For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. —1 Corinthians 1:21-24
In contrast to the polite, shy, gentlemanly image we have of the Holy Spirit, He intentionally offends people. It pleased God that the Gentiles were offended by the foolishness of the gospel message and that the Jews were tripped up by the stumbling block of the cross. Paul warned the Galatians that if they required circumcision as demanded by the Jews, then “the offense of the cross has ceased” (Gal. 5:11, NKJV). The implication is that the gospel is sometimes offensive by God’s design. By offending people with His methods, God reveals the pride, self-sufficiency, and feigned obedience that lie hidden in people’s hearts.
{ PRAYER STARTER }
Father, prepare me for the times when Your Spirit offends me or others. Remind me that You may choose offense to reveal my pride, self-sufficiency, or feigned obedience.
The Holy Spirit intentionally offends people.
