The Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to the church in Corinth, a city known for its wealth, philosophy, and love of human wisdom. The Greeks in Corinth admired intellectual debates and logical arguments, while the Jewish people looked for miraculous signs to confirm God's power.  

Paul, however, challenges both groups by preaching Christ crucified—something that seemed weak and foolish to them. But in reality, God’s wisdom is greater than any human wisdom, and His power is displayed in the cross.  

In this study, we’ll see how God's wisdom works differently from what the world expects and why we should rely on His wisdom instead of our own. 

“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 Cor. 1:18)

Some people think the message of Jesus dying on a cross is nonsense. For others – those who believe – know it’s actually God’s power to save us. The world chases after wisdom and intelligence, but God’s wisdom is way beyond that.  

Let’s talk about it:
- Why do you think some people see the message of Jesus as foolish?
- Can you think of a time when God’s way didn’t make sense at first but later proved powerful?
- How do we sometimes try to mix the world’s wisdom with God’s?  

“Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called… Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor. 1:22-24)  

What’s happening here? The Jews wanted miracles to prove God’s power. The Greeks (non-Jews) wanted philosophy and logic to prove truth. Instead, God sent Jesus to die on a cross—which looked weak and foolish to both groups! But in reality, Jesus is the ultimate power and wisdom of God.  

Let’s talk about it:
- What are some “signs” or “proofs” people demand today before they believe in Jesus?
- Have you ever struggled with God’s way because it didn’t seem “logical”? 
- How can we trust that God’s wisdom is greater than our own understanding?  

“God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (1 Cor. 1:27)

God works differently. God doesn’t pick the strongest, smartest, or richest people to accomplish His will. Instead, He chooses ordinary, even weak people so that He gets the credit.  We don’t boast in our own wisdom—we boast in Jesus.  

Let’s talk about it:
- How does this encourage you when you feel weak or unqualified?  
- Can you think of a person in the Bible (or real life) whom God used in an unexpected way?   
- What are some ways we can rely on God’s wisdom instead of our own?  

God’s wisdom doesn’t always make sense at first. But when we trust Him, we see His power at work. The cross seemed like weakness, but it was actually God’s greatest victory.  

Personal challenge:
This week, when you’re faced with a decision, take a moment to ask – “Am I relying on my own wisdom, or am I trusting God’s wisdom?”