How does much of the world think about preaching?  Many thinks it's foolishness!  Yet, God told us to proclaim the Word. Today we examine the "foolishness of preaching" and what it really means.

1.  WHAT IS MEANT BY "THE FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING?"
     A. God chose this method to reveal the Word. Isit the message or the proclamation that is fooliness to the world?
         1.  1 Cor. 1: 18 , 21
               a. It's not the proclamation itself that is thought to be foolish; it's the message itself.  Read the wording in the New Kings James Version. (vs 21).  It is foolish because many see it as absurd.
               b. Who views it as such?  (18)  Those that are perishing!  It's an on-going process of those who wicked in a way of life that is destroying them and will ultimately destroy them eternally, such as in the case of a ravaging disease.
               c.  What about to those that are saved?  It's more than just wisdom as opposed to foolishness.  It is truly the power of God (18)

2.  WHY DO SOME VIEW IT AS FOOLISH?
      A.  The gospel does not fit their pre-conceived notion; what they think.
            1.  Example - John 12: 33-34 - the Jews rejected Jesus as the Christ,  to them the Christ would not die.
            2.  Proverbs 16:25 - the way that seems right could be wrong.
      B.  To some the gospel does not agree with what they have been taught; their acceptance based on what they have heard.  What did Paul say?  2 Thess. 2: 10-12
      C.  The gospel to many is unpopular, therefore foolish.  Mt 7: 13-14,  Naaman thought God's word was too simple  2 Kings 5: 10-15
      D.  Some reject it because of the consequences; they say it's ridiculous

3.  WHAT ABOUT THE "FOOLISH" MESSAGE?
      A.  The text deals with the idea to some that salvation could come from one who was crucified
(a shameful death)
           1.  What other things are ridiculed by many?
                 a.  Baptism essential to salvation (Mk 16:16)
                 b.  A six day creation (Genesis1)
                 c.  One church - Ephesians 4: 4; Col.1: 24 - to many this absurd; they say it doesn't make any difference what one believes
                 d.  The need for Bible authority for all we do is laughable to may - Col.3: 17
                 e.  Preaching on the necessity of attending all the services is ignored by many - - Hebrews 10:25
                 f.   Modesty is thought to be silly - 1 Tim 2: 9-10 - look at the attire of many!
                 
The world may think that the gospel is foolish, but we have to preach it anyway!  (2 Tim. 4: 1-5)