1. God’s Simple People
26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards (flesh NASB), not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 1 Corinthians 1:26 (ESV)
25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; Matthew 11:25 (ESV)
1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?
James 2:1-5 (ESV)
7 . . . For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)
2. God’s Special Power
27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 (ESV)
8 He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor . . . 1 Samuel 2:8 (ESV)
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; Luke 1:52 (ESV)
3. God’s Sovereign Purpose
29 so that no human being (flesh KJV) might boast in the presence of God . . . 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:29-31 (ESV)
23 Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV), (1 Samuel 2:10 LXX)
4. God’s Salvation Picture
30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 1 Corinthians 1:30 (ESV)