Tuesday: Power to Those Who Are Being Saved
Daily Lesson for Tuesday 7th of July 2026
The message of 1 Corinthians 1:18 is too clear for one to miss the point. What the Cross means depends on the way one looks at it. It is foolishness for those in rebellion against God, but it is power for those who long for His salvation.
Read Colossians 1:20 and 1 Peter 2:24. What did Jesus accomplish for us on the cross?
As we have already seen, in preaching the gospel, one must avoid “words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power” (1 Corinthians 1:17, ESV). In light of 1 Corinthians 1:17, it becomes easier to understand why the opposite of foolishness is the power of God and not human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18). The Cross, which is so contrary to human wisdom, reveals just how foolish human wisdom really is.
Image © Sherry Boettcher at Goodsalt.com
The Greek text of 1 Corinthians 1:18 suggests that “those who are perishing” (NKJV) are receiving the result of their actions. The text can read like this: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are destroying themselves.” The Greek verb apollymi (“to perish”) can also mean “to destroy” (John 10:10). In fact, apollymi is translated as “destroy” in 1 Corinthians 1:19.
What is happening here? Paul provides a biblical foundation for this statement in verse 18, about these people perishing, by quoting in verse 19 God’s words in Isaiah 29:14. In verse 19, God is the one behind the destruction, which seems to contradict the self-destroying pride mentioned right before. However, there is no contradiction. The idea is that God will destroy that which already is destroying itself.
In contrast to those being destroyed, the phrase “to us who are being saved” (1 Corinthians 1:18, NKJV) indicates that salvation comes only from God. Paul is saying that we are being saved; that is, we are not saving ourselves. We, of course, can’t. Our salvation has an external source. While destruction is self-caused, salvation can only be granted, a gift of grace to sinners. As is clear in 1 Corinthians 1:21, it is God who saves those who believe. Foolishness, in this sense, is the act of rejecting what God has offered humanity through the cross of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30), thus bringing destruction upon oneself.
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“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, NKJV). In what ways does this verse restate what Paul was saying in 1 Corinthians 1:18-19? |
So often, we frame salvation in terms of receiving eternal life either as a reward or gift. And our cynical non-believing friends accuse us of being motivated by self-preservation. When they put it like that, it sounds a tad selfish. It is instructive to dig a little deeper and think about the “the power of salvation” in a wider sense than the end game.
The Greek word for salvation is “soteria” and it carries a sense of healing and being made whole. C S Lewis, in his commentary on the Psalms points out that ancient Israel often refered to judgement, not using the criminal law system but the civil system where restoration is the theme. Rather than being a criminal waiting for a pardon, we are a plaintiff waiting for restoration. In that sense salvation is a restoration of our capacity to love selflessly.
A related idea is that salvation is not our ticket to get out of this world, but rather an invitation to be part of the restoration and renewal of this world. That does not negate the idea of Heaven and the New Earth but rather extends its application to the present. One way of looking at it is that we are opening ourselves to be used by the Holy Spirit now.
Some ancient theologians refer to our human sinful state as “incurvatus in se”, meaning the heart turned inwards on itself. Salvation is described as breaking that self-centredness so that we can enter a relationship with God and see value in others. It takes away than sense of “What’s in it for me?”
Thanks, Maurice for these statements which sum up the goal of salvation:
and
Excellent. Thank you.
Brother Maurice, how nicely stated on our sinful hearts being in a state of turning on itself. That’s exactly what sin does just like Lucifer’s heart turned on him as he turned his wicked eye on God in jealousy and evil. We’re so blessed as believers on a day to day basis to realize that we’re to keep our eyes on God and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us instead of us leading ourselves. Then we can be used by God in a Powerful way.
Paul an apostle of Christ declares that, “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” (1 Corinthians 1:18). Throughout the bible, God has been very consistent in choosing people and methods that the world sees as weak, foolish, or insignificant to accomplish His divine purposes. For example God called Noah an old man to build an ark in a desert when there was not only a sign of rain but there had not been rain! it was not making adding up- an old man building an ark in a desert was was simply delusional-(Genesis 6:13–22), Abraham and Sarah are told they were to get a son in their old age something that defied science, logic and the basic common sense, (Genesis 17:15–19; 21:1–3) the children of Israelites were to march seven times to bring down the walls of Jericho instead of piling up missiles or weapons – this as much as it looked foolish was to happen through obedience rather than military mighty (Joshua 6:1–20), a young shepherd David had only a sling and five smooth stones to defeat the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45–50). All these accounts clearly demonstrate that God’s power is not limited by human ability or worldly wisdom, for “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8–9).
The greatest example of of all times of God’s wisdom appearing as foolishness is found in Jesus Christ. The world’s Savior was born in a manger, in His ministry he surrounded Himself with ordinary fishermen and tradesmen, interacted and touched those whom society rejected, taught the world love instead of revenge, and was willingly mocked, suffered, and died on a cross. The greatest of it all was what appeared to be defeat became the greatest victory of all times in history. Paul writes, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27).
I would like to reflect on two statements the lesson author has made in the lesson. “God will destroy that which already is destroying itself. Destruction is self-caused”. While these statements carry great truth, they do not give a complete picture. No doubt, sin is inherently destructive. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Paul continues to write in the book of Galatians 6:8, “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction”. In fact, Jesus lamented, “Whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them” (John 3:36). One can easily conclude that destruction is self-inflicted.
However, even though destruction is self-caused, it does not mean that God is merely a passive observer. On several occasions in scripture, God declares, “I will destroy…”, “I will judge…”, “The Lord comes to execute judgment.” In every respect, God has complete sovereignty over life and death. ” “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell”. (Matthew 10:28). Final destruction is not an independent consequence that is operating outside God’s sovereign power. God is not only sovereign over what He created, but He is sovereign to respect human choices.
At the end, God’s wish is not to destroy Man, like in the Flood of Genesis 7, God loves Man (His creature “Genesis 1:26″) and judgement is to the evil/satan, but since evil is within Man (self destroying man), more will perish in an attempt to eradicate sin, ” Rev 21:8″ 🤦🤦🤦😭😭😭
Thanks for this, Omwenga. The distinction you point out is crucial in light of what certain teachers in Adventism are currently putting out.
It is true that sin destroys. Ultimately, it destroys utterly those who cling to it. At the same time, God has reserved to Himself the time and the method of final destruction. And He lets us know through various bible passages, especially in Revelation, how this final destruction will take place.
It is in mercy that God destroys those who would be miserable in heaven, and He doesn’t do it until all sinners, including Satan himself, acknowledge the justice of God in not allowing their continued existence. (See Phil. 2:10, Rom. 14:11, Isa. 45:23)
I once had a sincere friend talk to me about the simplicity of the gospel. She then said, “Thank God for uneducated people.” The simplicity of the gospel for her and her husband was an antitrinitarian view of God (they believed that the Father was God and the Son “came forth out of the father.”)
The lesson states that “one must avoid ‘words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power’”.
I couldn’t agree more, but then again, I am reminded that the New Testament was written mostly by a physician (Luke), and a high-ranking Pharisee taught by Gamaliel who was a member of the Sanhedrin. Hardly uneducated or “simple” people.
Even Peter, on speaking of Paul’s letters states, “His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:16). Yet God saw fit to include things “hard to understand” in the New Testament – Why?
It is the message that some believe makes the messenger appear foolish, and that message is simple but profound. It is simple enough for a small child to grasp, but deep enough to keep us on our feet throughout the endless ages of eternity – and even then, it is a bottomless pit. This means that the delivery of the message is important (See: John 16:12)!
There is a tension between the simple and the profound – we need to be careful when appearing to suggest that only one side of that tension represents truth.
Thank you for this, Randall. Indeed, the Bible is full of ideas to stretch the minds of the most intelligent humans, and God appeals not only to our emotions but also to our intellect.
Jesus also said that only those who receive the Kingdom as a child can enter it. (Luke 18:17) I believe Jesus referred to the trusting nature of small children. We must trust God as absolutely as a small child trusts her parents. That is what faith is.
I think Paul is referring to elevating human philosophizing above simple biblical statements. I have also personally experienced preachers obfuscating Bible truth by their many words. Instead of that, Paul determined to focus solely on the central truth of the death of Christ on the cross, which demonstrated the self-sacrificing nature not only of God but of the atmosphere of heaven itself.
I guess it is time to pop the old question, at least it is old for me, for some of you it may be new. The thought question is; “would you still love the Lord your God if there was no reward of eternal life? My answer is; “He would not be a Saviour of humanity if eternal life were not in the offering.” Fortunately for all of us in the great controversy, the offering of eternal life is in the package of salvation. And as CS Lewis implied, we can have happiness and joy now with restoration and reconciliation of our soul’s to the Cross of Christ. That’s the beauty of clinging to the cross of Christ it turns the heart outwards. 1Corinthians 16:24. If the author can repeat himself to help you memorize the memory verse, I suppose I can too(referring to the first paragraph of today’s lesson).
Now, Let’s pull out the Clear Word. When my wife and I were on our 30day excursion, the Sabbath School teacher had her Clear Word open. Let’s look at the memory verse this week from the Clear Word. The titles of Monday’s and Tuesday’s lesson will help in memorizing it.
1 Corinthians 1:18.
Those who have bought into this world’s philosophy see the preaching of the cross as foolishness. But for those of us who are being saved, there is no doubt that it is the power of God.
Proverbs 16:20.
Parallel text says:
Those who listen to instruction(from God’s word) will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. From the New Living Translation.
Let’s not forget the words of Mike Payne and Roy Hinson of the Florida Boy’s. I mentioned the following yesterday in passing. “When He was on the Cross, I was on His mind.”
When He Was on The Cross I Was on His Mind, Jason Crabb (The Gaithers)
Love Unlimited
John 17:24.
Ephesians 1:4.
John, I agree that Eternal life is inextricably connected to Jesus sacrifice. Paul says as much in I Corinthians 15. The human race has no hope without this. No matter much we try to change the world, even as believers, we need a new world.
At the same time, believers can be awful selfish in the way they relate to Heaven. If you are just in for you, you aren’t much different from those who don’t believe. You just have a different thing to desire. Sometimes I hear people long for Jesus to come back (which isn’t wrong), but I think of all the people around us who don’t know Jesus and actually if we have the heart of Jesus, we should want Him to tarry so perhaps they can be saved. Moses had that attitude – he was willing to be lost that the Israelites could be saved. So the question might actually make some sense in that context.
Yes, we need to focus on the love of God more exponetionaly than His reward. Absolutley.
May the power and the blessings of the cross impact every sphere of our lives Amen!
The cross is remarkably simple, yet infinitely profound. God did not save the world through human wisdom, power, or spectacle, but through the self-sacrificing love of Christ. That simplicity is what makes the message so beautiful. Anyone can understand that Jesus gave Himself for us, yet no one will ever fully exhaust the depth of what the cross reveals about God’s character, justice, mercy, and love.
The cross is simple enough for a child to trust, yet deep enough to occupy the greatest minds for eternity. It is all about love without compromising justice. In the cross, perfect love and perfect justice meet in complete harmony. It is a masterpiece of divine wisdom. Brilliant indeed.
Amen 🙏. That’s why all class’s, are attracted to it. There are multiple attractions. As you have stated.
Our God is a gentleman in that He doesn’t force Himself into the lives of others. He is rational and reasonable when it comes to the issue of salvation. (Isaiah 1:18)
Why do those who choose to reject the offer of salvation see the offer as foolishness? They suffer from what is called paradigm blindness. They simply cannot see things any other way. In all of their wisdom, which God calls foolishness, (1 Cor. 3:19) they reject the wisdom of God, calling it foolishness. Fallen humanity has set himself up as a god unto himself as the arbiter of truth. This is the fallout from the fall of mankind in the beginning. (Gen. 3:5)
God doesn’t arbitrarily determine people’s eternal destiny. He allows them to choose to opt out of the plan of salvation that includes all of humanity. God will not force people kicking and screaming against their will into heaven.
I guess it matters which side of the equation one finds themself on whether God’s Wisdom is foolishness, or their own. The offer before humanity on the surface makes no sense to our carnal mind, which finds it to be foolishness. I would rather be thought a fool in the sight of man, than in the sight of God. (Psalm 14:1) The Word of God isn’t being pejorative or name calling. It’s simply saying it’s not a sign of wisdom. To reject the wisdom of God in favor of human wisdom is not a very wise thing to do. How can mere mortals that at best possess very limited knowledge and intelligence reject the God that possesses Omniscience? Where is the foolishness? It certainly isn’t on God’s part. May we not be so wise in our own eyes that we reject the offer on the table. He’s doing all that He can to save as many as He can. He’s involved in this cosmic “tug-of-war” with Satan over the eternal destiny of each soul.
Each day that we are granted to live, may we swallow our pride and choose the John 10:10 life that Jesus came to provide. Therein lies true wisdom.
The only thing I would add is that they are not opting out. We all have a choice to opt in. At Eden they were all in and had the choice where they could opt out and since then everyone has been out and has the option to opt in.
“He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” John 3:18
How can one be in rebellion without knowing that which one opposes? Doesn’t ‘rebellion’ imply someone or something to rebel against? Should we judge those who consider the message of the cross as ‘foolishness’ and withhold our compassion? They are blind in their ignorance and hubris, captivated by the ‘spirit of this world’, but our interaction with them will certainly be judged by our God.
To have been freed from the bondage to this deception is solely due to the miracle of our God’s Grace and Mercy. Because we have not earned it, we need to be careful when interacting with those still captured by ignorance. We do not know God’s ongoing work to free their heart to accept Him.
Yes, indeed. Man’s ignorance – our inability to understand how utterly lost we are – judges Jesus Christ’s message as ‘foolishness’. Jesus willingly suffered the world’s ignorance/sin and asked the Father to forgive us “because we did not know what we were doing.” Luke 23:34
Our spiritual blindness was changed to understanding His Wisdom when accepting God’s Mercy and Grace to work on our behalf through the once perceived ‘foolishness’ of the Cross. This deep, spiritual darkness preventing the lost to see, can only be dispelled by God’s Grace leading us to the Light of His Son Jesus Christ – John 8:12; Luke 1:78-79; Col.1:13-14.
To bring Light to the world, the people need to accept God’s Son – Jesus Christ. Yes, it was mankind’s spiritual ignorance which placed our Savior on the Cross; but now we know better! We accepted the Power of God revealed through the cross to be saved. Woe to the world and them who cause others to stumble – Matt.18:7-14.
I never realized how I Corinthians 1 goes deep into the seriousness of the Cross and what it means to the foolish who don’t believe in the mercy of it and those of us who do believe. I like how Romans 6:23 gives the big contrast of those 2 in a profound way. It really shows the seriousness of what I Corinthians 18-19 is saying. I’m so glad that I, even at a young age understood and still do the importance of believing in Jesus Christ and what he did on the cross for me and all mankind. I may not have always made right choices in the way God would want me to but I always came back to Him so he could show me the way. And that’s what the cross is about and the beauty of it. Lord help us all to know what the cross is for and to lead others to it.
Amen. 🙏🙏🙏
Salvation has a name, and it is at once the beginning and the end of all things. Nobody is saved by their works, but by the blood of God! Is that a legend? No, Jesus’ saga is as real as our oxygen!
Doctor, I would add carbon dioxide also, which stimulates us to take the next breath. Is not God our creator wonderful. God bless you down in South America.
Why does God need to destroy those who are destroying themselves?
My feeling is that strictly speaking, He does not need to destroy them. Sin does ultimately destroy those practicing it – I think this is true even of Satan. However, God chooses to shorten this process of destruction and bring it to an end at the final judgment. This is for the good of the universe.
Well said, Christina. I like the way you put it: “God chooses to shorten this process of destruction and bring it to an end at the final judgment.”
To eradicate sin. Good question Jeff.