1 Corinthians 1:20
Memory Verse
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe?Where is the debater of this age? Has not the God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (1 Corinthians 1:20).
Debating is a method of the world system for the purpose of making a person appear mature in their thinking. It comes from the old French debatre, meaning to fight, contend, or dispute. The intent of debating is not to present truth, but to persuade the audience to a point of view.
The wisdom of this world produces bitter envy, self-seeking, and boasting against the truth. It is a wisdom based upon the emotions and influenced by the teaching of demons (James 3:14–15). In contrast, the wisdom from above is pure—not mixed with zeal or self-interest, does not ruffle the mind—peaceable, produces a temperate disposition, is willing to yield to truth, full of mercy and good fruit (James 3:17).
Salvation by faith in Christ’s death on behalf of sins and resurrection three days later that is based solely upon God’s willingness to give a benefit without consideration to merit is foolishness to the world. Since the world through wisdom did not know God, God chose through the foolishness of proclaiming with authority to save those who believe. Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles, but the inherent ability of God to save.