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Ask God: Who does God Use? He uses ordinary people who are willing and obedient. There are many examples given in the Bible; Moses, David, Gideon, Jonah are a few.

Good Evening Reader,

Paul reminds us that God can do great things through us when we allow Him to work in our lives. This is Paul's message to the church at Corinth.

I hope your week is going well and God is blessing you.

Know that God is with you always!

All Glory to God.

Elvin

Choosing God's Wisdom or the World's Wisdom

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

The message of the cross is central to the Christian faith, but not everyone sees it the same way. In 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, the apostle Paul draws a clear line between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God.

To the unbelieving world, the cross seems foolish—a symbol of defeat and weakness. But to those who believe, it is the very power of God for salvation (1 Corinthians 1:18). This lesson reminds us that God often works through the lowly, the humble, and the overlooked to display His glory.

As Paul writes, "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise... so that no one may boast before him" (1 Corinthians 1:27, 29). For us as believers, this passage offers both comfort and challenge: comfort in knowing that God can use us regardless of our status and a challenge to rely not on our own strength but on Christ. "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:31).

Paul encouraged the believers at Corinth and us to walk humbly, and give God all the glory for what He accomplishes through our lives.

What is it about the message of the cross that causes it to seem foolish to some people, and why is it seen as the power of God to others?

The cross is seen as foolish by those who rely on human wisdom and pride. It represents weakness and defeat in the eyes of the world.

An example is that the Jews expected a conquering Messiah and found the cross offensive. At the same time, the Greeks, who prized logic and philosophy, considered it irrational (1 Corinthians 1:23). Yet, to believers, the cross is the power of God—it brings forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. God's ways are higher than those of any human believer or non-believer and can only be understood through faith.

Paul explains, "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18). The message of the cross reverses worldly expectations. It shows that God's greatest act of power was through an act of apparent weakness.

Through faith, believers see what others overlook—the victory of Christ crucified. Faith transforms the seemingly foolish message into a divine revelation of strength and love.

In what ways does God's wisdom differ from the world's wisdom? How do we sometimes rely too much on human reasoning?

God's wisdom is eternal, pure, and leads to life, while the world's wisdom is often short-sighted, prideful, and self-serving. The world elevates intellect, fame, and influence, but God honors humility, faith, and obedience. Paul asks, "Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" (1 Corinthians 1:20).

The cross confounds human expectations, showing that God's way is not man's way. Believers can fall into the trap of trusting logic, credentials, and social acceptance rather than trusting God's Word and Spirit. Proverbs 3:5 warns, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." When we lean on worldly wisdom, we risk missing God's direction.

But God's wisdom, though often contrary to cultural norms, leads to lasting peace and eternal truth. Embracing God's wisdom means choosing faith, Scripture, and dependence on Him over self-reliance and popular opinion.

Why do you think God chooses the "foolish," "weak," and "lowly" things of the world to fulfill His purposes?

God chooses the unlikely so that His glory is unmistakable. By using what the world considers weak or foolish, God humbles human pride and exalts divine power. Paul writes, "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27).

This pattern runs throughout Scripture: David defeated Goliath with a sling, Mary gave birth to the Messiah, and unsophisticated fishermen became apostles. God's choice ensures that no one can boast in themselves, as the credit belongs solely to Him.

When God works through the humble, it becomes clear that success is not a result of human merit, but of divine grace. This truth encourages us to rely on God, not ourselves. Our weaknesses become opportunities for God's strength to be seen. In His hands, even the most unlikely person can accomplish great things.

Can you think of a time when God used someone unexpected to do something remarkable? What does that teach us about how God works?

Gideon's story in Judges 6–7 is a striking example. He was fearful, and from the weakest tribe in Israel, yet God called him a "mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). With only 300 men, Gideon defeated a vast Midianite army, proving that the victory came from God, not human strength.

In the New Testament, Jesus chose ordinary men—fishermen, a tax collector, and a zealot—to spread the gospel. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became one of the greatest missionaries.

These examples show that God values the heart more than reputation. He equips those who are willing, regardless of their background. As Paul states, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

God delights in using the unexpected to show that His power, not human effort, accomplishes His will. This encourages every believer to be available and faithful, regardless of personal limitations.

According to this passage, what is the proper response when God uses us in mighty ways? Who should get the glory?

The proper response is humility and praise. We must recognize that every good thing we accomplish is by God's power. Paul says God chose the weak and foolish "so that no human being might boast in the presence of God" (1 Corinthians 1:29).

Verse 31 reinforces this: "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." God alone deserves the glory. When we take credit, we rob God of honor. Like John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).

Whether in ministry, daily work, or personal growth, we must always point others to Jesus. He is the source of our strength (John 15:5). When people see God's hand at work in our lives, they are drawn to Him, not to us. Boasting in the Lord means giving credit where it is due and living in a way that magnifies God's grace and greatness rather than our own achievements.

How does understanding God's way of choosing and using people affect how we view ourselves and others in the church?

It cultivates humility and unity. Realizing that God often uses the unlikely helps us value ourselves and others not by outward appearance or social status but by God's grace and purpose. Paul reminds the Corinthians, "Not many of you were wise by human standards... but God chose the lowly things of this world" (1 Corinthians 1:26–28).

This truth eliminates pride and promotes appreciation for all members of the church. It encourages us not to judge based on gifts or background. We're reminded that each believer is significant and equipped by God (1 Corinthians 12:4–7).

It also gives hope to those who feel unworthy or unqualified. God's calling is not about merit but willingness. When we understand this, the church becomes a place of encouragement, service, and mutual respect. We begin to see one another through the eyes of grace, valuing every role in the body of Christ.

What does it mean that Jesus became "wisdom from God" for us (v. 30)? How should that change how we live and make decisions?

Jesus embodies the fullness of God's wisdom. Paul writes, "Christ Jesus... became to us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30). This means that everything we need for salvation, holiness, and eternal life is found in Christ. He is the answer to the most profound human questions and the solution to sin and separation from God.

Knowing this changes how we live. We no longer trust our own wisdom or the world's guidance but follow Christ's teachings. Colossians 2:3 says that in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

When faced with decisions, we seek Christ through prayer and the guidance of Scripture. Our values, priorities, and goals become shaped by His example. Jesus becomes our foundation and compass. Living under His wisdom produces righteousness and peace. It keeps us dependent on Him, knowing that true life and purpose are found in Him alone.

No matter where you place yourself in abilities, if you rely on God, He will use you to accomplish His purpose. We only need to be willing and obedient.

Elvin

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God's Ways Are Above Our Ways.

Ask God For Help

Christian faith

Reader,

Hosea said his people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Knowledge give believers and non-believers a choice. When a person does not know, they cannot choose.

Feel free to forward this lesson to your friends and family.

Grow in the knowledge of God.

Elvin

Send your comments to elvin.aycock@AskGodForHelp.net and let me know what you think of the lessons.

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