The Foolishness of Preaching

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:21-31

“How Firm A Foundation”

God might have spoken to man in many different ways. But He “was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” Why a preached message? Why bottle His treasure in earthen vessels to be delivered by fallible creatures. It’s impossible to fathom God’s wisdom, but man’s foolishness can perceive some sense in God’s choice.

A preached message finds humble hearers. It’s hard for a man to take his medicine from another fallible man. It’s hard not to ask, “Why should I listen to you?” But it takes humility to look past the messenger and to examine the message to see if it contains any truth relevant to yourself. A preached message will only be heeded by humble ears. In just such a way God sifts the hearts of men.

A preached message is a persuasive one. Though messengers are fallible, audiences understand that fallible men don’t ordinarily run the risk of being despised when nothing is to be gained. The only profit in preaching, at least honest preaching, is if the message of the cross is true, and if the price at stake is the souls of men. God knew that such foolishness convicts honest listeners.

What do you think? Why else did God choose for His message to be preached? Isn’t it true that “the foolishness of God is wiser than men?”

Jason Moore