God uses what the world considers as nothing—the despised, base, and overlooked—to bring to nothing the things that are, so that no flesh may glory in His presence.
God deliberately chooses the foolish, weak, base, and despised things of the world to confound the wise and mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27-28). Every claim in the testimony is supported by direct quotes from Les Feldick's teachings, which emphasize that God uses the lowly and the 'nobody' to accomplish His purposes, ensuring that all glory goes to Him, not to human ability or status.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 — This passage directly answers the question by listing what God uses (foolish, weak, base, despised) and the purpose (to bring to nothing things that are, so no flesh should glory).
The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:27-28, "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; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are." These verses show that God intentionally chooses what the world considers foolish, weak, base, despised, and even nonexistent. He does this to bring to nothing the things that appear strong, wise, or important in the world's eyes. In verse 29, Paul states the purpose: "That no flesh should glory in his presence." God's method ensures that no human being can boast or take credit for what is accomplished. The pattern is consistent throughout Scripture—God uses the lowly to humble the proud, as seen in the example of Moses (Exodus), whom God called after he had been humbled to a shepherd in the wilderness, not when he was second in command in Egypt.
Les Feldick explains that God uses "things which are not" to mean people or means that the world disregards or ridicules—those with no credentials, power, or influence. He emphasizes that God deliberately chooses the lowly and the commonplace, not the world's greats, so that no flesh can boast before Him (1 Corinthians 1:29). Les uses the example of Moses, who, while second in command in Egypt and possessing power and authority, was not used by God until he had been brought to a lowly position as a shepherd. Les also applies this to Paul, noting that Paul was "commonplace" and fearful, not a bold, confident speaker. God's approach is to use people who are "nobodies" in the world's eyes, as Les himself says, "It's not because I'm somebody, it's because I'm a nobody." This ensures that the glory goes to God alone, not to human talent or status. He stresses that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, so God never uses the great, wealthy, or powerful but always the commonplace.
God chooses the base and despised things, as Les Feldick says, to bring to nothing the things that are (1 Corinthians 1:28). This is so that no flesh should glory in His presence (v.29). Les explains that the purpose is to prevent any human from taking credit, showing that God's power is displayed in human weakness.
Les Feldick uses the example of Moses to illustrate this principle. He notes that while Moses was second in command in Egypt, with all the power and authority, God could not use him. It was only after Moses was humbled as a shepherd in the wilderness that God called him. Les also applies this to Paul, who he describes as 'commonplace' and fearful, not a bold or confident figure, yet God used him mightily.
The ultimate purpose is that no flesh may glory in God's presence. Les Feldick emphasizes that man can never take credit for anything; it all must be of God. If God used the wise and powerful, they would be tempted to boast. But by using the weak and foolish, God ensures all glory goes to Him.
Context and Approach
Les introduces his teaching style, emphasizing that the goal is simply to 'see what the book says,' setting the foundation for his literal interpretation of Scripture.
God Uses the Foolish and Weak
Les directly explains 1 Corinthians 1:27-28, stating that God uses the foolish, weak, base, and despised things to bring to nothing the things that are, with the purpose that no flesh should glory.
Moses as an Example
Les applies the principle to Moses, noting that God could not use him while he was mighty in Egypt, but only after he was humbled. This shows that God uses the weak to confound the mighty.
Paul's Commonplace Nature
Les points out that Paul was commonplace and fearful, not relying on eloquent words or degrees. God uses people the world scoffs at, and that's the kind of person God can use.
Moses Humiliated in the Desert
Les reiterates that Moses, though second in Egypt, could not be used until God sent him to the wilderness, showing that God doesn't use the powerful or educated, but those the world considers nothing.
No Flesh Should Glory
Les emphasizes that man can never take credit; God's power must be evident, not human ability. He personally identifies with being a 'nobody' and states that's why God uses him.
Lowly Men Throughout History
Les reinforces that God consistently uses the lowly, and if they begin in high positions, He brings them low, as with Moses, to use them.
Strength in Weakness
Les connects God's strength made perfect in weakness to His choice of using commonplace people, not the great or wealthy, so that His power is evident.
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;
This verse is the core of the question, stating that God uses the foolish and weak to shame the wise and mighty.
1 Corinthians 1:28: And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
This directly addresses the phrase 'things that are not,' clarifying that God uses the despised and nonexistent to nullify the existing.
1 Corinthians 1:29: That no flesh should glory in his presence.
This explains the purpose of God's paradoxical choice—to prevent human boasting before Him.
According to Les Feldick, 'things which are not' refers to people or means that the world considers as nothing—those without status, power, or recognition. God deliberately uses such overlooked individuals to bring to nothing the things that are esteemed by the world, ensuring that no one can glory in His presence.
God chooses the weak and foolish so that human beings cannot take credit for the results. Les Feldick explains that if God used the wise and powerful, they would be tempted to boast. By using the lowly, God's power is clearly displayed, and all glory goes to Him alone.
The purpose is to bring to nothing the things that are, according to 1 Corinthians 1:28. This means God uses the insignificant to overthrow the significant in the world's eyes, so that His glory is unmistakable and no flesh can glory before Him (v.29).
Watch the Teaching: Why God Chooses the Foolish Over the Wise — 1 Corinthians 1:27-31