(1Co 1:19) “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” Their wisdom is revealed by the words, “I only believe in what I can see.” Like its author Satan, it is not true from the beginning (it’s foundation).

(1Co 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.”   To we who know we are saved, the cross is the power of the resurrection of our bodies as well as that of the Lord Jesus; the power to save our souls; the power to change us, making us new; the power to live for Him instead of self; the power to overcome this world and Satan himself.

(1Co 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.”  To this day people who profess to know Him snicker at those who say, “You need to be born again.” Why? The idea of a supernatural work taking place is foolishness to them.

(1Co 1:14) “I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;… (16) …the household of Stephanas:… (17) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”  Of course words are used to communicate God’s Word. The point here is that the dependency is not upon self’s wisdom or abilities to bring about results. Only the Lord can truly reach the heart, the conscience, to bring about true repentance.

(1Co 1:14) “I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;… (16) …the household of Stephanas:… (17) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”   The gift of Everlasting Life is not a physical work, brought on by physical means (water baptism). It is a spiritual work of life being given first to the spirit of man (called regeneration) with the promise of a resurrection of our physical bodies. The word “baptize” meaning to immerse, is used for spiritually being put “in Christ”, immersed by the Holy Spirit (Romans 6).  

(1Co 1:14) “I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;… (16) …the household of Stephanas:… (17) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”  Here is proof positive that physical baptism does not save the soul. Remember, this is he who would have traded his own soul for the salvation of the Jews (Rom 9:1-2). He preached so that others would be saved.

(1Co 1:11) “For it hath been declared… that there are contentions among you. (13) Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?”  Jesus alone is to glorified in our life. We are not to follow men. We are to follow the teachings of God – of Christ Jesus. Those teachings put the Lord and others before ourselves – period.

 (1Co 1:11) “For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. (12) Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.” Notice this is not a disagreement over a doctrine, but instead an exaltation of self over another – pride. The thing God hates (Prov 8:13) was exalted instead of being like Christ – humility.

(1Co 1:10) “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (11)  For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.” The minister’s hope is that his people will love the Lord enough to put aside their own will, hurts, and desires to obey God’s Word. Sad the number of people who will choose self over obedience.

(1Co 1:10) “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”  “Same judgment”: important point in its context. They had sin among them that needed to be condemned (judged) as a congregation. God’s people are to agree with Him regarding the hideousness of sin. It not only ruins the testimony of that church, but also affects the individuals spiritually.