1 Corinthians: The Crucified Christ - Week 3
Opening Prayer:
Jesus,
Thank you that You chose the way of the Cross instead of the way of power.
Forgive us for chasing status, comfort and recognition.
Teach us to become a community where everyone is treated with dignity, where the overlooked are welcomed, and where we courageously move towards places of pain and injustice.
May our lives together reflect the wisdom and power of your cross.
Amen.
Key Scripture:
18 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. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
2 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5
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Paul reminds the Corinthians that God's wisdom doesn't look like the world's wisdom. The centre of our faith isn't power, success or status—it is Jesus crucified.
The cross was a symbol of shame, oppression and weakness. Yet God chose this very place to reveal His power and wisdom. Jesus doesn't simply rescue people from a distance; He enters suffering with them and defeats sin, death and injustice through resurrection.
If the cross is at the centre of our faith, then it should also shape the kind of community we become.
Discussion Guide:
Think of a time when someone or something surprised you because it was far more significant than it first appeared.
1. What surprises you most about God's way?
Paul says the cross looked like foolishness and weakness.
Why do you think God chose the cross instead of something more obviously impressive?
Where do you see our culture valuing success, influence, or image?
How can Christians accidentally adopt those same values?
2. Who belongs at the centre of God's people?
Paul reminds the Corinthians that not many of them were powerful or influential when God called them.
Why do you think Paul points this out?
Who are the people our society often overlooks or ignores?
How can churches unintentionally make some people feel more important than others?
3. Where is Christ today?
Jo suggested that Christ identifies with those who suffer—that Jesus stands with the oppressed and forgotten.
Where do you see suffering or injustice in Christchurch? In New Zealand? the World?
Where might Christ be inviting us to pay closer attention?
Is there anyone you've found difficult to notice or value?
4. What would an "upside-down community" actually look like?
Imagine someone visited your community for six months. Would they notice:
Everyone being welcomed with dignity?
Unlikely friendships?
Generosity?
People serving without recognition?
People on the margins becoming central?
Which of those do you think you're already growing in? Which feels hardest?
Practice:
Intentionally move towards someone you would normally move past. That could be:
Inviting someone out for coffee
Spending time with someone from a very different stage of life
Visiting someone who is sick or isolated
Learning the name of someone who serves behind the scenes
Sharing a meal with someone who couldn't repay the invitation
Listening to someone whose story is very different from yours
At your next gathering, begin by asking:
Where did you notice Christ as you intentionally moved towards someone this week?
Additional Resources:
For a printable version of this guide click here.