Does Your Faith Stand in God's Power or Man's Wisdom?
Thinking about 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.
Paul wanted the Christian’s faith to stand not in his own abilities as a speaker, but rather in God’s Word and power.
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)
Those who preach always want to give their best to proclaim the gospel, but I often have to remind myself that the Word of God is what matters.
It actually appears that Paul intentionally set aside “good speaking” practices at times to demonstrate that God’s power is in the message - not the messenger.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:16-17)
May we all remember that the power is in the gospel - in the word of God.