1 Corinthans 2:1-5

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 ESV

1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Introduction:

No one is saved apart from hearing and believing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the Greco-Roman world of Paul’s day, people who excelled at rhetoric and philosophy were celebrities—similar to movie stars or sport superstars today. Debating others and giving flashy speeches was a polished skill that required sharp wit, deep knowledge, impeccable logic, a stylish use of words, and fiery passion. The most successful rhetoricians attracted devoted followers who would pay handsomely in exchange for mentoring. How a person expressed themselves was at least as important as what they said. Both style and substance mattered immensely. When a traveling rhetorician entered a city, that person would typically exhibit rhetorical abilities in order to gain social standing and attract students.

Biblical conversion is not a result of a clever gospel presentation.

1 Corinthians 2:1 (ESV)

1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.

If by the power of persuasion you can be manipulated into faith in Christ then by the power of persuasion you can be manipulated away from faith in Christ.

The gospel doesn’t need manipulation.

Charles Finney

“The evangelist must produce excitements sufficient to induce sinners to repentance.”

In essence Finney is saying it is all about how you package the gospel. More important than the gospel is the package it comes in.

The gospel doesn’t need help.

If the gospel doesn’t need my help then what is my part in communicating the gospel?

1 Corinthians 2:2 (ESV)

2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Seek to be clear with the gospel not clever.

The gospel doesn’t rest on the wisdom of the presenter but the power of the savior.

1 Corinthians 2:3–5 ESV

3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

I must share the gospel...

Share the gospel faithfully.

Share the gospel clearly.

Share the gospel humbly.

Share the gospel confidently.

Do feel pressured to bring people to faith - unleash the gospel