“God’s Glory in Unworthy People” teaches that God saves and uses ordinary, undeserving sinners through Jesus Christ so that no one can boast in human strength or wisdom. The sermon outline from 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 reveals God’s grace, sovereign choice, and Christ-centered salvation, which direct all glory and praise back to the Lord alone.
Key Takeaways – God’s Glory in Ordinary People
- God Uses Ordinary People – God often chooses weak and overlooked people to display His power and grace. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 reminds believers to trust God’s strength instead of human ability, status, or wisdom.
- Christ Provides Everything Needed – Jesus Christ is the believer’s wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Christians stand accepted before God through Christ alone, not through works or personal achievement. This truth produces humility, confidence, and spiritual growth.
- God Alone Deserves The Glory – The gospel removes human boasting and points all praise to the Lord. Believers should live humbly, serve faithfully, and proclaim Christ boldly so others will see God’s grace working through transformed lives.
Sermon Outline From 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
The world celebrates power, wisdom, wealth, and influence. People often measure success by education, popularity, or ability. Yet God works very differently. In 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Paul reminds believers that God purposely chooses weak and ordinary people so that no one will boast before Him. God alone deserves the glory.
This passage follows Paul’s teaching about the message of the cross. The Corinthians struggled with pride and division, but Paul directed their attention back to God’s grace. These verses show that salvation rests entirely on God’s sovereign work through Jesus Christ. Every believer stands as a testimony to God’s mercy, wisdom, and power.
1. God Chooses The Unworthy (1 Cor 1:26-29)
“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
A. He rejects human pride (1:26)
God did not call many wise, mighty, or noble according to worldly standards. Paul reminded the Corinthians to examine their own calling. Most believers came from ordinary backgrounds. God intentionally saves people who cannot boast in themselves because salvation depends completely upon His grace.
The Lord often uses weak instruments to accomplish His purposes. Gideon, Moses, and David displayed God’s power through human weakness. God overturns human expectations so that the world cannot glorify man. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches that salvation comes by grace through faith, not by works, lest anyone should boast.
B. He reveals heavenly power (1:27-29)
God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. He chose weak things to shame the strong. The cross itself appeared foolish to unbelievers, yet it revealed the wisdom and power of God through Jesus Christ.
This truth encourages humble believers today. God does not require worldly greatness before He can use someone. He transforms sinners through the gospel and displays His power through changed lives. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says believers have treasure in earthen vessels so that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us. (Source Material: Robert G. Gromacki, Called to Be Saints, pp. 21–25)
This material provides some ideas and thoughts for a sermon outline from 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (God’s Glory in Ordinary People).
2. God Centers Everything in Christ (1 Cor 1:30)
“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).
A. He provides true wisdom (1:30a)
Paul declared that believers are “in Christ Jesus.” Salvation joins sinners to Christ through God’s sovereign grace. Jesus becomes the believer’s wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Everything necessary for salvation comes through Him alone.
The world searches for wisdom through philosophy and religion, but true wisdom is found in Christ. Colossians 2:3 says that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Believers do not trust human systems for salvation because Christ perfectly provides all that sinners need before God.
B. He produces spiritual change (1:30b)
Christ not only forgives sinners but also sanctifies them. God changes believers from the inside out through the work of the Holy Spirit. Genuine salvation produces growth in holiness and obedience because believers belong to Christ.
This transformation displays the grace of God. Titus 2:11-12 teaches that the grace of God trains believers to deny ungodliness and live righteously. Christians grow spiritually because Christ continues His work within them. The believer’s confidence rests in Christ’s finished work and continuing power. (Source Material: John MacArthur, 1 Corinthians, pp. 49–54)
3 God Receives All Glory (1 Cor 1:31)
“That, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord'” (1 Corinthians 1:31).
A. Let Him alone be praised (1:31)
Paul concluded with the words, “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” Every aspect of salvation points back to God. Man contributes nothing to redemption except the sin that made salvation necessary. Therefore, God alone deserves worship, praise, and honor.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 forms the background of Paul’s statement. The Lord warned people not to boast in wisdom, might, or riches. Instead, they should boast in knowing Him. Christians glorify God because He alone saves, sustains, and secures His people through Jesus Christ.
B. Let His grace be proclaimed (1:31)
Believers should publicly proclaim God’s grace to others. The testimony of salvation points people away from self and toward Christ. The gospel magnifies God’s mercy toward undeserving sinners and invites others to trust in Jesus Christ.
This truth should shape every ministry and every believer. Churches must exalt Christ rather than personalities, achievements, or human methods. Galatians 6:14 says, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The cross remains the believer’s only boast. (Source Material: William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, pp. 1750–1751)
Conclusion
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 teaches that God chooses the unworthy, centers salvation completely in Christ, and receives all the glory. Salvation does not rest upon human wisdom, strength, or achievement. God saves sinners through the message of the cross so that His grace will shine brightly before the world.
Every believer should respond with humility, gratitude, and worship. God calls ordinary sinners into fellowship with His Son and transforms them for His glory. Therefore, let every Christian boast only in the Lord Jesus Christ, who became our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wonderful grace that saves unworthy sinners through Jesus Christ alone. Thank You for choosing the weak things of this world to display Your wisdom and power. Guard us from pride and self-confidence. Help us boast only in the cross of Christ and rest completely in Your mercy and truth.
Lord Jesus, strengthen Your people to walk humbly and faithfully before You each day. Help us live in a way that exalts Christ in our homes, workplaces, and ministries. Draw lost souls to salvation through the gospel message. May our lives point others to Jesus Christ, who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why does God choose weak people according to 1 Corinthians 1:26-31?
A: God chooses weak and ordinary people so no one can boast before Him. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 teaches that God displays His wisdom and power through human weakness. Salvation depends on His grace, not human achievement, education, strength, or social position.
Q: What does it mean that Christ is our wisdom?
A: Jesus Christ is the believer’s true wisdom because He provides salvation, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Through Christ, believers understand God’s truth and receive eternal life. 1 Corinthians 1:30 shows that everything needed for salvation comes through Him alone.
Q: How does 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 encourage Christians today?
A: This passage encourages believers who feel weak, overlooked, or inadequate. God often uses ordinary people to accomplish His purposes and glorify His name. Christians can serve faithfully with confidence because God’s power works through humble lives surrendered to Jesus Christ.
Q: Why should Christians boast only in the Lord?
A: Believers should boast only in the Lord because salvation comes completely through God’s grace. Human effort cannot earn righteousness before God. 1 Corinthians 1:31 points believers to worship Christ alone for His mercy, power, wisdom, and saving work on the cross.
Q: What does this passage teach about salvation by grace?
A: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 teaches that salvation comes entirely by God’s grace through faith in Christ. God calls undeserving sinners and gives them righteousness through Jesus Christ. This truth removes pride, produces humility, and assures believers that their salvation rests securely in God’s work.
The Wiersbe Bible Commentary by Warren W. Wiersbe
BONUS: What does it mean to glory in the Lord according to 1 Corinthians 1:31?
To glory in the Lord means believers place their confidence, praise, and joy in Jesus Christ alone instead of human wisdom, strength, or achievements. 1 Corinthians 1:31 teaches that salvation comes completely from God’s grace. Christians honor God because He alone saves, forgives, and transforms sinners through Christ.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 warns people not to boast in wisdom, might, or riches, but to boast in knowing the Lord. Believers glory in Christ by worshiping Him, trusting His Word, and proclaiming His gospel. Galatians 6:14 also points Christians to boast only in the cross of Jesus Christ and His finished work.
BONUS: How does God use weak people for His glory in the Bible?
God often uses weak people to display His power and glory. Moses struggled with fear and speech, yet God used him to lead Israel. Gideon felt insignificant, but God gave him victory over the Midianites. 2 Corinthians 12:9 teaches that God’s strength becomes perfect in human weakness.
The Lord chooses weak people so no one will boast in human ability. 1 Corinthians 1:27 says God chose the weak things of the world to shame the mighty. Believers should depend on God’s grace, trust His strength, and serve faithfully because He delights in working through humble and surrendered lives.
BONUS: Why does God reject human boasting in salvation?
God rejects human boasting in salvation because no person can earn righteousness through works, wisdom, or personal effort. Salvation comes entirely by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches that salvation is the gift of God so that no one may boast before Him.
Human boasting robs God of the glory He alone deserves. 1 Corinthians 1:29 says that no flesh should glory in His presence. The cross of Christ humbles sinners and magnifies God’s mercy, holiness, and love. Believers should respond with gratitude, humility, and worship toward the Lord alone.
BONUS: What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 in simple terms?
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 teaches that God saves ordinary and undeserving sinners through Jesus Christ so that He alone receives the glory. The world values human wisdom, power, and status, but God works through weak people to display His grace and strength.
Paul explained that Christ became the believer’s wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Salvation does not come through human effort but through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Verse 31 calls believers to glory in the Lord and not in themselves because every spiritual blessing comes from God’s grace.
BONUS: How does the cross of Christ reveal God’s wisdom and power?
The cross of Christ reveals God’s wisdom because God provided salvation through the sacrificial death of His Son instead of human effort or religious works. Many people considered the cross foolishness, yet 1 Corinthians 1:18 teaches that the message of a href=”https://www.sermoninfo.com/7-sayings-of-jesus-from-the-cross.html” title=”7 Sayings of Jesus From The Cross”>the cross is the power of God to those who believe.
The cross also reveals God’s power because Jesus conquered sin, Satan, and death through His resurrection. God transforms guilty sinners into forgiven children through Christ’s finished work. Romans 1:16 declares that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes. The cross displays God’s holiness, justice, mercy, and love together.
BONUS: What lessons can Christians learn from God choosing the foolish things of the world?
Christians learn that God values humility, faith, and dependence upon Him more than worldly wisdom or strength. 1 Corinthians 1:27 teaches that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. Believers should trust God’s power instead of relying on personal ability, status, or achievements.
This truth also encourages ordinary believers to serve God faithfully. The Lord often works through weak and overlooked people to accomplish His purposes. James 4:6 says God gives grace to the humble. Christians should walk humbly, obey God’s Word, and give Him all the glory for every spiritual victory and blessing.
| Sermon Outline From 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 – Free Expository Sermon Outlines | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Main Point | Bible Verse | Meaning |
| 1 | God Chooses The Unworthy | 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 | God saves and uses ordinary, weak, and undeserving people so that His grace and power receive the glory instead of human ability. |
| 2 | God Centers Everything In Christ | 1 Corinthians 1:30 | Jesus Christ alone provides wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption for every believer through God’s saving grace. |
| 3 | God Receives All Glory | 1 Corinthians 1:31 | Salvation removes human boasting and directs all praise, worship, and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ alone. |
Source Material
William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, rev. ed. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1750–1751
John MacArthur, 1 Corinthians, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Publishers, year), 49–54
Robert G. Gromacki, Called to Be Saints: An Exposition of First Corinthians (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, year), 21–25