Christ is the Power of God

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:24–25, 27–29, NLT

“But to those called by God to salvation … Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.  This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.…

God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:24–25, 27–29, NLT)

All of life is sourced in God. He holds our very breath in his hand. He directs all of our ways. He gives us our abilities, opportunities, and whatever resources we need to live a life in conformance with his will.

All that we have comes from God. The Bible makes it very clear, “no one can ever boast in the presence of God.” Everything is made by him, through him, and for him.

Acts 17:24 tells us, “In him we live and move and have our being.” God is the one who gives us the breath of life.

The world values independence and self-sufficiency. However, God has chosen the things that the world considers to be foolishness, such as the preaching of the cross (which leads to our salvation), to shame the wise. The kingdom of God has a different value system.

All the things the world considers important are perishable. They are in the process of passing away, having no value in the world to come. Salvation is a gift from God … and it is imperishable. Life in heaven with God is everlasting.

We are to glorify God, not ourselves. We are to be used for fulfilling the purposes of God. It is good for us to remember that this world is in the process of wasting away. The rulers of this world and the wisdom of this age are rapidly coming to nothing. Only the things of God will last forever.

Talk to God

Father, I want to be sure I am fulfilling your purposes for my life to bring glory to you. Forgive me for the times I have lived to glorify myself. Show me your purposes for my life so that I may bring glory to you. Show me what I can do to expand your kingdom. Amen.