1 Corinthians 1:17-22
New International Version
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom 18 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. 19 For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”[a]
20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 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. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,
Friday - September 23
One of the divisions facing the Corinthian church was social status and wealth. This came out in how they celebrated communion. Apparently the wealthier members of the church would eat a huge meal and get drunk on wine, but when the poor members would arrive there would be nothing left for them to eat or drink. Paul tells them if you are that hungry then eat at home first! In the church, wealth and social status do not matter. What matters is what God has done for us in the death and resurrection of Jesus. We do not hold each other in greater regard because of how much we give or how much we serve. We love one another because we are all made in the image of God, we are all loved by God and Jesus died for all of us. We all need the forgiveness and the grace of God.