How can we address objections to the Gospel in light of 1 Corinthians 1:23? Recognizing the Landscape of Objections • 1 Corinthians 1:23: “but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” • Two main hurdles appear in Paul’s day—and still today: – “Stumbling block” (σκάandalon): The cross offends moral or religious expectations. – “Foolishness” (μωρία): The cross offends intellectual pride or cultural sophistication. • Expect resistance; Scripture predicts it (John 15:18–20). Our task is not to remove every offense but to explain the truth lovingly (Ephesians 4:15). Why the Cross Offends—and How to Respond 1. Religious Offense (“stumbling block”) • Objection: “A crucified Messiah contradicts my religious system.” • Response: – Show prophecy fulfilled (Isaiah 53:3–6; Psalm 22). – Emphasize God’s plan, not human expectation (Acts 2:23). – Point to the resurrection as divine confirmation (Romans 1:4). 2. Intellectual Offense (“foolishness”) • Objection: “Miracles and substitutionary atonement sound irrational.” • Response: – Highlight God’s superior wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25). – Present historical evidence for the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). – Invite honest investigation; truth withstands scrutiny (Acts 17:2–3). 3. Moral Offense (“exclusivity”) • Objection: “One way to God feels narrow.” • Response: – Jesus’ own claim (John 14:6). – Universality of human sin (Romans 3:23). – Universality of gospel invitation (Revelation 22:17). 4. Emotional Offense (“problem of suffering”) • Objection: “A good God wouldn’t allow pain.” • Response: – The cross shows God entering our suffering (Hebrews 4:15). – Future hope of restoration (Revelation 21:4). – Present comfort through the Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:3–5). Practical Posture When Engaging Objections • Pray for God to open hearts (Acts 16:14). • Listen carefully; don’t assume motives (Proverbs 18:13). • Keep the main message central: Christ crucified and risen (1 Corinthians 2:2). • Share personal testimony; lived experience reinforces truth (1 Timothy 1:15–16). • Offer Scripture, trusting its power (Hebrews 4:12). • Maintain gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Confidence in the Power of the Message • The same “foolish” gospel is “the power of God and the wisdom of God” to those called (1 Corinthians 1:24). • Salvation rests on God’s initiative, not our persuasion (John 6:44). • Therefore, speak boldly yet humbly, knowing that “the word of the cross” still saves all who believe (Romans 1:16). |
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