1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (WEL) For you see your calling, brethren, how [there are] not many who are wise according to human standards [literally flesh], not many mighty, not many noble are called, 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the mighty. 28 God has also chosen the low-class, despised, and those who are nothings in this world in order to bring to nothing [those who think they] are, 29 So that no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But because of him, you are in Christ Jesus, whom God has made to us wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption, 31 So that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” [Jeremiah 9:23-24]
V26 For you see your calling, brethren, how [there are] not many who are wise according to human standards [literally flesh], not many mighty, not many noble are called…
The first calling from God is the call for our salvation as in Matthew 11:28 and John 3:16.
God gives other invitations, too, but these are for believers. These are given in no particular order.
Eternal life—1 Timothy 6:12
Fellowship—1 John 1:3.
Prayer—1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Discipleship—Matthew 4:21
Sanctification (a life separated from the world’s system, lifestyle, rules, worldview)—1 Thessalonians 4:7
A Christian lifestyle—1 Peter 3:8-9
An abundant life (peace with God, God’s peace, assurance of salvation, an eternal home in heaven, the indwelling Holy Spirit, fruit of the Spirit, and many other blessings)—John 10:10.
Holy life dedication to God—Romans 12:1-2.
Serve God—John 12:26.
Answered prayer as for example James 1:5.
To be disciples to preach and teach the Gospel—Matthew 28:19-20Not many elites, professionals, philosophers, etc., become believers. Why? Possibly they think too much of themselves. A person must humble themselves to believe God because the Gospel seems too simple, too illogical, and too easy.
The same standard applies to generals, people of exceptional strength, or from royal families who believe either. Why? Possibly because they might be too much to give up (parties, possibly finances, etc.).
V27 …But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the mighty.
The reason God chose ordinary people is to shame the wise (elites, royalty, etc.) so that they would humble themselves after seeing the Gospel change lives. The same would apply to people of physical or intellectual strength.
V28 God has also chosen the low-class, despised, and those who are nothings in this world in order to bring to nothing [those who think they] are…
What most consider to be scum, God wants them to believe the Gospel, too. Compare Matthew 11:19.
V29 …So that no flesh should glory in his presence.
We must never think we are somebody wonderful because we believe the Gospel. The amount of money we have does not influence God, nor someone’s status, standing in society, intellect, success in finance, success in business, amount of academic degrees, etc. All of that does not mean much. What pleases God is humility (Proverbs 3:34, Psalm 51:17 (a surrender of my will to be yielded to God’s will), and Proverbs 28:13), and faith in Him.
V30 But because of him, you are in Christ Jesus, whom God has made to us wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption…
The but is showing a contrast that salvation is not from us, discovered by us, or proved by us. It is from God.
Comments:
Alford on this verse: “But (contrast to the boasting just spoken of) of Him are ye (from Him ye, who once were as οὐκ ὄντα,—ἐστέ.—He is the author of your spiritual life) in (in union with) Christ Jesus…”
Believer’s Bible Commentary: “Verse 30 emphasizes even further that all we are and have comes from Him—not from philosophy, and that there is therefore no room for human glory.”
Paul is answering a question. Where did all this salvation come from? The Gospel came from God. We are in Christ (believers) because God decided to have mercy, send Jesus to be our Savior, and faith in Jesus without the proofs of human wisdom.
There is salvation only in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). Jesus is our wisdom (to teach and lead us), righteousness (as an example of the life and attitude we must live), holiness (the standard of what is holy), and redemption (our Passover Lamb). We look to Jesus as His servants because He is exalted above all (Colossians 3:1, Acts 5:31, and Hebrews 7:26).
Human wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption are not the source of the Gospel.
V31 …So that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” [Jeremiah 9:23-24]
We do not glorify ourselves; we glorify Jesus our Redeemer, Teacher, and King.
We learn:
- No human can find God and redemption on his own.
- God is the opener of our heart and mind (Acts 16:14).
Questions:
- Do you glorify God?
- Do you rejoice and praise Jesus the Redeemer?