Fool's Wisdom

Guided Question

In what ways do I view the message of the cross as "foolish"—and how might God be inviting me to experience its transforming power instead?

Summary

Dr. Robert Lewis explores the paradox of the Christian faith: the message of the cross—foolishness to the world but power to those being saved. Using Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians and a story from Isaiah, he shows how human wisdom repeatedly fails to answer life’s deepest questions. Only through Christ's death and resurrection do we find forgiveness, purpose, and power to live differently. The message is not just theoretical—it changes lives.

Outline

1. Introduction

   • Prayer and welcome to visitors

   • Reflections on the presence of God

2. Two Responses to the Cross

   • Story: restaurant encounter shows contrasting reactions to the gospel

   • 1 Corinthians 1:18—"The word of the cross is foolishness to the perishing"

   • Greek word mōria (foolishness, absurdity)

3. God’s Plan for Man

   • Humanity was created for relationship with God

   • Sin as rebellion and separation

   • Only Christ’s sacrifice restores us to God

   • This gift must be personally received

4. Israel’s Mistake: Trusting Egypt, Not God

   • Isaiah 29–30: Historical context—Assyria threatens Jerusalem

   • Israel turns to Egypt instead of repenting

   • God rebukes their reliance on human power

   • Miraculous deliverance follows Hezekiah’s surrender to God

5. Application: When You’re Out of Options

   • We, like Israel, often exhaust all options before turning to God

   • C.S. Lewis: God is not proud—He stoops to conquer

6. The Failure of Human Wisdom

   • Paul asks, “Where is the wise man?”

   • Human wisdom has not improved the human condition

   • Churchill quote: knowledge grows, but virtue does not

7. Real Power: The Gospel Transforms Lives

   • Augustine: from sinful living to radical transformation

   • Gospel isn’t just a theory; it brings power

   • God’s kingdom is about transformation, not just words

Key Takeaways

1. The Cross Offends Human Pride The message of a crucified Savior seems absurd to the self-sufficient and proud.

2. God’s Plan Inverts Human Expectations Salvation comes not through strength, but through what appears weak and foolish.

3. There Is Only One Way Back to God The cross is God's exclusive and sufficient plan for reconciliation.

4. Transformation Is the Evidence Faith in Christ results in real life change, not just new beliefs.

5. God Waits for Our Desperation God often allows us to run out of options so we can finally turn to Him.

6. Skepticism Is Real—But So Is the Evidence From personal stories to archaeology, the gospel is rooted in both power and truth.

Scriptural References

• 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 – The contrast between the foolishness of the cross and God’s power

• Isaiah 29:14 – “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise...”

• Isaiah 30:1–3 – Rebuke of Israel’s alliance with Egypt

• Isaiah 53:6 – “All we like sheep have gone astray...”

• Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death...”

• Acts 4:12 – “There is salvation in no one else...”

• 1 Corinthians 4:20 – “The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”

Recorded 4/19/81