1 Corinthians 1:30

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (KJV)

Then: Here is Paul's gold nugget explanation as to what is going on with every believer. It's a good thing Paul wrote it down so that the Corinthians could read and think about it over and over. Believers are unified in Christ - who is wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Because Christ is, they have his wisdom and righteousness. They are paid for and freed from sin (redeemed). They are made holy and purified (sanctified). These are facts, not anticipated results of living a good or obedient life.

Now: With difficulty, believers still come to the Lord seeking forgiveness and acceptance. He is the answer, and just like the Corinthians, in his kingdom we have the promise now. His wisdom allows us to know we are righteous, sanctified and redeemed. Praise his name.

1 Corinthians 1:27

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty (KJV)

Then: Paul is closing in on the Corinthians. It won't be long before they understand what he's telling them. They agree with him. What God did doesn't match normal expectations. And for this they are grateful. Each one is included in God's plan and might have been excluded under humanity's normal customs. Baker (p. 36) translates "confound" as "shame." He warns readers to note this is a public, not a personal, private shame or guilt. As the Lord interacts with people, his purpose of reconciliation shines through the Corinthians in his care for the "least of them." The Lord's actions are personal, but Corinthians after initially accepting salvation, need to know there's more.

Now: Many Christians are in the same boat as the Corinthians. We hear the word and accept it. Then our spiritual lives go into full stop. All the fruits of the spirit are waiting at the doorstep, but still we sit on the porch while Christ wants us to "go into all the world and teach the gospel." Recliners are too comfortable. Daily routines or petty squabbles interfere. Old habits keep us sedentary, so we miss the fullness of joy.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.