Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - The Foolishness of God

April 25, 2025 | 27:29

Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.

#Faith #WalkwithGod #Victory #LoveofGod #Grace #Religion #Dr.RobertJeffress #RobertJeffress #Foolishness

Closed captions

Show Timecode

Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - The Foolishness of God | April 25, 2025

♪ music ♪
00:00:00.156 --> 00:00:05.929
[announcer] from the pulpit of the first baptist church
00:00:07.063 --> 00:00:09.199
Of dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory"
00:00:09.199 --> 00:00:12.268
With dr. robert jeffress.
00:00:12.268 --> 00:00:14.737
Hi, i'm robert jeffress,
00:00:15.238 --> 00:00:16.573
And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
00:00:16.573 --> 00:00:19.142
If you're a follower of christ, then i'm absolutely certain
00:00:19.142 --> 00:00:22.645
That you face some opposition in your life.
00:00:22.645 --> 00:00:25.615
In fact, maybe even some of your friends
00:00:25.615 --> 00:00:27.650
May think you've gone off the deep end at times.
00:00:27.650 --> 00:00:30.553
Well, the marginalization and even persecution
00:00:30.553 --> 00:00:33.189
Of christians isn't new,
00:00:33.189 --> 00:00:35.258
And today we're going to see that the reason some people
00:00:35.258 --> 00:00:38.027
Reject the gospel is because the cross is foolishness
00:00:38.027 --> 00:00:42.932
To those who are perishing.
00:00:42.932 --> 00:00:44.968
My message is titled "the foolishness of god,"
00:00:44.968 --> 00:00:48.571
On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
00:00:48.571 --> 00:00:52.242
♪ music ♪
00:00:52.242 --> 00:00:57.247
[announcer] think about a child in your life
00:00:58.148 --> 00:00:59.916
Who needs to put their faith in jesus.
00:00:59.916 --> 00:01:02.352
How do you explain the gospel to them in a way
00:01:02.352 --> 00:01:04.487
-they can understand? -(gentle music)
00:01:04.487 --> 00:01:05.755
In "the gift: the gospel for children,"
00:01:05.755 --> 00:01:08.057
Dr. robert jeffress presents the gospel message
00:01:08.057 --> 00:01:10.727
In a way that's clear and engaging.
00:01:10.727 --> 00:01:12.896
The book also includes a salvation prayer for you to pray
00:01:12.896 --> 00:01:15.732
With your child or grandchild.
00:01:15.732 --> 00:01:17.634
Give your child the most important gift
00:01:17.634 --> 00:01:19.569
They'll ever receive,
00:01:19.569 --> 00:01:21.104
The opportunity to begin a relationship with jesus christ.
00:01:21.104 --> 00:01:24.407
Request your copy of the gift at ptv.org.
00:01:24.407 --> 00:01:28.311
♪ music ♪
00:01:28.645 --> 00:01:32.916
Chuck colson in his book "against the night"
00:01:33.816 --> 00:01:36.519
Describes the following scene:
00:01:36.519 --> 00:01:38.955
Standing before a huge american flag,
00:01:38.955 --> 00:01:41.758
Barbara walters looked sternly into the television camera.
00:01:41.758 --> 00:01:46.129
She said, "the alarm has sounded, the clock is ticking,
00:01:46.129 --> 00:01:50.833
But most of us are still asleep."
00:01:50.833 --> 00:01:54.204
What was walters talking about?
00:01:54.204 --> 00:01:56.072
Nuclear threat, acid rain, an epidemic?
00:01:56.072 --> 00:01:59.842
No she was referring to the deterioration
00:01:59.842 --> 00:02:02.812
Of american education.
00:02:02.812 --> 00:02:05.415
Test scores are plummeting.
00:02:05.415 --> 00:02:07.450
Most high school students surveyed
00:02:07.450 --> 00:02:09.452
Thought that the holocaust was a jewish holiday.
00:02:09.452 --> 00:02:13.289
Many could not locate the united states on a world map.
00:02:13.289 --> 00:02:17.660
Others had never heard of a federalist papers.
00:02:17.660 --> 00:02:21.097
Walters probe beyond academic performance.
00:02:21.097 --> 00:02:24.467
She said the real crisis is one of character.
00:02:24.467 --> 00:02:28.738
Quote, "today's high school seniors live in a world
00:02:28.738 --> 00:02:32.875
Of misplaced values," walter said.
00:02:32.875 --> 00:02:36.012
"they have no sense of discipline, no goals.
00:02:36.012 --> 00:02:39.515
They care only for themselves.
00:02:39.515 --> 00:02:42.118
In short, they are becoming a generation
00:02:42.118 --> 00:02:45.321
Of undisciplined cultural barbarians."
00:02:45.321 --> 00:02:50.660
You know that's the paradox of our age.
00:02:51.527 --> 00:02:53.062
Even though we worship at the shrine of human education
00:02:53.062 --> 00:02:56.599
And philosophy, the fact is our society
00:02:56.599 --> 00:02:59.535
Is becoming increasingly illiterate and morally decadent.
00:02:59.535 --> 00:03:04.173
Do you remember back in the 1990s when william bennett
00:03:04.173 --> 00:03:07.877
Was the education czar?
00:03:07.877 --> 00:03:11.214
He released what he called the leading index
00:03:11.214 --> 00:03:14.717
Of cultural indicators.
00:03:14.717 --> 00:03:17.353
He noted that for the past 30 years,
00:03:17.353 --> 00:03:19.422
Government spending had increased sevenfold,
00:03:19.422 --> 00:03:23.059
And yet during that same 30 years when government spending
00:03:23.059 --> 00:03:28.364
Had increased times seven, during that same period of time,
00:03:29.499 --> 00:03:32.135
There had been a 560% increase in violent crimes,
00:03:32.135 --> 00:03:37.473
A 400% increase in illegitimate births,
00:03:38.308 --> 00:03:41.477
A 200% increase in teenage suicides,
00:03:41.477 --> 00:03:44.881
And sat scores had plummeted an average of 80 points.
00:03:44.881 --> 00:03:50.153
Why is that?
00:03:50.486 --> 00:03:51.788
Because the so-called wisdom of this world
00:03:51.788 --> 00:03:55.458
Is foolishness to god.
00:03:55.458 --> 00:03:58.428
Human wisdom, human philosophy is absolutely bankrupt
00:03:58.428 --> 00:04:03.733
When it comes to solving the problems of today.
00:04:04.667 --> 00:04:07.103
And it is that theme that paul sounds
00:04:07.103 --> 00:04:09.939
In 1 corinthians chapter one.
00:04:09.939 --> 00:04:12.241
If you have your bibles, i want you to turn there
00:04:12.241 --> 00:04:14.043
To 1 corinthians chapter one verses one 18 through 25.
00:04:14.043 --> 00:04:19.382
Let's look at what he says first of all,
00:04:20.249 --> 00:04:21.417
About the limitations of man's wisdom.
00:04:21.417 --> 00:04:24.554
What's wrong with man's wisdom, his philosophy?
00:04:24.554 --> 00:04:28.057
Well, first of all, paul says,
00:04:28.057 --> 00:04:29.292
"man's wisdom rejects the cross."
00:04:29.292 --> 00:04:31.894
Look at verse 18 of chapter one.
00:04:31.894 --> 00:04:33.930
"for the word of the cross is foolishness
00:04:33.930 --> 00:04:37.333
To those who are perishing.
00:04:37.333 --> 00:04:39.268
But to those of us who are being saved,
00:04:39.268 --> 00:04:41.704
It is the power of god."
00:04:41.704 --> 00:04:44.340
The word of the cross is foolishness.
00:04:44.340 --> 00:04:46.976
Now, when paul is talking about the word of the cross,
00:04:46.976 --> 00:04:49.846
He's talking about the entire gospel message.
00:04:49.846 --> 00:04:52.915
Let's face it, it's hard to accept such a message.
00:04:52.915 --> 00:04:57.120
It's hard for us who are being saved.
00:04:57.120 --> 00:04:59.689
It is foolishness to those who are perishing.
00:04:59.689 --> 00:05:02.759
Why is it hard for unbelievers to grasp that truth?
00:05:02.759 --> 00:05:05.862
Let me point out three things
00:05:05.862 --> 00:05:07.363
About the message of the cross.
00:05:07.363 --> 00:05:08.598
First of all, the message of the cross
00:05:08.598 --> 00:05:10.533
Implies the supernatural.
00:05:10.533 --> 00:05:13.035
See, the whole message of the cross implies
00:05:13.035 --> 00:05:15.338
That there is a creator god to whom we are responsible,
00:05:15.338 --> 00:05:19.509
And unbelievers will not accept that.
00:05:19.509 --> 00:05:23.079
By the way, we have this idea that all these unbelievers
00:05:23.079 --> 00:05:26.282
In all of these other lands and even in our land
00:05:26.282 --> 00:05:29.652
Who don't know the true god and instead worship an idol,
00:05:29.652 --> 00:05:33.156
We think they are just misguided misdirected souls,
00:05:33.156 --> 00:05:36.359
And if they only had the truth, they would believe.
00:05:36.359 --> 00:05:39.061
Well, the fact is the reason people reject the true god
00:05:39.061 --> 00:05:43.566
And embrace a false god is not for intellectual reasons.
00:05:43.566 --> 00:05:47.336
It's because of moral reasons.
00:05:47.336 --> 00:05:49.739
The apostle paul says in romans 1,
00:05:49.739 --> 00:05:51.974
"unbelievers who chase after gods, other gods,
00:05:51.974 --> 00:05:55.545
They have rejected on purpose the truth of the gospel.
00:05:55.545 --> 00:05:59.115
They have exchanged the truth of god for a lie.
00:05:59.115 --> 00:06:03.386
They purposely choose to follow after gods
00:06:03.386 --> 00:06:06.989
Of their own making rather than their true god."
00:06:06.989 --> 00:06:09.692
Listen to what paul says in romans 1 verses 18 to 20,
00:06:09.692 --> 00:06:12.895
"for the wrath of god is revealed from heaven
00:06:12.895 --> 00:06:15.398
Against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men
00:06:15.398 --> 00:06:18.968
Who suppress the truth and unrighteousness,
00:06:18.968 --> 00:06:21.537
Because that which is known about god
00:06:21.537 --> 00:06:24.006
Is evident within them, for god made it evident to them.
00:06:24.006 --> 00:06:28.911
For since the creation of the world,
00:06:28.911 --> 00:06:30.947
God's invisible attributes, his eternal power
00:06:30.947 --> 00:06:34.550
And divine nature have been clearly seen,
00:06:34.550 --> 00:06:38.154
Being understood through what has been made
00:06:38.154 --> 00:06:40.523
So that they are without excuse."
00:06:40.523 --> 00:06:43.759
Any unbeliever any place in the world
00:06:43.759 --> 00:06:46.329
Can look up into the sky and know
00:06:46.329 --> 00:06:48.464
There must be a creator god.
00:06:48.464 --> 00:06:50.466
And while that knowledge is not sufficient
00:06:50.466 --> 00:06:52.502
To save an unbeliever, it is sufficient if rejected
00:06:52.502 --> 00:06:56.405
To condemn the unbeliever.
00:06:56.405 --> 00:06:58.474
And the unbeliever purposely rejects that idea of god
00:06:58.474 --> 00:07:02.979
And instead he creates his own god.
00:07:02.979 --> 00:07:06.148
Most people today are not searching for the real god
00:07:06.148 --> 00:07:10.686
For the same reason a thief
00:07:10.686 --> 00:07:12.822
Doesn't search for policeman, okay?
00:07:12.822 --> 00:07:15.291
(congregation chuckles)
00:07:15.291 --> 00:07:17.760
We are guilty, and because we are guilty,
00:07:17.760 --> 00:07:20.963
We don't want to face god.
00:07:20.963 --> 00:07:24.267
That's one reason unbelievers reject the cross.
00:07:24.267 --> 00:07:26.769
It implies the supernatural.
00:07:26.769 --> 00:07:28.905
Secondly, the message of the cross assumes
00:07:28.905 --> 00:07:31.607
The sinfulness of man.
00:07:31.607 --> 00:07:33.309
It assumes the sinfulness of man.
00:07:33.309 --> 00:07:36.045
When you say that jesus christ died for our sins,
00:07:36.045 --> 00:07:39.715
That assumes that there is a moral standard in the universe
00:07:39.715 --> 00:07:44.253
To which we are all accountable.
00:07:44.253 --> 00:07:46.522
And not only that, it says we have deviated
00:07:46.522 --> 00:07:49.492
From that moral standard given by creator god.
00:07:49.492 --> 00:07:52.662
And not only that, it says our deviation is so serious
00:07:52.662 --> 00:07:56.966
That we deserve to spend eternity suffering in hell
00:07:56.966 --> 00:08:00.236
Because we have disobeyed the true god.
00:08:00.236 --> 00:08:02.905
The unbeliever will have none of that.
00:08:02.905 --> 00:08:05.908
Even if he gives into the fact that we have broken
00:08:05.908 --> 00:08:09.378
Certain rules, he doesn't believe it's that serious.
00:08:09.378 --> 00:08:13.282
I think about the words of ted turner,
00:08:13.282 --> 00:08:15.151
The founder of cnn a few years ago when he said famously,
00:08:15.151 --> 00:08:18.988
"christianity is a religion for losers.
00:08:18.988 --> 00:08:22.725
If jesus christ died for my sins,
00:08:22.725 --> 00:08:25.127
He need not have bothered.
00:08:25.127 --> 00:08:26.929
If having a few drinks and a few girlfriends
00:08:26.929 --> 00:08:29.765
Will send you to hell, so be it."
00:08:29.765 --> 00:08:32.401
Now, that's how the unbeliever thinks.
00:08:33.235 --> 00:08:35.605
He doesn't really believe in sin,
00:08:35.605 --> 00:08:37.106
But even if he is willing to say there's sin,
00:08:37.106 --> 00:08:40.042
It can't be that serious.
00:08:40.042 --> 00:08:42.845
Ted turner's words remind me of what spurgeon said
00:08:42.845 --> 00:08:45.848
Over a hundred years ago.
00:08:45.848 --> 00:08:47.183
He said, "when we think of sin lightly,
00:08:47.183 --> 00:08:50.886
We will also think of our savior lightly."
00:08:50.886 --> 00:08:54.857
If you don't believe there's real sin in the world
00:08:54.857 --> 00:08:58.060
Or real sin in your heart,
00:08:58.060 --> 00:08:59.462
You certainly see no need for the savior.
00:08:59.462 --> 00:09:02.865
Thirdly, people reject the cross
00:09:02.865 --> 00:09:04.934
Because of the message of the cross rejects self-effort.
00:09:04.934 --> 00:09:08.804
Perhaps that is the most offensive thing about the gospel
00:09:08.804 --> 00:09:11.607
To the unbeliever, that we are spiritually bankrupt,
00:09:11.607 --> 00:09:14.910
That there is nothing we can do to atone for our sin.
00:09:14.910 --> 00:09:19.649
The great scottish pastor robert murray m'cheyne
00:09:19.649 --> 00:09:23.486
Was one time out passing gospel tracks,
00:09:23.486 --> 00:09:26.822
And he gave a track to a very well-dressed woman,
00:09:26.822 --> 00:09:30.426
And the woman was offended by the track.
00:09:30.426 --> 00:09:32.795
And she said to m'cheyne, she said,
00:09:32.795 --> 00:09:36.465
"sir, don't you know who i am?"
00:09:36.465 --> 00:09:39.969
And m'cheyne said, "lady, there is a time coming
00:09:39.969 --> 00:09:42.371
When it will not matter who you are."
00:09:42.371 --> 00:09:44.740
-(congregation chuckles) -that's true.
00:09:44.740 --> 00:09:46.976
You know the reason most people reject that gospel message?
00:09:46.976 --> 00:09:51.013
It's not because you're not attractive enough.
00:09:51.013 --> 00:09:53.349
It's not because you're not eloquent enough.
00:09:53.349 --> 00:09:55.685
It's not because if you were more skilled in rhetoric,
00:09:55.685 --> 00:09:57.887
You could lure them in to accept the gospel message.
00:09:57.887 --> 00:10:00.823
No, people reject the gospel
00:10:00.823 --> 00:10:03.259
Because they are offended by it.
00:10:03.259 --> 00:10:05.861
They reject the gospel because it implies the supernatural,
00:10:05.861 --> 00:10:09.265
It assumes the sinfulness of man and it rejects self-effort.
00:10:09.265 --> 00:10:14.737
That's why the gospel is foolishness
00:10:15.504 --> 00:10:17.673
To those who are perishing.
00:10:17.673 --> 00:10:20.009
What are the limits of man's so-called wisdom?
00:10:20.009 --> 00:10:22.144
It not only rejects the cross,
00:10:22.144 --> 00:10:23.779
But secondly, man's wisdom is temporal.
00:10:23.779 --> 00:10:27.983
It is temporal.
00:10:27.983 --> 00:10:29.919
And to illustrate that point in verse 19,
00:10:29.919 --> 00:10:32.722
Paul, or paul quotes isaiah 29 verse 14.
00:10:32.722 --> 00:10:37.126
In your bibles of verse 19 is probably in all caps
00:10:37.126 --> 00:10:40.162
Or it has quotation marks around it.
00:10:40.162 --> 00:10:42.431
Paul is quoting from isaiah 29:14.
00:10:42.431 --> 00:10:45.000
Now let me lay the foundation of isaiah 29.
00:10:45.000 --> 00:10:48.037
Judah was about to be invaded by assyria.
00:10:48.037 --> 00:10:51.841
And sennacherib, the king of assyria,
00:10:52.608 --> 00:10:55.010
Was getting ready to level the kingdom of judah.
00:10:55.010 --> 00:10:58.781
And it looked like there was no hope for judah.
00:10:58.781 --> 00:11:02.318
Assyria had a far superior military strength,
00:11:02.318 --> 00:11:05.688
And so they're getting ready to invade judah.
00:11:05.688 --> 00:11:09.258
And god sends this message to isaiah.
00:11:09.258 --> 00:11:12.094
He tells isaiah not to be afraid. why?
00:11:12.094 --> 00:11:16.599
Look at verse 19, which is really a quotation of isaiah 29.
00:11:16.599 --> 00:11:21.704
"for it is written, i will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
00:11:21.704 --> 00:11:26.408
And the cleverness of the clever i will set aside."
00:11:26.408 --> 00:11:31.580
In spite of the well-laid plans of sennacherib,
00:11:32.581 --> 00:11:35.017
God said to isaiah, "don't worry about it.
00:11:35.017 --> 00:11:38.087
I'm the one who is going to fight this battle."
00:11:38.087 --> 00:11:41.824
And in one day, god killed 185,000
00:11:41.824 --> 00:11:47.096
Of those assyrian soldiers.
00:11:47.696 --> 00:11:49.265
Why did judah win?
00:11:49.265 --> 00:11:50.733
Not because of their strength,
00:11:50.733 --> 00:11:52.301
Not because of their well-laid-out plans.
00:11:52.301 --> 00:11:55.070
It is because god intervened in their situation.
00:11:55.070 --> 00:11:59.008
You see, the wisdom of man discounts the power of god.
00:11:59.008 --> 00:12:04.780
And that's something we would all do well
00:12:05.648 --> 00:12:07.483
To remember tonight.
00:12:07.483 --> 00:12:09.485
The wisdom of man always discounts the power of god.
00:12:09.485 --> 00:12:13.722
Some of you tonight, some of you watching on television,
00:12:13.722 --> 00:12:17.326
Listening by radio right now,
00:12:17.326 --> 00:12:19.161
You're facing an impossible situation just like judah did.
00:12:19.161 --> 00:12:23.332
Maybe what you're facing tonight is not an invading army,
00:12:23.332 --> 00:12:26.669
But perhaps you're facing a family problem
00:12:26.669 --> 00:12:28.604
For which there's no solution.
00:12:28.604 --> 00:12:30.739
Or maybe you're facing a financial problem
00:12:30.739 --> 00:12:32.741
For which there seems to be no answer.
00:12:32.741 --> 00:12:35.110
Or maybe you're suffering an illness
00:12:35.110 --> 00:12:36.879
For which there is no cure.
00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:38.914
Man's wisdom says, "your situation is hopeless.
00:12:38.914 --> 00:12:42.518
There is no hope."
00:12:42.518 --> 00:12:44.920
Don't discount the power of god.
00:12:44.920 --> 00:12:47.456
God has a way of intervening in an impossible situation,
00:12:47.456 --> 00:12:51.594
And he completely displaces the wisdom of man.
00:12:51.594 --> 00:12:55.431
Man's wisdom is temporal
00:12:55.431 --> 00:12:57.867
Because it discounts the power of god.
00:12:57.867 --> 00:13:00.803
By the way, there is a day coming,
00:13:00.803 --> 00:13:03.205
Look at verse 20, when all of man's wisdom
00:13:03.205 --> 00:13:05.808
Will be supplanted.
00:13:05.808 --> 00:13:07.376
Look at this. "where is the wise man? where is the scribe?
00:13:07.376 --> 00:13:10.746
Where is the debater of this age?
00:13:10.746 --> 00:13:12.848
Has god not made foolish the wisdom of this world?"
00:13:12.848 --> 00:13:17.753
There is one day coming when man's wisdom
00:13:17.753 --> 00:13:20.389
Will be visibly destroyed,
00:13:20.389 --> 00:13:22.124
And that is when jesus christ returns.
00:13:22.124 --> 00:13:24.860
Remember philippians 2 verses 9 through 11,
00:13:24.860 --> 00:13:27.596
"for god has granted him a name which is above every name,
00:13:27.596 --> 00:13:31.000
That at the name of jesus, every knee will bow
00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:34.637
In heaven, on earth, and under the earth,
00:13:34.637 --> 00:13:37.706
And every tongue will confess that jesus christ is lord
00:13:37.706 --> 00:13:41.777
To the glory of god the father."
00:13:41.777 --> 00:13:44.613
Think about it, one day, every scientist,
00:13:44.613 --> 00:13:47.516
Every philosopher who has ever lived
00:13:47.516 --> 00:13:50.653
Will one day bow down before the name of jesus.
00:13:50.653 --> 00:13:53.589
Every one of them, whether it be confucius or buddha
00:13:53.589 --> 00:13:57.426
Or plato, whether it be hawking or darwin or winfrey,
00:13:57.426 --> 00:14:01.730
One day, they're all going to kneel
00:14:01.730 --> 00:14:04.099
Before the throne of jesus christ.
00:14:04.099 --> 00:14:06.168
(audience cheers and applauds)
00:14:06.168 --> 00:14:07.303
That is what the scripture promises.
00:14:07.303 --> 00:14:11.040
But you know what? we don't have to wait.
00:14:11.941 --> 00:14:14.109
We don't have to wait until the second coming of christ
00:14:14.109 --> 00:14:17.379
To see the foolishness of man's wisdom today.
00:14:17.379 --> 00:14:22.184
Just think about all of the wisdom,
00:14:22.184 --> 00:14:25.454
The philosophy of our age,
00:14:25.454 --> 00:14:27.022
Has it really solved any problems?
00:14:27.022 --> 00:14:29.758
I was having coffee this week with columnist cal thomas,
00:14:29.758 --> 00:14:35.030
The number one syndicated columnist in america today.
00:14:36.131 --> 00:14:38.367
We were over there at the fairmont having coffee,
00:14:38.367 --> 00:14:40.402
And he said, "you know," he said, "think about this.
00:14:40.402 --> 00:14:44.340
Since lyndon johnson proposed the war on poverty
00:14:45.341 --> 00:14:49.411
About 45 years ago, we have spent trillions
00:14:49.411 --> 00:14:53.015
And trillions of dollars trying to eliminate
00:14:53.015 --> 00:14:55.217
Poverty in america.
00:14:55.217 --> 00:14:56.819
And the latest figures that came out last week
00:14:56.819 --> 00:14:59.054
Show still one in seven americans lives in poverty."
00:14:59.054 --> 00:15:03.525
Government programs are bankrupt
00:15:03.525 --> 00:15:05.861
To solve the problem of poverty.
00:15:05.861 --> 00:15:08.130
They are bankrupt to solve the problems of crime.
00:15:08.130 --> 00:15:11.166
A government programs, human philosophy is bankrupt
00:15:11.166 --> 00:15:15.037
To solve the crime problem to institute world peace.
00:15:15.037 --> 00:15:18.841
Let me ask you today,
00:15:18.841 --> 00:15:20.275
Are we any safer in the world today
00:15:20.275 --> 00:15:22.411
Than we were 50 years ago or a hundred years ago?
00:15:22.411 --> 00:15:25.914
Is society any more moral than it was 50 years ago
00:15:25.914 --> 00:15:29.618
Or 100 years ago?
00:15:29.618 --> 00:15:31.120
Is the suicide rate going up or down?
00:15:31.120 --> 00:15:34.456
People are morally, spiritually bankrupt
00:15:34.456 --> 00:15:38.093
Because they have been trusting human wisdom
00:15:38.093 --> 00:15:40.829
Rather than the wisdom of god.
00:15:40.829 --> 00:15:43.465
A final limitation of human wisdom
00:15:43.465 --> 00:15:45.401
Is man's wisdom cannot lead a person to the true god.
00:15:45.401 --> 00:15:50.272
It will never lead a person to the true god.
00:15:50.272 --> 00:15:52.207
Look at verse 21.
00:15:52.207 --> 00:15:53.509
"for since in the wisdom of god,
00:15:53.509 --> 00:15:55.844
The world through its wisdom did not come to know god."
00:15:55.844 --> 00:16:00.449
Never ever will human philosophy
00:16:00.449 --> 00:16:03.018
Lead a person to the true god.
00:16:03.018 --> 00:16:05.054
Now, they may lead people to a false god,
00:16:05.054 --> 00:16:07.990
A god of their own imagination.
00:16:07.990 --> 00:16:10.459
And in fact, that's the kind of god
00:16:10.459 --> 00:16:12.127
Many americans are worshiping today.
00:16:12.127 --> 00:16:14.296
Robert bella wrote a book a few years ago,
00:16:14.296 --> 00:16:16.698
"habits of the heart."
00:16:16.698 --> 00:16:18.233
He said in that book, "81% of americans say
00:16:18.233 --> 00:16:21.837
They don't need church to develop their own beliefs.
00:16:21.837 --> 00:16:25.441
They can construct their beliefs for themselves about god."
00:16:25.441 --> 00:16:28.744
And in his book, for his book,
00:16:28.744 --> 00:16:30.579
He interviewed a woman named sheila.
00:16:30.579 --> 00:16:33.148
And this is what sheila said, "oh, i believe in god,
00:16:33.148 --> 00:16:37.052
But i don't go to church.
00:16:37.052 --> 00:16:38.954
Instead, i practice sheila-ism.
00:16:38.954 --> 00:16:42.257
I listen to a small voice that tells me what to do."
00:16:42.257 --> 00:16:46.728
Now that is more americans' today belief about god
00:16:47.729 --> 00:16:50.632
Than you can possibly imagine.
00:16:50.632 --> 00:16:53.235
I tell you what, when people talk about
00:16:53.235 --> 00:16:55.904
Or support groups talk about,
00:16:55.904 --> 00:16:57.873
"oh, we believe in a higher power,"
00:16:57.873 --> 00:17:00.943
I don't get excited about that.
00:17:00.943 --> 00:17:02.978
That means absolutely nothing.
00:17:02.978 --> 00:17:05.514
Some group out there saying, "oh, we teach our people
00:17:05.514 --> 00:17:08.183
To believe in a higher power."
00:17:08.183 --> 00:17:09.818
That means nothing, that higher power could be anything
00:17:09.818 --> 00:17:12.621
From the force of star wars to santa claus, okay?
00:17:12.621 --> 00:17:15.824
It is absolutely meaningless.
00:17:15.824 --> 00:17:17.960
And when celebrity stands up, some celebrity stands up
00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:21.230
And says, "oh, i believe in god,"
00:17:21.230 --> 00:17:23.332
I don't get goosebumps over that at all
00:17:23.332 --> 00:17:25.601
Because my first question is, "what god do you believe in?
00:17:25.601 --> 00:17:28.670
Is it the god of the bible,
00:17:28.670 --> 00:17:30.205
Or the god of your own imagination?"
00:17:30.205 --> 00:17:32.674
The fact is, human philosophy will never lead people,
00:17:32.674 --> 00:17:36.411
Paul says, to the true god.
00:17:36.411 --> 00:17:39.381
Now let's look, in opposition to man's wisdom,
00:17:39.381 --> 00:17:43.185
Let's look at god's foolishness.
00:17:43.185 --> 00:17:45.287
Paul says, "god so-called foolishness leads to salvation."
00:17:45.287 --> 00:17:49.558
Look at verse 21b.
00:17:49.558 --> 00:17:50.993
"god was well pleased through the foolishness
00:17:50.993 --> 00:17:53.996
Of the message preached to save those who believe."
00:17:53.996 --> 00:17:58.167
Will you notice here that god's foolishness
00:17:58.167 --> 00:18:00.969
Is, first of all, contrary to the wisdom of man?
00:18:00.969 --> 00:18:04.706
Look at verses 22 and 23.
00:18:04.706 --> 00:18:06.842
"for indeed jews ask for signs and greeks search for wisdom,
00:18:06.842 --> 00:18:11.780
But we preach christ crucified,
00:18:11.780 --> 00:18:14.683
To the jews a stumbling block, and to gentiles foolishness."
00:18:14.683 --> 00:18:19.621
In paul's day, the message of the cross,
00:18:19.621 --> 00:18:21.823
It violated what the jews thought.
00:18:21.823 --> 00:18:24.226
The jews were looking for signs.
00:18:24.226 --> 00:18:26.328
And even though john's gospel told us that jesus came
00:18:26.328 --> 00:18:29.364
And performed numbers of numerous miraculous signs,
00:18:29.364 --> 00:18:33.235
The jews refused to believe.
00:18:33.235 --> 00:18:35.003
Why? they said they were looking for signs.
00:18:35.003 --> 00:18:38.006
What they were really looking for was political deliverance.
00:18:38.006 --> 00:18:41.310
They wanted a messiah who would come
00:18:41.310 --> 00:18:43.145
And release them from roman oppression.
00:18:43.145 --> 00:18:45.013
And when this messiah didn't meet their expectations,
00:18:45.013 --> 00:18:49.251
They discounted him.
00:18:49.251 --> 00:18:50.819
They dismissed him.
00:18:50.819 --> 00:18:52.454
You know, the fact is what the jews failed to understand
00:18:53.589 --> 00:18:56.091
Was jesus came to deliver them and us from oppression,
00:18:56.091 --> 00:19:00.262
The greatest oppression of all, not of the roman government,
00:19:00.262 --> 00:19:03.699
But the oppression of sin and death.
00:19:03.699 --> 00:19:06.401
That's why jesus came, to free us of spiritual oppression,
00:19:06.401 --> 00:19:10.806
But they didn't accept that.
00:19:10.806 --> 00:19:12.474
So jesus was, for them, a stumbling block.
00:19:12.474 --> 00:19:15.644
On the other hand, to the gentiles was foolishness.
00:19:15.644 --> 00:19:18.413
You see, the greeks had their own philosophical system.
00:19:18.413 --> 00:19:21.516
And part of their philosophy said
00:19:21.516 --> 00:19:23.485
Everything that is material, physical is evil,
00:19:23.485 --> 00:19:27.055
And only that which is spiritual is good.
00:19:27.055 --> 00:19:29.925
And so when jesus came claiming to be god in the flesh
00:19:29.925 --> 00:19:33.328
That didn't fit their philosophical system.
00:19:33.328 --> 00:19:35.797
They didn't believe anything in the flesh was good,
00:19:35.797 --> 00:19:39.334
So they too rejected the cross of jesus christ.
00:19:39.334 --> 00:19:43.672
Jesus was a stumbling block for the jews.
00:19:43.672 --> 00:19:45.841
To the gentiles, he was absolute foolishness.
00:19:45.841 --> 00:19:49.745
But notice in verse 24, paul says,
00:19:49.745 --> 00:19:51.780
"god's foolishness is true wisdom for believers."
00:19:51.780 --> 00:19:56.084
Look at verse 24, "but to those who are the called,
00:19:56.084 --> 00:19:59.621
Both jews and greeks, christ, the power of god
00:19:59.621 --> 00:20:03.058
And the wisdom of god,
00:20:03.058 --> 00:20:04.826
Because the foolishness of god is wiser than men,
00:20:05.827 --> 00:20:08.163
And the weakness of god is stronger than men."
00:20:08.163 --> 00:20:12.367
Now, what does paul mean here when he says,
00:20:12.367 --> 00:20:14.236
"to those who are called,
00:20:14.236 --> 00:20:16.271
Christ is the power of god and the wisdom of god"?
00:20:16.271 --> 00:20:19.875
That phrase the called gets people nervous sometimes.
00:20:19.875 --> 00:20:24.379
Is paul saying that god arbitrarily select some people
00:20:24.379 --> 00:20:28.884
To be saved and others not to be saved?
00:20:28.884 --> 00:20:31.086
There's nothing arbitrary about what god does.
00:20:31.086 --> 00:20:33.789
He doesn't put a blindfold on and say, "okay, you're saved.
00:20:33.789 --> 00:20:37.259
You're not saved. you're saved, not saved."
00:20:37.259 --> 00:20:40.429
There is a mystery of election and predestination
00:20:40.429 --> 00:20:42.998
That none of us can understand,
00:20:42.998 --> 00:20:44.499
But one thing we can all agree on
00:20:44.499 --> 00:20:46.301
Is nothing god does is arbitrary.
00:20:46.301 --> 00:20:49.438
There is always a purpose behind it.
00:20:49.438 --> 00:20:52.474
But what paul is saying here is simply this.
00:20:52.474 --> 00:20:55.043
It's a truth that he mirrors in chapter two, verse 14.
00:20:55.043 --> 00:20:58.880
Paul wrote, "but a natural man does not accept the things
00:20:58.880 --> 00:21:02.351
Of the spirit of god for they are foolishness to him,
00:21:02.351 --> 00:21:05.954
And he cannot understand them
00:21:05.954 --> 00:21:08.156
Because they are spiritually appraised."
00:21:08.156 --> 00:21:10.992
What paul is saying here is simply this,
00:21:10.992 --> 00:21:13.862
Nobody ever comes to an understanding of the gospel
00:21:13.862 --> 00:21:17.666
On his own.
00:21:17.666 --> 00:21:19.434
No man ever wakes up and says, "you know what?
00:21:19.434 --> 00:21:22.104
I believe that that is a wisdom of god.
00:21:22.104 --> 00:21:25.073
I believe that jesus is the son of god.
00:21:25.073 --> 00:21:27.275
I believe he came to die for the sins of the world.
00:21:27.275 --> 00:21:29.544
I believe that trusting in him i can have eternal life.
00:21:29.544 --> 00:21:32.280
I think i'm going to start believing that."
00:21:32.280 --> 00:21:34.649
No man ever comes to that knowledge on his own.
00:21:34.649 --> 00:21:37.953
The natural man, the unsaved person,
00:21:37.953 --> 00:21:40.589
To him, the gospel will always be foolishness.
00:21:40.589 --> 00:21:44.326
The only way you and i can ever believe
00:21:44.326 --> 00:21:47.162
In the gospel message is if god does a work in our heart,
00:21:47.162 --> 00:21:51.366
If god regenerates us and gives us the gift of faith.
00:21:51.366 --> 00:21:55.103
Jesus says, "no man comes to the father
00:21:55.103 --> 00:21:57.506
Except the spirit draws him."
00:21:57.506 --> 00:21:59.975
It is a work of god.
00:21:59.975 --> 00:22:02.077
And let me say to you tonight,
00:22:02.077 --> 00:22:03.845
That if you realize that jesus christ is the son of god,
00:22:03.845 --> 00:22:07.749
If you realize that trusting in him is the only way
00:22:07.749 --> 00:22:11.119
To be saved, you didn't come to that conclusion on your own.
00:22:11.119 --> 00:22:14.656
That is the spirit of god working in your heart.
00:22:14.656 --> 00:22:17.993
But just because the spirit of god has given you the ability
00:22:17.993 --> 00:22:21.096
To believe that tonight doesn't mean his spirit
00:22:21.096 --> 00:22:24.166
Will always be with you.
00:22:24.166 --> 00:22:25.901
The bible says, "my spirit will not always strive
00:22:25.901 --> 00:22:29.337
With a man."
00:22:29.337 --> 00:22:30.572
It is only through the supernatural work of god
00:22:30.572 --> 00:22:33.442
That any of us can believe.
00:22:33.442 --> 00:22:35.444
There is an eccentric evangelist years ago
00:22:35.444 --> 00:22:37.746
Named alexander wooten.
00:22:37.746 --> 00:22:39.681
One day, a young man came up to him and sarcastically said,
00:22:40.849 --> 00:22:44.386
"reverend wooten, you're always telling people
00:22:44.386 --> 00:22:47.289
You have to get saved, you have to get saved,
00:22:47.289 --> 00:22:49.758
You have to get saved.
00:22:49.758 --> 00:22:51.326
Okay, tell me, pastor, what do i need to do to get saved?"
00:22:51.326 --> 00:22:56.364
And wooten said, "there's nothing you need to do.
00:22:57.365 --> 00:22:59.768
It's too late for you."
00:22:59.768 --> 00:23:01.536
The man said, "what do you mean it's too late?"
00:23:02.471 --> 00:23:04.773
And at this point, he was panicked.
00:23:04.773 --> 00:23:06.141
He said, "are you saying there is nothing i can do
00:23:06.141 --> 00:23:08.477
To be saved?"
00:23:08.477 --> 00:23:09.411
Wooten said, "that's right.
00:23:09.411 --> 00:23:10.679
There is nothing you can do to be saved.
00:23:10.679 --> 00:23:13.114
It's already been done.
00:23:13.114 --> 00:23:15.016
-all you can do is believe." -(bright music)
00:23:15.016 --> 00:23:17.986
And that is the message of the cross.
00:23:17.986 --> 00:23:21.389
For the power, the message of the cross
00:23:21.389 --> 00:23:24.192
Is foolishness to those who are perishing.
00:23:24.192 --> 00:23:27.829
But to those who are being saved, it is the wisdom of god.
00:23:27.829 --> 00:23:37.138
Yes, human philosophy is absolutely worthless
00:23:38.073 --> 00:23:41.743
When it comes to answering the big questions of life.
00:23:41.743 --> 00:23:44.913
Only god's so-called foolishness
00:23:44.913 --> 00:23:47.649
Can lead us to meaning and salvation.
00:23:47.649 --> 00:23:51.353
In closing, let me express my heartfelt appreciation
00:23:51.353 --> 00:23:54.623
To those of you who support "pathway to victory,"
00:23:54.623 --> 00:23:57.425
Especially our pathway partners.
00:23:57.425 --> 00:24:00.262
These faithful friends give generously
00:24:00.262 --> 00:24:02.964
Because they share our commitment to pierce the darkness
00:24:02.964 --> 00:24:06.535
With the light of god's word.
00:24:06.535 --> 00:24:08.570
When you support "pathway to victory,"
00:24:08.570 --> 00:24:10.305
You can be confident that you're helping men and women
00:24:10.305 --> 00:24:13.742
Experience the transforming power
00:24:13.742 --> 00:24:16.244
Of god's truth in their lives.
00:24:16.244 --> 00:24:18.580
We're seeing the impact of your generosity every day
00:24:18.580 --> 00:24:22.884
As people across nation and around our world
00:24:22.884 --> 00:24:26.087
Turn to christ and grow in their faith.
00:24:26.087 --> 00:24:29.357
Thank you so much for standing
00:24:29.357 --> 00:24:30.825
With us in this crucial ministry.
00:24:30.825 --> 00:24:33.495
Now stay right there.
00:24:33.495 --> 00:24:35.030
I'll be back with more "pathway to victory"
00:24:35.030 --> 00:24:37.732
In just a moment.
00:24:37.732 --> 00:24:39.067
The most important task a parent or grandparent has in life
00:24:40.201 --> 00:24:44.205
Is to lead their child or grandchild
00:24:44.205 --> 00:24:46.207
To faith in jesus christ.
00:24:46.207 --> 00:24:48.209
Yet many don't know where to begin.
00:24:48.209 --> 00:24:50.412
That's why i've written "the gift: the gospel for children,"
00:24:50.412 --> 00:24:54.182
A beautifully illustrated book
00:24:54.182 --> 00:24:56.284
Designed to help you share the gospel
00:24:56.284 --> 00:24:58.286
With the children you love.
00:24:58.286 --> 00:25:00.388
[announcer] the gift provides a clear presentation
00:25:00.388 --> 00:25:02.757
Of the gospel for your child or grandchild,
00:25:02.757 --> 00:25:05.160
And makes sharing the life-changing message of jesus simple.
00:25:05.160 --> 00:25:08.697
Plus, you'll receive an instructional dvd message
00:25:08.697 --> 00:25:11.533
From dr. jeffress that you can watch together
00:25:11.533 --> 00:25:14.035
With your child.
00:25:14.035 --> 00:25:15.570
You can give this book to your children or grandchildren
00:25:15.570 --> 00:25:17.839
To read on their own, or better yet, read it together
00:25:17.839 --> 00:25:21.376
To begin a rewarding spiritual journey
00:25:21.376 --> 00:25:24.245
That will shape their eternity.
00:25:24.245 --> 00:25:26.448
At the end of my book, i've included a prayer for salvation.
00:25:26.448 --> 00:25:29.985
They can pray to trust in christ as their savior.
00:25:29.985 --> 00:25:33.955
[announcer] help your child or grandchild
00:25:33.955 --> 00:25:35.490
Make the decision to follow jesus christ.
00:25:35.490 --> 00:25:38.259
Request "the gift" when you give a generous gift
00:25:38.259 --> 00:25:40.996
To support the ministry of pathway to victory.
00:25:40.996 --> 00:25:43.798
And when your ministry gift is $75 or more,
00:25:43.798 --> 00:25:47.002
We'll also send you "straight answers to tough questions,"
00:25:47.002 --> 00:25:50.005
Chapters one through nine on both dvd and audio disc.
00:25:50.005 --> 00:25:53.942
Thank you for partnering with "pathway to victory.
00:25:53.942 --> 00:25:56.511
Together we're preaching the gospel
00:25:56.511 --> 00:25:58.179
To as many people as possible, and equipping parents
00:25:58.179 --> 00:26:01.149
And grandparents to lead the children they love
00:26:01.149 --> 00:26:03.551
To faith in jesus christ.
00:26:03.551 --> 00:26:07.055
♪ music ♪
00:26:07.389 --> 00:26:08.723
To the non-believing person,
00:26:08.723 --> 00:26:10.358
The gospel will always seem like foolishness.
00:26:10.358 --> 00:26:14.062
The only way you and i can ever believe the gospel
00:26:14.062 --> 00:26:17.532
Is when god does a work in our heart.
00:26:17.532 --> 00:26:20.635
Well, today we learned that human wisdom is flawed
00:26:20.635 --> 00:26:23.204
Because it rejects the cross of jesus christ.
00:26:23.204 --> 00:26:27.208
Human wisdom is temporary,
00:26:27.208 --> 00:26:29.577
And it cannot lead a person to the true god.
00:26:29.577 --> 00:26:32.847
And next time, we'll look at one more major problem
00:26:32.847 --> 00:26:35.850
With human philosophy, and that is it elevates
00:26:35.850 --> 00:26:39.354
And admires the wrong kind of people.
00:26:39.354 --> 00:26:42.290
Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
00:26:42.290 --> 00:26:44.826
In our series, "straight answers to tough questions."
00:26:44.826 --> 00:26:49.264
You know, the fact is all of us tend to be impressed
00:26:50.331 --> 00:26:52.500
By different things, don't we?
00:26:52.500 --> 00:26:54.869
But god is impressed with none of these things.
00:26:54.869 --> 00:26:59.007
In fact, the truth is wealth and wisdom
00:26:59.007 --> 00:27:02.777
And power can be barriers,
00:27:02.777 --> 00:27:05.280
Barriers not only to our being saved by god,
00:27:05.280 --> 00:27:09.384
But also barriers to our being used by god.
00:27:09.384 --> 00:27:13.555
[announcer] set your dvr and join us next time
00:27:13.555 --> 00:27:15.690
For the message, "the person god uses"
00:27:15.690 --> 00:27:18.460
Here on "pathway to victory."
00:27:18.460 --> 00:27:18.460

Robert Jeffress - The Foolishness of God

April 25, 2025 | 27:29

Closed captions

Share