Are you a foolish preacher?

In a recent 3 part mini-series within his on-going commentary, Dr. Albert Mohler took an exegetical look at 1st Corinthians chapter 1 verses 18-31. The series was entitled “The Foolishness of the Cross” and over the course of three different days, Dr. Mohler dug, quite deeply, into the mind of God.

In part one, Dr. Mohler pointed out that the word translated as “foolishness” might have better been translated as insanity or madness. Because this is how our message appears to those who are perishing. While this is true, it is still the heart of the message we have been called to proclaim. We do not have the authority to update or change the message of the cross just to make it more appealing to those who think it sounds crazy. But for those who have experienced the “Power of God”, Dr. Mohler points out that over time, we come to an understanding of “just how foolish our previous thoughts really were.” And it is that, very foolish sounding, that has the power to save, and that is well pleasing to God.

In part two, we see how God’s purpose is carried out in this world through this foolish sounding message that we have been called to preach. He says that we, as the church, are really a witness to the power of this foolish gospel message. “For what but the gospel could explain how we got here?” Dr. Mohler concludes with a close look at verse 29. Here he gives us an in-depth look at the original meaning behind the word boast. The original idea not only implies that thought of having bragging rights, but it also implies the idea of trust. Whom should we place our trust in, ourselves or God and His foolish sounding message of the cross that has the power to save?

In the third and final installment, Dr. Mohler looks at verses 30 and 31. He opens with a wonderful statement “Every person will be one kind of fool or the other. We are going to be one variety of fool--the fool who rejects the knowledge of God--or the other kind of fool, who is foolish before the world because of allegiance to the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ.” What kind of fool are you? Are you foolish enough to think that your flowery words or exciting programs will win converts to Christ? Or do you simply stick with the simple foolish sounding message of the Cross of Christ? Let me encourage you, stick with the text, it speaks for itself!

This was an excellent series, and I would encourage you to read them all.

Part 1: http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2006-04-24

Part 2: http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2006-04-26

Part 3: http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2006-04-28

Grace & Peace!
Dave Scarbrough