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TEXT: 1 Cor 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Introduction: Some of God's fools of the past. Noah, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, the disciples on the day of Pentecost, Paul, the martyrs, etc. I..Some things the world considers foolish today. A. The preaching of the Gospel. 1 Cor 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. It is o.k. to get all worked up over a ball game or politics but NOT OVER CHRIST!! B. To take a stand on scriptural baptism. Firm requirements for entrances to lodges or clubs is admirable; the more exclusive, the better. The Lord's Church is expected to be 'reasonable' and go along with everything that comes along! C. To demand separation from the world and freedom from sin. There must be no conflict of interest in even the lowest government post, but service to God is of no consequence!. Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. D. To sacrifice for the cause of Christ. It is commendable for the kids to go barefoot if necessary to save for a mountain cabin but NOT for a mansion in heaven!. E. To spend time serving the Lord. Little Joe-Bob is a real little 'go-getter' if he gets up at 5:00 a m to deliver papers, but he needs his rest and can't be allowed to get up at 8:30 to attend Sunday School! F. To Glory in tribulation. 2 Cor 12:11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Football injuries and war wounds are honourable, but only a fool would 'bear in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Gal 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. II. Needed: MORE FOOLS LIKE PAUL! While persecuting the church, putting men and women in prison, presiding over the stoning of Steven and fighting against God, he was looked upon with respect, Phil 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Phil 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Phil 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But Afterward; Acts 26:24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. A. The knowledge of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom Prov 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Psa 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. B. Christ is made unto us wisdom. 1 Cor 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: The smartest move anyone ever made is to turn to Christ!. C. God hath made foolish, the wisdom of this world. 1 Cor 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? |
