (1 Corinthians 1:31).
• Application: Humble yourself and come to the foot of the cross. Confess your sins, agree with God, and allow Him to make things right in your life.

Conclusion:

The message of the cross is central to our faith. By returning to the cross, we can rediscover God’s faithfulness, restore unity, and experience His power. Embrace the cross, and allow it to transform your life.

Actionable Step:

Take some time to reflect on areas in your life where you may have become distracted or divided. Ask God to reveal any compromises or sins that are hindering your relationship with Him. Confess these things to God and ask for His forgiveness and guidance.

The message of the cross is central to our faith. By returning to the cross, we can rediscover God’s faithfulness, restore unity, and experience His power. Embrace the cross, and allow it to transform your life.

If you’re seeking to understand more about surrender, reflection and accessing God’s wisdom, you might find our article The Gift of Slowing Down: Allowing Gods Wisdom to Surface insightful. Or, if you are looking for ways to avoid inner darkness and cultivate light, consider reading How to Discover Light in a World of Darkness. Finally, for more on repenting and finding strength, see 2 Chronicles 157: Finding Strength in the Midst of Trials.

References

• CCM Monday Night Men’s Fellowship