TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 1: 26-31
READING: ISAIAH 42: 1-16
SUBJ: The calling of the Lord's people with the understanding that it is not because of them; rather it is a work of the Spirit giving life in us and the effectual hearing of the Gospel and the realization of the love of God in them.
AIM: That we might realize that we have graciously been made to hear the voice of the Shepherd and have been effectually drawn to follow Him.
INTR: The wisdom of this world could never have found out God let alone been able to effect the change needed to be accepted in His sight - a miracle of graced was required and has been accomplished in all who have heard the call.
1. It has been previously established that the world sees the true preaching of the cross as foolishness as is witness on every occasion in which they resist the call to repentance.
2. Those who know the Lord know that a mysterious and miraculous work has been done in them wherein a new heart with a whole new set of affections has been given to them.
3. As further means of keeping this before us Paul brings to our attention those called so as to remove any hint of human merit to found among them.
THESIS: God is seen to be the moving force in all that is acceptable to Him and that includes especially the call unto salvation wherein men are brought to repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
I. The matter of calling (v. 26)
1. The first part of verse 26 establishes the fact of a called people and will point them to considerations of it such a calling - they are called to be saints (v. 2).
1) We would consider such passages as: 1Th 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. AND 2Th 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. AND 2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, AND 1 Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
2) We would pause to consider then that this is taught of God and consider Romans 8:29-30.
3) Personal experience causes us to realize that it was not of ourselves and,
4) We know the caller - even the Lord Himself.
2. The second part of the verse calls us to see who were not many among the called of God.
1) Notably the wise - human wisdom that looks to itself and so depends on it to discern.
2) The mighty - those in positions of great power (consider Nebuchadnezzar).
3) The noble - from the higher ranks of society, who would hold others in contempt.
II. The choice of God (vv. 27-29)
1. Remember: Jas 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
2. A study in contrasts:
1) Foolish (those who would seem so to the world) to frustrate the expectations of the wise.
2) The weak ones (perceived as lacking strength of character and ability) to mock the mighty.
3) Base things and things despised (the harlots and the publicans) so bringing to nothing any thought of nobility or human worth.
3. The divine objective is clearly and profoundly stated (v. 29)
1) That nothing of the flesh (that which pertains to fallen human nature)
2) Should ever seek any part of the glory beyond that given them in their identity with Christ Jesus our Lord.
3) Jer 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
III. Christ made unto us (vv. 30-31)
1. Isa 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
2. We see then:
1) Made unto us wisdom - Not only are they given salvation by the wisdom of God, they are given a measure of Divine wisdom by which they are enabled to act in ways pleasing to God - Christ in them.
2) He is made unto us righteousness - Again, the imputed righteousness of Christ: 2 Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
3) And sanctification from sin - Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
4) Redemption - Secured by the blood of Christ from this present evil world. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19).
3. It is written: See Jeremiah 9:24 above.
