Sharing the Gospel
May 14, 2020
Commentary
In this passage Paul reminds the Corinthians of three things as it pertains to sharing the Gospel.
1. Our approach needs to glorify God and not ourselves (vv. 1-2).
2. Our attitude needs to be dependence on the Holy Spirit and not our ability (vv. 3-4).
3. Our aim needs to be to present the message and not the messenger (v. 5).
From all indications Paul was a brilliant scholar and could have overwhelmed his listeners with intellectual arguments, but he shared the simple message of Jesus Christ by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide his words. Paul never tried to gather followers by using fancy words to tickle the intellectual ears of those listening to him. He was determined “not to know anything save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified"(v. 2).
Of course, Paul is not saying here that certain fields of human knowledge are not useful in their proper place. Instead, he is determined to center his preaching around the important theme of the person and works of Jesus Christ. Some people have tried to use these verses as an excuse for not studying or preparing. Effective preaching needs much preparation but with reliance on the Holy Spirit (v. 5).
We can follow Paul’s example by keeping our message simple and basic. The Holy Spirit wants to give power to our words and use them to bring glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Application
In presenting the Gospel I always want to keep the message of God’s saving grace simple and not make it complicated. If a lost person stumbles over Jesus and the cross, that is their responsibility, but if they stumble over the things I may have added, it is my responsibility.
1 Corinthians 2:1– 5 (NET)
1 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come with superior eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed the testimony of God. 2 For I decided to be concerned about nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and with much trembling. 4 My conversation and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not be based on human wisdom but on the power of God.