Title: Worship and Humility
---
1 Corinthians 1:21–31
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (ESV)
---
In his sermon, "Worship and Humility," Jed Gillis delves into 1 Corinthians 1:21-31, emphasizing how true worship of God fosters genuine humility. The passage contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God, highlighting the folly perceived by those who rely on human understanding. The Jews demand signs, and the Greeks seek wisdom, but Paul preaches Christ crucified—a stumbling block to some but the power and wisdom of God to believers.
Gillis stresses that the gospel dismantles self-reliance by creating a new heart focused on God's glory rather than personal achievement. He explains that many Corinthians were not wise, powerful, or of noble birth according to worldly standards. Yet, God chose what is foolish and weak in the world to shame the wise and strong, ensuring that no one can boast before Him.
The sermon underscores three challenges related to humility: distinguishing between false accusations of pride and genuine confidence in spiritual truth, evaluating one's own humility, and understanding the deadly seriousness of pride as opposed to humility. Gillis asserts that biblical humility is rooted in recognizing God's worth as the greatest treasure. True humility emerges from boasting only in God's accomplishments through Christ—His righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
Ultimately, Gillis encourages believers to pursue humility by resting in the gospel and boasting solely in God. This shift in focus aligns hearts with God's will and pleases Him. The call to action is clear: let your boast be in Jesus Christ alone, for in doing so, you embody true humility before God.
---
Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
