Epistles (written)

Tuesday, 8 April 2014

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power… 1 Corinthians 2:4

Still building on his previous three verses, Paul continues with his manner of personal delivery of the message he brought to Corinth. The fact that he has spoken about himself and continues to in this verse in this way will be explained in the verses ahead, but it’s obviously important that he reminds them of it in order to ensure that they mentally go back and see the truth of what he is saying.

And so, in his continued thought he says that “my speech and preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom.” His “speech” would include his private conversations and his witnessing to individuals, etc. When he sat and spoke together with others, he didn’t try to bamboozle them with a lot of overly-intellectual words. His “preaching” would be his public discourses. Whether preaching to an entire group, or standing on a street corner proclaiming Christ, he kept his message simple, concise, and clear.

In fact, in both his private and public speaking, it was “not with persuasive words of human wisdom.” When cooing a potential spouse, we may use words we wouldn’t use towards a general friend. When trying to sell a product, the salesman will talk in an excited manner about the product and not leave a chance for interruptions. When a politician speaks, it is unheard of for them to give negative impressions about themselves; instead they act as if they are the epitome of integrity and capability.

In these, and many other such instances, we use “human wisdom” to effect a change in those we are targeting. The silver-tongued young man wants to obtain the lovely bride; the industrious salesman wants to be promoted and get his commissions; and the politician desires to be in his position of authority. Because there are external motivators, crafty speech of human design is employed. But Paul rejected this method when presenting the gospel to others.

Instead, he came to them “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” His words, unlike the eager lover, may have had words directly cutting to the heart of the listener – “You have violated God’s law.” His words, unlike the salesman, may have had words which would normally blow a sale – “Without Jesus, you cannot be saved.” And, his words unlike the politician, may have had thoughts which were self-debasing – “I too am a sinner, like you. I rely solely on the merits of Jesus Christ my Lord.”

In any words he spoke, his thoughts would have been contrary to what one would expect to obtain the desired results when dealing in non-spiritual related matters. But in the case of the gospel, it is the Spirit who authored Scripture; it is the Spirit who gives the plan of salvation; and it is the Spirit who calls the lost soul to come and be saved. Paul’s words were in line with the Spirit’s intent for those who would hear and believe and they were filled with the power to save.

As he writes in Romans 1:16 – ” For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”

Life application: Marilyn McCoo, once a member of the pop band the Fifth Dimension, had been presented the message of Jesus on several occasions, but to no avail. Then someone brought the Bible along when they talked to her. In showing her the Word of God and allowing her to look at it directly, she saw in it the wisdom of God and the power of God; she was converted. When witnessing, stick to the gospel and stick to what the Spirit has provided. He will affect His purposes without us getting in the way.

Lord God, please help me to remember that Your word has the power to change hearts and bring lost souls back to You. Keep me from getting so caught up in the wisdom of the world that I forget to simply use what You have already given to tell folks about Jesus. In your word is the all the wisdom I need to tell others the wondrous message of Christ. May Your word and Your Spirit work in them – to Your glory. Amen.

Monday, 7 April 2014

I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 1 Corinthians 2:3

Building on his last two sentences which said that he came to Corinth not with “excellence of speech or of wisdom,” but he came only proclaiming “Jesus Christ and Him crucified,” Paul will now add in a note concerning his own dependency on the Lord. As he came he states that he “was with you.” Vincent’s Word Studies says that this should rather be “I became” instead of “I was.” In other words, what he will describe is something that either grew out of his time there or that was increased during his time there. As he was there for over one and one half years, this is not unlikely.

Regardless of the tense used to describe him, the facts were evident to his readers as he calls them to mind. He was “in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.” Paul, contrasting himself to the fine orators and bold proclaimers of the world, was a much more feeble and timid person.

His weakness was probably a defect of the eyes. He once stood in the same room with a group of people, including the High Priest, and the following exchange took place –

“Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, ‘Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.’ And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, ‘God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?’ And those who stood by said, ‘Do you revile God’s high priest?’ Then Paul said, ‘I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'” Acts 23:1-5

Also, in his letter to the Galatians, he made this statement – “For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.” Galatians 4:15

Additionally, Paul was known to write with unusually large letters, a sign of bad eyesight (Galatians 6:11).

Finally, Paul notes in his second letter to the Corinthians that he had an affliction which he asked the Lord to remove. Three times he implored the Lord. However, Christ told Him that His grace would be sufficient for him; that His “strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

With this probable weakness of the eyes, or something which was comparable to it which he openly writes about, he preached the gospel to those in Corinth. But more – he did so “in fear.” He was a man continuously targeted by those around him. Again, in his second letter to the Corinthians, he will describe some of those fears –

“From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:24-28

His troubles and fears become so great while he was at Corinth, that the Lord personally came to him to reassure him that He was being watched over. This is seen in Acts 18:9, 11 –

“Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.’ And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.'”

And finally, Paul notes not only the “weakness” and the “fear,” but also “much trembling.” Above all, Paul was a man who trembled. This wasn’t a result of the bodily harms which came his way, but in the thought that he would fail the Lord who called him and thus he would grieve the Spirit with whom he was sealed. It was his strongest passion to proclaim Christ, finish the race, and in whatever manner the Lord was so pleased for his end, to accept that end with confidence. If only he could be faithful, he would be pleased with the life he led. This constant battle against his own weakness caused him to tremble.

Life application: Have you determined to exalt the Lord at all costs and to never diminish His glory in the eyes of another? This is our highest calling in life. Let us not fail in this endeavor.

Lord Jesus, if I have but one request, it is that I glorify You with my life and never tarnish Your bright glory in the eyes of another. Though those around me fail to see Your holiness and Your majesty, let me continuously bring it to mind as I properly handle Your word to demonstrate who You are to a lost and dying world. This is my plea to You – be glorified though my conduct. Amen.

Sunday, 6 April 2014

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2

“For” builds upon what he has just said, that he “did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom…” In other words, when going to the Greeks who looked for polished speech and fine oratory skills, or when going to the Jews who looked for a competent evaluation of the Scriptures (and being a Pharisee, he could easily provide this), he determined that these wouldn’t be his means of proclaiming Christ. Instead of being caught up in a flashy presentation or in a detailed and hair-splitting study of scriptural subtleties, he would be consumed with the contents of the message itself.

It was Paul’s determination “not to know anything among you.” In this phrase, “to know” is the Greek eidenai. Based on verse 1, he is indicating that he wouldn’t be engaged in or regard anything other than what he had predetermined to proclaim. There would be nothing flashy, there wouldn’t be anything sensational, nor anything without one sole and determined purpose. And that purpose included nothing “except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

In a world which looked for (and still looks for today) eloquence and a composure in oral delivery, Paul overlooked these things. He had a specific message which didn’t need flash. Later in 2 Corinthians 10, it will be noted that his “bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” To him, refining these things for his delivery could only subtract from, not add to, the message. His message was Jesus Christ – the Son of God and the fulfiller of the law. But even more specific, his message was “Him crucified.”

The word “crucified” here is emphatic. The very thing which is “to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness” (1:23) is the same thing that he asserted above all else. Before the cross, all eloquence fades away; before the cross, all wisdom is weighed; before the cross – only before the cross, Scripture becomes clear. Without the cross, nothing can ultimately make sense because without it, sin remains. What Jews overlooked and what Greeks snubbed their minds at and turned their eyes from is the most excellent of all of God’s workings. As Paul says in Philippians 3:8 –

“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”

Life application: What shames a church isn’t the preacher’s delivery, be he an eloquent orator or a monotone speaker. It isn’t derived from a beautiful presentation of music, order, and intriguing detail from life lessons, or a haphazardly put together gathering. A church’s shame isn’t realized in a small dirty building or a large exquisite cathedral. Instead, it is found in a message which fails to proclaim the cross of Jesus Christ. Every time a congregation meets as a church, if the Person of Jesus Christ isn’t exalted and if the cross isn’t highlighted, that church has failed to glorify God.

Lord, the beauty of Your church is found in the shame of the cross. Keep me, Lord, from being wooed by a peaceful message, an exciting oration, or lively music which fails to proclaim Jesus Christ and Him crucified. May my heart long for, may my eyes look to, and may my thoughts be centered on Jesus Christ alone. With this, I know You will be well-pleased. Amen.

Saturday, 5 April 2014

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1

Paul begins chapter 2 with a comparison of himself to what he had just given concerning the called in Christ. In 1:26-31, he showed that God chose the foolish, the weak, the base, and the despised as opposed to the high and lofty, mighty, noble, and etc. And the reason He did this was so that “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” This is the basis for his words “And I…”

Instead of having come as a great orator, or a captivating persona, he reminds them of the type of person he is and was. “And I, brethren” then makes a double comparison. First is the “And I” which is the comparison to his previous words, and “brethren” is his way of demonstrating that he is just like they – brethren. They are not subjects or otherwise lesser in some way.

After so presenting himself he reminds them of “when I came to you.” Paul is now in Ephesus and is calling to memory the manner in which he presented himself to the Corinthians. With his arrival, he “did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom” to declare to them “the testimony of God.” The Greek word for “excellence” indicates elevation or superiority. His speech wasn’t in such a self-authoritative manner. Instead, it was of the authority of the cross and the resurrection. Paul directed his listeners not to himself, but to the One he proclaimed. The Greek word for “declaring” implies an authoritative proclamation. In other words, the substance of his words, not the manner in which they were presented, was where the authority rested.

Unfortunately, the substance of the message had been forgotten, at least in part, as we will continue to see throughout the epistle. And unfortunately, it continues to be forgotten or disregarded in the world today. Congregations follow after exactly the opposite of what Paul states in this verse. Rather than the authority of the gospel, congregants look to the presentation of the messenger. Instead of the power of the message of cross, the eloquence of the preacher is of paramount importance. This is truly sad – that after 2000 years of holding the Bible open in churches for eyes to see and perceive, the preacher is valued more than the message.

Life application: Better a dispassionate speaker with the message of Christ, than the greatest orator with something else…

Heavenly Father, guide me to preachers and teachers who are right in their theology regardless of how well they present their message. I would rather sit and be instructed by the drone of bees than the calming sound of butterflies if the bees preach the truth of Your word. How I cherish Your message and how I long after right instruction. Hear me Lord, and direct me to those whose doctrine is sound. Amen.

Friday, 4 April 2014

…that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:31

The last verse of Chapter 1 begins with, “as it is written.” Thus Paul is going back to the only Scriptures of his day (the Old Testament) in order to make a summary point concerning his thoughts of the past 21 verses. His quote is a condensed citation of Jeremiah 9:23, 24 –

“Thus says the Lord:
‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,’ says the Lord.'”

In Christ alone is where our boasting is to lie. It does not belong to any given man:

1) There should be no divisions within the church, i.e. “I am of Paul” or “I am of Cephas.” Etc.

2) The should be no following after the great and learned of the world – whether a pagan or a well-trained and faithful follower of Christ, i.e. “I follow Aristotle,” or “I follow John Calvin,” or “I follow Albert Einstein,” or “I follow Billy Graham.”

3) There should be no desire to emulate the mighty.

4) Our goal shouldn’t be to seek after a nobleman, a politician, or a movie star.

Rather than these things, or any other potential division in our allegiance concerning our spiritual life in Christ, we should direct our hearts, our souls, our minds, and our attention to what God has done in Him. In essence, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” It is Christ who is the head of the church; it is Christ who demonstrates and reveals to us the wisdom of God; in Christ are found the otherwise unsearchable riches of knowledge and understanding – both in the created order and in Scripture; in Christ is all power and strength; and in Christ is all greatness and majesty. Surely then, if these things are true, let us boast in and glory in the Lord Jesus Christ alone.

Life application: Why trade your allegiances for something less than what is the greatest of all. As Jesus Christ is the epitome of perfection in all that is good and wonderful, let Him alone be your hope, desire, aspiration, and love.

Supreme and all-glorious God – You alone are worthy of our adoration and emulation. Give us a heart to follow after You and to use as our role model Jesus Christ our Lord who fully reveals You to us. Thank You for the endless, ceaseless display of glory which You make known through Him as we walk in Your light and in Your holiness. Help us always to fix our eyes, hearts, and thoughts on Jesus. Amen.