In the opening chapter of 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul draws back the veil and reveals to us the glorious things of God—truths that stand in stark contrast to the wisdom and strength of the world. Here we are called to see life not as men see it, but as God reveals it: through the lens of His will, His Church, His grace, His power, His wisdom, and even His so-called “foolishness” and “weakness.” Let us walk carefully through these treasures.

Hints for Teachers

The Riches of God’s Ways: Reflections from 1 Corinthians 1

We begin with the will of God (1 Corinthians 1:1, BSB). Paul states that he is “called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” God’s will is not hidden or mysterious to those who seek Him; it is revealed plainly in His Word and known experientially as we walk obediently in His ways. How comforting to know that our calling, our purpose, and our direction are not self-made but rooted in His perfect will!

Next comes the Church of God (verse 2). Paul addresses “the church of God in Corinth, those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints.” It is not the church that creates Christians; rather, it is Christians—those redeemed by Christ—who make up the Church. The Church is not a human institution but a divine creation, formed by the living stones of believers, built upon the foundation of Christ Himself.

We then come to the grace of God (verse 4). Paul thanks God “for the grace given you in Christ Jesus.” Grace is His favor resting upon us, His strength empowering us, and His beauty adorning us. Grace is the golden thread that binds every blessing to the heart of the believer. It is not earned but freely bestowed, enriching and enabling us to live for His glory.

Following closely is the power of God (verse 18). Paul declares, “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.” God’s power manifests in many ways: the blood of Christ cleansing us, the Word assuring us, His love constraining us, His peace guarding us, His joy strengthening us, and His Spirit empowering every step of our journey. The cross, so despised by the world, is in fact the epicenter of divine power.

We are also shown the wisdom of God (verse 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.” God’s wisdom is seen most clearly at the cross—where justice and mercy meet, where judgment and grace kiss. He knows how to tailor every blessing to the needs of His children, displaying a wisdom far above human understanding.

Then, Paul speaks of the foolishness of God (verse 25). “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom.” God is never truly foolish. Rather, what men perceive as foolish—such as the message of a crucified Savior—is in reality the most profound wisdom. What the world mocks, God magnifies; what the world dismisses, God uses to save souls.

Lastly, there is the weakness of God (verse 25). “And the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” Again, Paul speaks comparatively. The so-called weakness of Christ crucified is stronger than all the strength the world can muster. One drop of divine strength outweighs the oceans of human power. One moment of God’s working accomplishes what millennia of human striving could never achieve.

Dear friend, these are the things “of God”—and they are not distant theological concepts, but living realities for those who are in Christ. How do these truths meet you today? Which of God’s gifts do you most need to embrace anew—His will, His grace, His power, His wisdom?

As you meditate further, ponder also:

Isaiah 55:8–9 – “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.’”

Will of God, Grace and Power of God, Wisdom of God, Cross of Christ, Strength in Weakness, 1 Corinthians 1, Christian Living