What God Chooses to Accomplish His Will

Have you ever felt a nudge in your spirit, a quiet prompting to step into something bigger than yourself? Maybe it was a call to speak a word of encouragement, to take on a new challenge, or to trust God in a situation that felt far beyond your capabilities. As soon as the thought entered your mind, did another voice follow, whispering doubts about your qualifications? Yet, deep within, there was a quickening—a sense that this could be something great. These are the moments when God steps in, inviting us into His extraordinary plans, not because of our strength, but precisely because of our weakness.

This truth lies at the heart of 1 Corinthians 1:27: “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” (ESV). From an evangelical perspective, this verse reveals a profound aspect of God’s character and His redemptive plan. He delights in using the unlikely, the unqualified, and the overlooked to accomplish His will, ensuring His power and glory shine through. In this post, we’ll exegete this powerful passage, explore key terms from the original Greek, and uncover how God’s counterintuitive choices call us to a life of faith, humility, and dependence on Him. Through personal reflections and practical applications, we’ll see how this truth transforms our lives today.

The Nudge Beyond Our Abilities

God often calls us to tasks that stretch us beyond our comfort zones. Why? Because in our weakness, His strength takes center stage. If God only asked us to do what we felt capable of, we might never see His hand at work. We’d rely on our own wisdom, strength, and resources, leaving little room for faith. But when we step into the unknown, trusting Him to provide, we witness His power in ways that defy human logic. This is the heartbeat of 1 Corinthians 1:27—a verse that challenges our expectations and invites us into God’s upside-down kingdom.

Exegesis of 1 Corinthians 1:27

The Text in Context

Let’s begin by reading 1 Corinthians 1:27 in its immediate context, as found in the English Standard Version (ESV):

“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” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29, ESV).

Paul wrote these words to the church in Corinth—a bustling, cosmopolitan city known for its wealth, intellect, and pride. The Corinthian believers, however, were not the elite of society. Many were ordinary people, some even slaves or outcasts. Divisions had crept into the church, with members boasting about their allegiance to certain leaders or their spiritual gifts. In response, Paul redirects their focus to the gospel of Christ crucified—a message the world deemed foolish, yet one that held the power of God unto salvation (1 Corinthians 1:18).

In verses 26-29, Paul reminds the Corinthians of their humble beginnings. He points out that God didn’t choose them because they were wise, powerful, or noble by worldly standards. Instead, God deliberately selected the “foolish,” the “weak,” and the “despised” to fulfill His purposes. Verse 27 stands as the centerpiece of this argument, emphasizing God’s sovereign choice and its surprising outcomes.

Key Greek Words and Their Meanings

To deepen our understanding, let’s unpack three key terms from the original Greek in 1 Corinthians 1:27:

“Foolish” (μωρά, mōra)

The Greek word mōra translates to “foolish” or “silly” in English. It describes things that, from a human perspective, lack wisdom or understanding. In the Greco-Roman world, wisdom (sophia) was highly prized—think of philosophers like Plato or the eloquent orators of Corinth. Yet Paul says God chose the mōra—the things the world scoffs at—to upend human pride. The cross itself, a symbol of shame and defeat, exemplifies this foolishness in the eyes of the world.

“Weak” (ἀσθενῆ, asthenē)

The term asthenē means “weak” or “powerless,” referring to physical, moral, or social frailty. The Corinthians weren’t the mighty warriors or influential leaders of their day. Many lacked status, strength, or resources. But God chose the asthenē to demonstrate that His power doesn’t depend on human might. This weakness becomes a canvas for His strength, as Paul later writes: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10, ESV).

“Shame” (καταισχύνῃ, kataischynē)

The verb kataischynē means “to disgrace,” “to dishonor,” or “to confound.” God’s choice of the foolish and weak isn’t just a random act—it’s strategic. He uses them to shame the wise and strong, exposing the futility of human wisdom and power apart from Him. The world’s standards are turned upside down, revealing that true strength lies in God alone.

Explanation of the Verse

Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 1:27 is clear: God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). He intentionally chooses what the world deems insignificant to accomplish His will. The repetition of “God chose” (exelexato, from eklegomai, meaning “to pick out” or “select”) underscores His deliberate, sovereign action. This isn’t an accident—it’s a divine strategy.

The purpose is twofold: to shame the wise and strong, and to ensure that “no human being might boast in the presence of God” (v. 29). By using the foolish and weak, God dismantles the idols of human intellect and power. The cross—the ultimate symbol of weakness and shame—becomes the means of salvation, confounding those who trust in their own abilities. As evangelical believers, we celebrate this truth: our salvation rests not on our merits, but on God’s grace.

Why God Chooses the Unlikely

God’s Sovereignty and Grace

At its core, 1 Corinthians 1:27 reflects God’s sovereign freedom. He isn’t bound by human expectations or qualifications. He could have chosen the philosophers, the kings, or the eloquent to spread His gospel—but He didn’t. Instead, He called fishermen like Peter, tax collectors like Matthew, and even a persecutor like Paul. Why? Because His grace shines brightest against the backdrop of human inadequacy.

This choice also guards against pride. If God only used the wise and mighty, we might think we earned His favor. But by selecting the weak, He ensures that all glory belongs to Him. As Paul writes elsewhere, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31, ESV). Our weaknesses become a testimony to His strength.

Shaming the Wise and Strong

God’s method has a redemptive purpose: to expose the emptiness of worldly wisdom and power. The wise of Corinth—those steeped in philosophy and rhetoric—mocked the simplicity of the gospel. Yet through the “foolishness” of the cross, God saved the lost, proving that His wisdom surpasses human understanding. Likewise, the strong—those with wealth and influence—were humbled by God’s use of the powerless to advance His kingdom.

This theme echoes throughout Scripture. God chose Israel, a small and enslaved nation, to be His people (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). He picked David, the youngest son, to defeat Goliath and become king (1 Samuel 16:7). With Gideon, He reduced an army to 300 men to win a miraculous victory (Judges 7). In each case, God used the unlikely to shame the mighty, revealing His unmatched power.

A Broader Biblical Narrative

The pattern culminates in Jesus Himself. Born in a manger, raised in obscurity, and crucified as a criminal, Christ embodied weakness and foolishness in the world’s eyes. Yet through His death and resurrection, He conquered sin and death, offering salvation to all who believe. The gospel is God’s ultimate demonstration of choosing the lowly to accomplish His will—a truth that 1 Corinthians 1:27 invites us to embrace.

Living Out God’s Upside-Down Kingdom

Embracing Our Weaknesses

What does this mean for us today? First, it challenges us to rethink our limitations. That area where you feel unqualified—whether it’s sharing your faith, serving in ministry, or trusting God through a trial—might be exactly where He wants to work. Our weaknesses aren’t obstacles; they’re opportunities for His power to shine.

I think of a friend who felt too shy to share the gospel with her coworkers. She didn’t have a theology degree or a bold personality. But one day, she simply invited a colleague to church, trembling as she spoke. That small step led to a conversation, then a conversion. God didn’t need her eloquence—He needed her obedience.

Stepping Out in Faith

Second, 1 Corinthians 1:27 calls us to action. God nudges us into uncomfortable places because that’s where faith grows. Maybe He’s prompting you to volunteer, to forgive someone who hurt you, or to trust Him with a financial need. The Israelites in the wilderness received manna daily, teaching them to rely on God as their provider (Exodus 16). How is He teaching you to trust Him day by day?

Practically, this might look like:

Saying Yes: Accept a role or task you feel unprepared for, trusting God to equip you.

Praying Boldly: Ask God to show His strength in your weakness.

Starting Small: Share a testimony or serve in a simple way, letting God multiply your efforts.

Trusting God’s Provision

Finally, we must believe that God is sufficient. When He calls us, He doesn’t leave us to fend for ourselves. As Paul assures us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV). Whether it’s strength for dark days, provision for your family, or courage to minister, God will carry you through. He uses our powerlessness to display His great ability.

Pause and reflect: Where is God nudging you to step out in faith? Are you clinging to what “makes sense,” or are you willing to trust Him for something greater?

Surrendering to God’s Greatness

In 1 Corinthians 1:27, we see a God who defies human logic. He chooses the foolish to shame the wise, the weak to shame the strong, and the despised to bring the proud low. Why? So that no one can boast before Him, and all glory returns to its rightful place—at His feet. This truth humbles us, yet it also empowers us. Our inadequacies don’t disqualify us; they qualify us for His grace.

As Christians, we’re called to live this out. We don’t need to have it all together. We simply need to say yes to God, trusting that He’ll provide what we lack. So, let’s surrender our weaknesses to Him. Let’s step into the nudges He places on our hearts, believing that He can do something great through our seemingly unqualified lives.

God's Wisdom vs. Foolishness: Embracing the Divine Paradox

"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)

Today, April 1st, is a day for pranks and tomfoolery. But what if some things that seem foolish are actually divinely wise? This April Fool's Day, let's explore the idea that God's ways, while sometimes appearing nonsensical, are ultimately a source of profound wisdom.

The notion that God's wisdom could manifest as foolishness is paradoxical, yet the Bible is replete with such paradoxes. In fact, the very core of the Christian faith—the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—is a supreme paradox of divine foolishness being the ultimate wisdom.

The Power of Paradox

From the beginning, God's ways defied human logic and expectations. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, God's pronouncement of judgment contained the seed of hope – the promise that the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15). This foreshadowed how God would use the seemingly weak and vulnerable, a human baby to defeat the power of sin and evil.

This pattern of paradox is woven throughout the biblical narrative. Consider the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. The young shepherd boy, armed with only a sling and some stones, faced the towering Philistine champion Goliath. By human standards, David's victory seemed impossible. Yet, it was precisely through this improbable means that God demonstrated His power and wisdom, using the weak to defeat the strong.

Similarly, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ appeared to be a catastrophic defeat. The Son of God betrayed, mocked, and executed in the most humiliating manner – what could be more foolish? And yet, it was through this seeming folly that God achieved the greatest victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. As the apostle Paul wrote, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men" 1 Corinthians 1:25 (ESV).

The Foolishness of Preaching

Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1, highlight another paradox, the seeming foolishness of preaching the gospel. To the Greeks, who valued human wisdom and eloquence, the message of a crucified Messiah was utter nonsense. As Paul stated, "For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles" 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 (ESV).

Yet, this seemingly foolish message has the power to transform lives and shake the foundations of the world. Through the "folly" of preaching, countless souls have been saved, cultures have been transformed, and the course of human history has been altered. The apostle Paul himself was a living testament to the power of this "foolishness," as he went from being a persecutor of the Church to becoming one of its most influential evangelists and teachers.

Wisdom vs. Worldly Knowledge

The paradoxes of God's wisdom underscore a fundamental truth: God's ways are not bound by human reason or limited by worldly knowledge. As the prophet Isaiah declared, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts'" (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The world's wisdom is often rooted in pride, self-sufficiency, and the pursuit of power and wealth. In contrast, God's wisdom is grounded in humility, surrender, and a willingness to embrace the paradoxes and mysteries of the divine plan. As the apostle Paul wrote, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men" 1 Corinthians 1:25 (ESV).

This divine wisdom is not merely an abstract concept but a living reality that permeates the pages of Scripture. Consider the life of Abraham, who was called by God to leave his homeland and become the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). From a worldly perspective, this seemed like a foolish endeavor for an old man with a barren wife who was setting out on a journey with no clear destination. Yet, through this act of faith and obedience, God's wisdom unfolded, leading to the birth of Isaac and, ultimately, the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

The prophet Jeremiah encountered a similar paradox when God commanded him not to marry or have children (Jeremiah 16:2). To the world, this would have been considered a tragedy, a life without the joy of family and offspring. Yet, Jeremiah's obedience to this seemingly foolish command allowed him to fully dedicate himself to his prophetic ministry, speaking the word of the Lord during a time of great upheaval and judgment.

Examples in Everyday Life

While these Biblical examples may seem distant or extraordinary, the paradox of God's wisdom also manifests in ordinary life. Consider the person who feels called to leave a comfortable, well-paying job to pursue a ministry or charitable endeavor. From a worldly perspective, this decision might appear foolish, sacrificing financial security and stability for an uncertain path. Yet, in choosing to follow God's leading, they may discover a deeper sense of purpose, joy, and fulfillment that transcends material wealth.

Or think of the couple who decides to adopt or foster children despite the challenges and sacrifices involved. To some, this choice might seem impractical or even reckless. Yet, in obeying God's call to care for the orphaned and vulnerable, they not only bless the lives of children in need but also experience the profound joy and richness of family in a way that defies worldly logic.

Even in the realm of business and entrepreneurship, God's wisdom can manifest in paradoxical ways. Consider the entrepreneur who embraces principles of ethical leadership, prioritizing integrity and servant-hood over short-term profits. From a purely financial standpoint, this approach might seem foolish or disadvantageous. Yet, by operating according to God's wisdom, such leaders often cultivate trust, loyalty, and long-term success that far outweigh short-term gains.

The Paradox of the Cross

Ultimately, the supreme paradox of God's wisdom is found in the cross of Christ. As Paul declared, "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God" 1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV).

To the world, the crucifixion of Jesus appeared to be a tragic defeat – a failure of the highest order. How could the Son of God, the promised Messiah, be subjected to such a humiliating and shameful death? Yet, through this seeming folly, God accomplished the most profound act of wisdom and redemption.

On the cross, Jesus bore the weight of humanity's sin, taking upon Himself the punishment that we deserve. In doing so, He broke the power of sin and death, making a way for us to be reconciled to God and experience eternal life. As the apostle Paul wrote, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men" (1 Corinthians 1:25).

The cross is a paradox that defies human logic and understanding. It is a demonstration of God's unconditional love and grace, manifested in a way that seems utterly foolish to the world. Yet, this very "foolishness" reveals the depths of God's wisdom and the extent to which He would go to redeem His creation.

Embracing the Divine Paradox

As we reflect on the paradoxes of God's wisdom, we are confronted with a profound truth: God's ways are often antithetical to the ways of the world. What seems foolish and weak in humanity's eyes can be the very means through which God accomplishes His purposes and displays His power.

This truth should challenge us to approach life with humility and an openness to God's leading, even when it seems nonsensical or counterintuitive. Just as Abraham left the comforts of his homeland to follow God's call, or as the apostles abandoned their livelihoods to preach the foolish message of the cross, we are also called to embrace the divine paradox.

Perhaps God is prompting you to take a step of faith that seems foolish or impractical – to pursue a ministry calling, to adopt or foster a child, to leave a secure job for an uncertain path. Or perhaps He is inviting you to embrace a lifestyle or decision that runs counter to the wisdom of the world – prioritizing generosity over wealth accumulation, pursuing purity in a culture of promiscuity, or extending forgiveness to those who have wronged you.

In these moments, we must choose whether to cling to our own understanding or to trust in the wisdom of God. Will we dismiss the promptings of the Spirit as foolishness, or will we embrace the paradox and follow His leading, even when it seems illogical or risky?

As we do so, we may find ourselves experiencing the paradoxical power of God's wisdom. What appears to be weakness or folly might become the very means through which God displays His strength and accomplishes His purposes in our lives and in the world around us.

This is not to say that following God's wisdom will always be easy or immediately rewarding. In fact, the path of obedience may lead us through periods of difficulty, suffering, or apparent failure – just as Jesus endured the agony of the cross before the triumph of the resurrection. Yet, even in these moments, we can trust that God's ways are higher than ours and that His wisdom transcends our limited understanding.

Conclusion

On this April Fool's Day, let us embrace the divine paradox and find wisdom in the seeming foolishness of God's ways. Let us approach life with the humility to recognize that our knowledge and understanding are finite while God's wisdom is infinite and beyond comprehension.

As we do so, we may find ourselves experiencing the paradoxical power of the cross—the strength that comes from embracing weakness, the life that springs forth from death, and the profound wisdom that is revealed in what we mistakenly see as God's foolishness.

Just as the cross seemed like the ultimate defeat, only to become the ultimate victory, so too may the things that appear foolish in our lives be the very means through which God displays His wisdom and accomplishes His purposes.

As the apostle Paul declared, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men" 1 Corinthians 1:25. May we have the faith and courage to embrace this paradox, trusting in God's wisdom even when it defies our understanding.