The Boast of Fools
Why would I believe such a story?
- The story is told by a group of people who suffered greatly telling the same story.
- His tomb was empty in spite of the great care to protect it.
- This story of good news (the gospel) has changed my life.
The Gospel story. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
- The perfect lamb, Jesus Christ, died for your sins. (3)
- He was buried and rose again on the third day. (4)
- Testified to by witnesses. He appeared to many: the 12, an additional 500 followers, James his brother, and then to Paul—the least of all because he had persecuted the church. (6-9)
Boasting in our weakness so as to glorify our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
- We are a group of unlikely ambassadors. (26)
- God chose such a crew to show that it is his power and glory being manifested—how else could you explain us! (27-29)
- So, we boast of our weakness so that our boasting glorifies the risen Christ who has redeemed us and changed us completely.
- We boast in the Lord!
Paul’s testimony of boasting. 2 Corinthians 10:17; 11:16-30
- Boast in the Lord.
- Life has been brutal, but he has survived!
- He still struggles with sin, but he is victorious because of Jesus.
- If I must boast as the world, then I will boast in my weakness and my need of Jesus! (30)
1 Corinthians 1:18 “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
The boast of fools—we were nothing until Jesus saved us. It’s true!
Series Information
2 Corinthians is a letter between Paul and a church that had a fractured relationship. He addresses many relational and deep personal issues that get below the surface and deal with heart of the matter. This book is such a good model on navigating challenging personal and relational issues!