THE FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING.

1 Cor. 1:18 - 2:5.

INTRO:

1. The Greek word Karusso means to preach or preaching. To publish or proclaim, as a herald; to announce openly and publicly. To noise abroad, to announce as a matter of doctrine. Rom. 10:14.

2. The Greek word Karux means a preacher or herald. 1 Tim. 2:7; 2 Tim. 1:11.

3. The Greek word Karugmatos in the genitive, singular, neuter as a noun means the thing preached. 1 Cor. 1: 21; Matt. 12:41; Rom. 16:25.

A. The preaching can be done in a FOOLISH WAY thereby making it foolish preaching.

B. The preacher can be a FOOLISH PERSON thereby making for foolish preaching.

C. The thing preached can be just so much FOOLISHNESS thereby making for foolish preaching.

D. But the text of 1 Cor. 1:21, is not talking about either one of these. Certainly foolish preaching, a foolish preacher, nor foolishness preached, in God's sight, will save.

E. The passage is talking about the gospel, the message preached, is foolishness to man in general, but is salvation to those who believe and obey it.

I. PREACHING:

A. Affective preaching in the sight of MAN, is that that moves people to respond.

1. Such as the preaching of Billy Graham, Oral Roberts, or Garner Ted Armstrong.

B. Effective preaching in the sight of GOD, is preaching the truth in love, being instant in season, out of season reproving, and rebuking with all long-suffering and teaching. 2 Tim. 4:1-5.

II. PREACHERS:

A. Noah, 2 Pet. 2:5.

B. Solomon, Eccl. 1:;1.

C. Ezra, Neh. 8.

D. John the Baptist, Mk. 1:4.

E. Jesus, Mt. 5:6, 7.

F. Apostles, Mk. 16:20.

G. Peter, Acts 2:14.

H. Stephen, Acts 7.

I. Philip, Acts 8:5-35.

J. Paul, Acts 19:6.

K. Apollos, Acts 18:24,28.

L. All that were scattered abroad upon the stoning of Stephen, Acts 8:4.

III. THE THING PREACHED::

A. Noah, a great preacher of righteousness, warned people of the flood and impending doom that was to come upon the whole earth. Gen. 6.

B. Jonah, warned people of their wickedness and told them to repent and they did. The people of Ninevah. Book of Jonah.

C. Solomon, tells of all the vanity that goes with seeking earthly pleasures and riches. Ecclesiastes.

D. John the Baptist, made straight the paths of the Lord, a forerunner of Christ. Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Jno. 1.

E. Jesus, the kingdom of heaven is at hand; also preached the great sermon on the mount that dealt with many things. Mt. 5-7.

F. Apostles, limited commission, the kingdom is come nigh unto you. To the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Mt. 10:5-7.

G. Peter, preached the first gospel sermon under the great commission. He showed fulfillment of prophecy, and told what to do to be saved. Acts 2.

H. Stephen, preached the gospel and was slain by the hands of religious men. Men that were prejudice and set in their ways. Men that were tradition bound. Acts 7.

I. All the disciples from Jerusalem that were scattered abroad upon the stoning of Stephen went everywhere preaching the word. Acts 8;4.

J. Philip, preached Jesus and about the kingdom. Acts 8:5,35.

K. Saul of Tarsus, preached threatenings against the church. Acts 9:1,2.

L. Paul the apostle, preached Christ and Him crucified. 1 Cor 1:23.

M. Peter, preached the gospel to Cornelius. Acts 10.

N. Timothy, preached the word. 2 Tim. 4.

IV. THINGS PREACHED IN THE BIBLE:

A. Righteousness ---Psa. 40:9.

B. God's bidding --- Jonah 3:2.

C. Jesus --- Acts 8:35.

D. "Righteousness, self-control and judgement to come". Acts 24:25. Paul to Felix.

V. THINGS PREACHED THAT ARE NOT IN THE BIBLE:

A. The commandments of men. Mt. 15:9.

1. Faith only. Jas. 2:17-26.

2. Baptism is not essential. Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21.

3. Church membership is not essential. Acts 2:47; 20:28; Eph. 5:23.

4. There is nothing in a name. Acts 4:12; 11:26.

5. Join the church of your choice. Mt. 16:18; 15:13.

VI. THE EMPHASIS SHOULD BE ON WHAT IS PREACHED, RATHER THAN ON HOW IT IS PREACHED AND WHO IS THE PREACHER.

A. The word is to be preached. 2 Tim. 4:1-5.

B. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Rom. 1:16,17; 1 Cor. 15: 1-4.

CONCLUSION:

1. The gospel that you hafe heard today may be foolishness to you.

2. If so, you will be condemned.

3. But if you believe it and obey it, it will save you.

4. Why not accept and obey the gospel today?

By Jim Sasser

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