1. The destiny in response to the word of the cross
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (ESV)
3 By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them. Proverbs 14:3 (ESV)
18 … but whoever does not believe is condemned already… John 3:18 (ESV)
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 (ESV)
14 therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.” Isaiah 29:14 (ESV)
2. The foolishness in relation to the word of the cross
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 1 Corinthians 1:20-23 (ESV)
30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? John 6:30 (ESV)
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:3 (ESV)
11 The Lord knows the thoughts of mankind; they are futile. Psalm 94:11 (CSB)
3. The reversal signified by the word of the cross
24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:24-25 (ESV)
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)