1 Corinthians 1:22-24 (AMP)
For Jews demand signs (attesting miracles), and Greeks pursue [worldly] wisdom and philosophy, but we preach Christ crucified, [a message which is] to Jews a stumbling block [that provokes their opposition], and to Gentiles foolishness [just utter nonsense], but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles), Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God
Dear Saints, let us beware of the twin problems depicted in today’s biblical passage (and last night’s Bible Study): the challenges of religiosity and rationality. As in the early church, these challenges obtain in today’s church. Saints beware!
Firstly, religious people, represented by the Jews in our text, are obsessed with miracles. That is their Achilles heel (weakness). So, they are vulnerable to false prophets, cults, and occults. Because they follow signs and wonders. Because they are impressed by so-called demonstrations of power—be they authentic or gimmicks. That’s how they are trapped and deceived. They don’t understand that authentic believers do NOT follow miracles, but miracles follow genuine believers (Mark 16:17). Of course, there’s nothing wrong with genuine signs and wonders. As Pentecostals, we all firmly believe that they are our heritage. But we don’t follow them. They must follow us.
The second problematic group in our text are those obsessed with rationality (dubbed Greeks). Such folks lean on their own limited human understanding. So they judge the things of God from a human philosophical and intellectual viewpoint. They think they know enough to challenge biblical truths! They don’t realise that God’s thoughts are infinitely higher than our thoughts and that His ways are infinitely greater than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Saints, let us humble ourselves and acknowledge that our understanding is extremely limited. Let us put our trust in Christ completely—His wisdom, power, and glory. Amen?
Pastor Josh