MC'n who hnve little sense of sin dislike any distinct doctrine of Christ suffering for our· sins. And men who think chiefly of power as the sign of Deity stumble at the state- ment that One who died with nails through bis hands and feet was the Son of God and is the Lord of all. 2. The Greeks sought after wisdom. And to them the preach- ing of the cross seemed to be mere folly. It appealed to the consciousness of sin, which, did not much trouble them; and it said nothing to the speculative understanding, hardly noticed those problems over which the philosophical schools of Greece bad talked and. disputed for generations. The same prejudice hinders many educated men at the present day from receiving the gospel. Is it high thought i' What light can the fate of One who was unjustly crucified among the Jews long ago cast on the intellectual problems of to-day 't The gospel seems to them unworthy of the serious attention of cultured persons. It may have its uses for the common people; but it has no- philosopli~, and so it is foolishness! But blessed are they who are not offended in Jesus. ·when the gospel is preached in the power of the Holy Spirit, it finds some- receptive hearts. There are always some on whom the preaching is not wasted or· lost. III. THE GAIN WHICH ACCRUES TO DELIEVERS. They are described as" the called"- a phrase evidently not tantamount to "invited," for all are invited. By "them that' are· called" are meant those in whom the gospel finds reverence and faith. These are the called according to God's purpose. And sec what Christ crucified is to them. 1. Are· they Jews, or do they resemble the Jews in looking for signs of heavenly power?- Lo! they have in Christ a power far greater than ever dwelt in Moses or Elias. He is the Power of God; and that not merely in the outward sphere in which the Jews desired to see signs and wonders, but also in the inward or moral sphere, where he has- shown himself able to loose men from their sins, and to despoil evil principalities and powers, triumphing over them on the cross. Just because "crucified in weakness,'" he is mighty to save. And all belie\·ers of the gospel may know in themselves his- sin-vanquishing and burden-bearing power. They need no further sign. 2. Are they disposed by nature, or education, or both, to seek after wisdom like the Greeks? Have· they a restless, hungry mind? Here is the best provision for their want, if not for their curiosity. Christ is the Wisdom of God. The highest problems receive light from Christ crucified. Reconciliation of the claims of justice with the yearnings of mercy; justification of the transgressors of moral Law without detriment or dishonour to the- Law itself; and the introduction of a new and better life through death, as wheat grows from seed that has died in the earth ;-these are not small or easy problems, and they have no solution till we receive the gospel of Christ crucified. He who would make· his own calling sure should seek the evidence in his own attitude of mind and heart: towards Christ crucified. Is he in your eyes weakness or power? foolishness or wisdom? As the Power of God, has he subdued you to himself? As the Wisdom of God, is he· the Light of life to you-the Wonderful, the Counsellor?-F.
Vers. 30, 31.-All sufficiency in Christ. "But of him are ye," etc. Here is central- truth well compacted. And plain sermons on such texts ought to be frequently given,. in order to feed the Church of God, which grows iean on mere fine phrases, sounding periods, controversial janglings, and vapid exhortations. I. 'l'HE WAY OF BLESSING. It is obtained from the grace of God, and by a twofold action of his grace. 1. "Of God are ye in Christ Jesus." '!'his union to Christ, engrafting into Christ, enclosure in Christ, is the root-secret of all spiritual blessing. And while we take action in fleeing to Christ, clinging to him, and making him our Refuge, this very action on our part is ultimately due to the drawing of the Father and the inward operation of the Holy Spirit. Therefore "of God" we are in Christ Jesus. 2. "Of God, Christ is made unto you" who believe, all-sufficient. It is according to God's good pleasure that the merits, riches, and perfections of Christ are made available to yon. It is at all events conceivable that one might be saved in and through Christ, and yet receive only in part and scantily out of his fulness. But such is not the will of God concerning us. It is his purpose that we should be, not merely rescued from. destruction, but enriched with heavenly blessings in Christ Jesus. II. 'l'HE SUBSTANCE OF BLE~SING. ·what Christ is to his own, who aro in him~ Wisdom, for they are foolish; Righteousness, for they arc unrighteous; Sanctification,. en. I. 1-31.] THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS. 51