1 Corinthians 2:1-5 FIRST IMPRESSIONS When the Spirit of God led the apostle Paul to Corinth, where he stayed for over a year and a half, He not only guided him to the place, but was his Guide while he was there. Paul was well learned. He had been educated at one of the best schools of learning at that time. His natural intelligence was very acute, and he could think quickly and concisely. In this large city, not too far from Athens, where education and intelligence were highly regarded, the people would be impressed when one came with a new philosophy or some special insight. First impressions are generally made by how a speaker or teacher can publicly present themselves.
"Look at how well he is dressed! My, what a sense of self-confidence that man has! He must really know what he is talking about! Does he ever have a good command of words! He can say so much in so many different ways! How cool, calm, and collected that speaker is!"
Such kinds of comments would have accompanied the philosophers and wise men whom the Corinthians would have been used to listening to. And then, into their city comes another man of great intellect and ability who had been trained in the school of Gamaliel. Surely he will surpass all they have heard in eloquence and content of thought.
"He is so... so commonplace! Why, I can speak better than that! His speech is contemptible! He looks so small! He seems frail and weak!"
Corinthians were used to, and expected, a person who had something important to say, to speak with flair - to have some real class about him or some gimmick to make what he had to say important. The practices of the Corinthians are still used today by those who claim to speak for God. They surround themselves with all kinds of attractions to make sure people know that if they believe what they say, they are in with a successful bunch of people.
"See our surroundings! Listen to our music! Look at our presentations! Success is obvious to see in this place! Did you ever see such a crowd listening to the Gospel where you go?"
Into such a setting God sent His ambassador Paul, not with wisdom of words and fancy speeches. He knew what was expected by the jaded people, and the comparison would be made between the personalities of those who spoke rather than on what they had to say. As Paul began to speak and tell the message of the Gospel to these worldly-minded people, he wisely submitted to the Holy Spirit's guidance to speak in a way that the message was the focus of attention. What Paul had to say was the "testimony of God." It is important to know the scriptures well enough to base everything spoken in a Gospel message on the testimony of God. That is why preparation of one's own soul and spirit is much more important than the suit of clothes one wears or the outward appearance projected. The message that was clearly presented in Corinth was "Jesus Christ and Him crucified."
We need to be sure that the focus of our work and words is on the Lord Jesus Christ whenever and wherever we preach. Some may have heard the Gospel all of their lives, but they need to hear again and again of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Others we speak to may be idolaters of one kind or another, but they must hear of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. People from cults or false Christianity have been misled, and they, too, need to hear of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. To those who want to hear something new, remember we are not here in the world to make comparisons like those who teach "Comparative Religion" in a university. The message of the Gospel centers around the Person and death of Christ. Such commitment to the message enables such preaching to be with the "demonstration," the legal proof, the Holy Spirit gives. Behind that is the power that is needed to make faith in Christ blossom and then be fruitful.
The purpose of Gospel preaching is that people might come to know God and to know Jesus Christ that they might accept the gift of eternal life God gives to such people. That does not mean we should be careless or casual about the way the Gospel is presented. It certainly does not mean we are not to give diligence to our preparation and use of material. But in order to be "God's messenger in God's message," we need to understand we are only a tool in the hand of the Spirit of God. Our responsibility is to be sharpened and ready for use. We are to present the truth of God in the Gospel. We are to tell people of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. We need to know, and be able to explain, the importance of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. We are to bring people to Him who saves them - not to save them ourselves or tell them they are saved. Only God can save, and He does save those who come to Him by faith in Jesus Christ. This is not done by the wisdom of men but by the power of God.
it is not up to us to ever tell a person they are saved. The spokesperson for God is to let God speak through them to the anxious soul who wants salvation. Let God speak. Have the seeking persons read the scriptures out loud themselves that relate to their need. Have them hear not only what God says about their need, but about the salvation God has provided for the sin problem. Show them from the scriptures they read aloud themselves, the result that comes when one receives Christ. Let people hear in their own ears what God has to say, and leave the saving and assuring work of salvation to the Word of God and the Spirit of God Himself. Hide behind the message you give so the focus is on the message, not the wisdom, presentation or skill of the messenger. It is probably a good thing when people forget your name or what you look like because they are impressed by the "demonstration of the Spirit and the power of God." Then they are focused on the Savior, Jesus Christ, and what He has done for sinners.
It isn't really easy, Father God, to hide oneself in plain view But when the Spirit of God is working, I know that this is true Because those who by the Spirit, are convicted of their sin Are ready and willing to hear of the One who died for them.
Grant it, Father God, that Thy servant will make the point It is the message, not just the messenger, that the Spirit does anoint A spoken "word in season" only has power when it is given By one who understands, he speaks for the God of heaven.
Please Father, may I remember, and learn if I haven't yet It is only the Word and Spirit that new life in a person begets The message needs to be plain in order to be understood To be able to know the scriptures, Thy Word must be daily food.
O Father, I know well it's only what is in that is able to come out People will remain unmoved if all I can do is shout May there be power added to all the feeble words I say So that a word or phrase may be in the hearer's heart stay.
And when the time is right, Father, according to Thy will May Thy servant water the Word well that it may further still Produce conviction and then show light so that hearers do believe Thy name and Thy Son be glorified when the Savior they do receive,
"Father, those men who were in the meeting seemed to listen well. May they still consider the words spoken and the questions asked with a searching mind and heart. May the present issue be such that it will bring blessing, not hindrance to the Gospel preached. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."