Christians are often regarded as “fools” by the secular world because of their unwavering faith in a Saviour who defies human understanding, Elder Eric Kipongi told congregants last sabbath during a sermon at Sogavare Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in Gerehu Stage 6, Port Moresby.
Preaching on the theme “Wisdom of the Fools,” Elder Kipongi drew from 1 Corinthians 1:18, emphasizing that “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God.”
He said biblical figures such as Enoch and Noah were also perceived as foolish in their time, yet their obedience to God ultimately revealed true wisdom.
“Can wisdom come from fools?” he asked the congregation, before explaining the distinction between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom.
Referencing Ephesians 5:15–21, Elder Kipongi outlined four key characteristics of a wise person.
Firstly, he said a wise person “walks circumspectly,” living thoughtfully and intentionally.
He supported this with Galatians 5:16, urging believers to walk in the Spirit rather than follow the desires of the flesh.
Secondly, he stressed the importance of walking in love—both for God and for others—citing Ephesians 5:2.
He also encouraged believers to “walk in the light,” referencing 1 John 1:7, pointing again to the examples of Enoch and Noah.
Thirdly, Elder Kipongi highlighted the need to “redeem the time,” based on Ephesians 5:16, reminding Christians to make the most of their days in what he described as an increasingly evil world.
Drawing from Psalm 90:10, 12, he noted the brevity of life, while John 9:4 and Colossians 4:5 was used to emphasize purposeful living.
He said the reality of evil has been evident since the fall of humanity, referencing Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, the prophets, the time of Jesus, and the era of the apostles, as well as warnings in the book of Revelation.
“In such a world, the question is how we can live a righteous life,” he said, adding that Christians must recognize that life on earth is temporary and prepare for Christ’s return.
Finally, Elder Kipongi spoke on understanding and doing the will of God, citing Ephesians 5:17, Matthew 7:21, and Matthew 12:50, noting that Jesus Himself lived in obedience to His Father’s will.
He reminded the congregation that Noah and his family were once seen as foolish by the world yet were ultimately vindicated.
“The wisdom of the ‘fools’ is found in those who obey God’s Word,” he said.
Elder Kipongi ended the sermon with a message of hope and urgency, pointing to Daniel 12:3, which declares that those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens and lead many to righteousness.
He reaffirmed the Christian belief that Jesus is coming soon, urging believers to remain faithful and steadfast in what he described as “present truth” in an increasingly challenging world.