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Oxymorons In The Bible Introduction: You may wonder about the title to this lesson. What is an "oxymoron" and why would they be in the Bible. In "Figures of Speech Used In The Bible" it has a section titled "Oxymoron; or Wise Folly". This would seem to be a contradiction. In fact it goes on that says, "a wise saying that seems foolish." The word oxy -- sharp, pointed; the word moron -- dull, foolish. Used to be a person was called a moron when they did something that was considered foolish. In this case an oxymoron is a statement which at first sight appears to be foolish or even contradictory but really contains great wisdom. Modern Examples: tough love, small house with big rooms, have to spend money to make money, have to make a mess to before you can clean house, etc. Here are some oxymorons in the Bible. I) The First Shall Be Last And The Last Shall Be First? A) Jesus used this in Matthew 20.16, 27; Mark 9.35; and Luke 13.30 1. In Matthew the disciples were wanting places of power, prestige, and honor in Jesus' kingdom. 2. When we speak of being first we usually mean, being ahead of everyone else. a. He finished first means he came in before everyone else. b. Recently a list of most powerful women was released and the one first is the one with the most money, influence, and power. B) But no so in the Kingdom of Christ 1. Being first in the Kingdom does not mean everyone lets you have your way. 2. Being first does not mean others bow down to you and praise you for what you have done. a. A person who has the worldly concept of being first will be last in the kingdom of heaven. b. The example of Jesus is one of servitude, Matthew 20.28 3. Therefore, to be first in the kingdom one must really be willing to let others be first in line. a. One must be a good servant in order to be first in the kingdom of heaven. b. Paul was great because of his servitude; Doras was great because of her helping others, if we want to be first we need to see who we can help. II) We must lose our lives in order to save it? A) Matthew 16.24-25 Jesus tells us to take up our cross in order to save our lives 1. Oxymoron because the cross was an instrument of death and suffering. 2. The last thing we would want to do is die on the cross if we want to live. B) But in losing our physical lives we gain our spiritual lives 1. We must be willing to sacrifice our physical lives it we are going to live with God in heaven. Galatians 2.20 2. This does not mean we will literally die but it means we are to live differently than before, Romans 12.2 a. The world may consider living having a big party, going out every night, doing whatever you want to do. b. We understand that living is different that self indulgence; it includes self sacrifice. III) The Foolishness of God is greater than the wisdom of men? A) Paul makes this point in 1 Corinthians 1.25 1. Could God ever make a "foolish decision" or utter a "foolish statement?" 2. Because of God's very nature He is always all knowing and all powerful. Therefore God would never say something that we could consider foolish. B) God's most foolish decision or statements would still be wiser than the greatest wisdom of men 1. A virgin conceiving and giving birth, Isaiah 7.14 2. The Messiah dying on the cross for our sins, 1 Corinthians 1.23 3. Man being saved by the blood of Jesus through baptism, Romans 6.4. 4. Man considers the above to be foolish as some will ridicule the very idea of a "virgin" having a child, of a Savior dying on the cross, of baptism into the body of Christ. 5. The foolishness of God is greater than the wisdom of men. IV) For When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong A) Paul makes this statement in relation to his thorn in the flesh, 2 Corinthians 12.10. 1. Weakness by its very nature is not something we desire or feel strong in. a. When we are having physical problems we do not feel strong. b. When we are having trials and our faith is being challenge we don't usually feel real strong. 2. Strength by its very definition is strong and not weak. B) When we realize we are weak and really on God we are strong because of God's strength. 1. It is when we think we are so strong that we don't really need God, when we are truly weak. 1 Corinthians 10.12-13 a. David was weak when he thought about Bathsheba. Not when he was running from persecution and prayed to God for deliverance. b. Gideon's army was strong not because of their size but because they had to really on God. 2. We are strong when we realize how weak we really are. It is then that we tend to turn to God for our strength. Conclusion: There are other oxymoroms in the Bible but these will suffice for this study. We go back to Jesus' death on the cross and His invitation to us to come to Him and He will give us rest. This would seem to not make sense. But Jesus overcame the cross so He can give us rest and strength.
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