Corpus Christi

Christ Crucified

1 Corinthians 1:17–25 · Brendon Helm · July 19, 2026

Summary

Paul declares that he was sent to preach the gospel, not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. The sermon unfolds this text under three headings. First, The Cross Is the True Power of God — to those who are perishing the message of the cross is folly, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God unto salvation, accomplishing what human strength never could. Second, God Condemns Prideful Human Wisdom — God has made foolish the wisdom of the world, destroying the wisdom of the wise and thwarting the discernment of the discerning, so that no flesh may boast in His presence. Third, Christ Crucified Is God's Wisdom and Power — though Christ crucified is a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, to those who are called He is the wisdom of God and the power of God, for the foolishness of God is wiser than men and the weakness of God is stronger than men.