LORD’S DAY, APRIL 23
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
James 2:5

"And base things of the world…
hath God chosen…"

GOD USES BASE THINGS

The Corinthian church consisted of many of humble background. There were not many among them who were (1) wise – those of high intellectual ability and accreditation. In today’s context, they will be the professors of our tertiary institutions; (2) mighty – these would be the people in government positions or the military; and (3) noble – those with high social status, or perhaps of royal lineage. Considering that the city of Corinth was a prosperous commercial city (see devotion on 1 April), it is astounding that not many prominent men were found in the Corinthian church!

Why then did God choose to call the lowly and "foolish" (Gr. mōra) to salvation? Paul gave two reasons. First, this was to put to shame (kataischunō) the wisdom of the world. Those who thought themselves wise would in the end turn out to be foolish in their own pride for they would not be able to enter heaven. Second, God called the lowly so that no flesh could take pride and say they were saved by their own merit. We are saved by the grace of God and not by our own works (Eph 2:8-9). Hence, we have no right to boast. All glory belongs to God.

Does this mean that those who are rich, mighty and intelligent can never be saved? Not so, for we have the example of the Apostle Paul who was a Pharisee of Pharisees, and a foremost teacher of the law. An example of a rich man who was saved is Joseph of Arimathea who gave his tomb for Jesus to be buried in. What Paul was driving at was the importance of humility before God. No Christian should think himself as high and mighty. If only the Corinthian Christians would remember to give all glory unto the Lord, the partisan spirit in the church would then be eliminated. The Christian’s motto must be "He (Christ) must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever (WSC Qn 1).

THOUGHT: Not greatness but lowliness. (Timothy Tow)
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, humble me before Thyself!