May 2026
IN THIS LESSON - May 17, 2026
The world offers wisdom at every turn — in business strategies, self-help books, cultural trends, and the confident voices of those who have never opened a Bible — but 1 Corinthians 1:18 cuts through all of it with a truth that never grows old: the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. In this lesson, we examine the sharp contrast Paul draws between worldly and godly wisdom, exploring why the message of a crucified Savior appears absurd to a world that prizes power, prestige, and human achievement above all else. James 3:13–17 gives us the practical test — worldly wisdom produces envy, selfish ambition, and disorder; godly wisdom produces purity, peace, mercy, and the kind of fruit that only the Holy Spirit can grow. Through honest self-examination and real-world illustration, you will identify where worldly thinking has quietly taken root in your decisions, priorities, and relationships. This lesson invites you to make the only exchange that ever truly profits — trading the world's counterfeit wisdom for the genuine article that begins and ends with the fear of the Lord.
Facilitated By: Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Presented At: Schrader Lane Church of Christ, 1234 Schrader Lane, Nashville, TN 3720
Adult Sunday School 8:15 a.m. (CST) in Room #315
Understanding the Times
A Biblical Perspective · Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
BARRY’S BUREAU
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Lesson
06
Understanding Worldly vs. Godly Wisdom
Scriptural Focus
1 Corinthians 1:18–25
“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Supporting Scriptures
James 3:13–17 · Proverbs 9:10 · Romans 1:21–22
Theme
God's wisdom deliberately confounds the world's wisdom. What appears foolish to the world is God's power — and what the world calls wise is often rooted in pride and division.
Key Teaching Points
▸The cross is foolishness to the world — but God's power to the saved
▸Worldly wisdom breeds envy, selfish ambition, and chaos
▸Godly wisdom is pure, peaceable, full of mercy and good fruit
▸The fear of the Lord is where all true wisdom begins
This Week’s Application
List three decisions you face. Write what worldly wisdom suggests — then what God's Word says.
For additional materials, click the image below
from the First Edition 2025
Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau
📖 Word Search
Lesson 6 — Understanding Worldly vs. Godly Wisdom
“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” — 1 Corinthians 1:18
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You found all 10 words from Understanding Worldly vs. Godly Wisdom! Every word points to a deeper truth — keep exploring God’s Word.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." — Proverbs 9:10
May these key truths guide your walk with God this week and beyond.
Multiple-Choice Q&A
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Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau
Lesson 6: Understanding Worldly vs. Godly Wisdom
Scriptural Focus: 1 Corinthians 1:18–25
“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 1:18
Question 1 of 7
Question 1 of 7According to 1 Corinthians 1:18, how does the world view the message of the cross?
Question 2 of 7What does James 3:13–17 identify as the practical fruit of worldly wisdom?
Question 3 of 7What does Proverbs 9:10 identify as the starting point of all genuine wisdom?
Question 4 of 7The lesson uses the illustration of two houses — one built on sand, one on rock. What does this illustrate about worldly versus godly wisdom?
Question 5 of 7Romans 1:21–22 warns about what specific consequence of pursuing wisdom apart from God?
Question 6 of 7According to James 3:17, which set of qualities identifies wisdom that genuinely comes from above?
Question 7 of 7Marcus, the corporate executive in this lesson's short story, undergoes a complete transformation of values. What is the catalyst that starts his change?
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Understanding the Times — Lesson 6
“Understanding Worldly vs. Godly Wisdom”
Facilitated by Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Schrader Lane Church of Christ, Nashville, TN
Understanding the Times — Lesson 6
“Understanding Worldly vs. Godly Wisdom”
Facilitated by Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Schrader Lane Church of Christ, Nashville, TN
Study Game - Category Sort
Sort behaviors into "Worldly Wisdom" vs "Godly Wisdom"
Fun learning leads to better understanding
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Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau · Category Sort
Lesson 6: Understanding Worldly vs. Godly Wisdom
Scriptural Focus: 1 Corinthians 1:18–25⚖ How to play: Select a card, then place it in the correct category — Worldly Wisdom or Godly Wisdom. Sort all 8 correctly to win!
Sorted: 0 / 8
🌎 Worldly Wisdom
📚 Godly Wisdom
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Well Done!
You completed this study game. Every truth you’ve reviewed is a seed God can use to deepen your walk with Him.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” — Proverbs 9:10