What role does "the message preached" play in God's plan for salvation? Setting the Scene: God’s Surprise Strategy • 1 Corinthians 1:21: “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.” • Human reason can probe creation yet still miss the Creator. God therefore chose a method the world calls “foolish”—a spoken message about a crucified and risen Savior. The Message Preached: God’s Chosen Instrument • Romans 1:16—“the gospel…is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” • 1 Peter 1:23-25—new birth comes “through the living and enduring word of God… And this word is the gospel that was proclaimed to you.” • Isaiah 55:11—God’s word “will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire.” → The preached word is not mere information; it is God’s own power at work. Why Preaching Looks Like Folly—and Why That Matters • The cross confronts pride. Intellectual or moral self-reliance must bow to grace (1 Corinthians 1:18–25). • By choosing a humble medium—spoken words—God ensures salvation is credited to Him alone, not to eloquence or human insight. What Happens When the Gospel Is Proclaimed 1. Revelation: Christ is made known (2 Corinthians 4:5-6). 2. Conviction: The Spirit pierces hearts (John 16:8). 3. Faith: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). 4. Salvation: Those who believe are rescued from sin and wrath (Ephesians 2:8-9). Linked Realities: The Chain in Romans 10:14-15 • Preacher sent → message proclaimed → hearing → believing → calling on the Lord → salvation. • Remove the message, and the chain breaks. Our Part: Believe and Pass It On • Receive: “Christ died for our sins…was buried…was raised” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Trust Him personally. • Relay: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). • Rely: The effectiveness rests not on our polish but on God who saves through the word (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). Summary In God’s wise design, the preached gospel is the divinely appointed channel through which He unveils Christ, creates faith, and grants salvation. What sounds foolish to the world is, in fact, the very power and wisdom of God for all who believe. |
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