A Simple Message
While teaching 1 Corinthians in Ethiopia, I noticed that Paul said that the gospel was both foolishness and a stumbling block to those who do not believe. However, he also said that he refused to present the gospel with “eloquent speech.” (1 Corinthians 2:1)
Instead, Paul presented the simple message of the gospel. He knew that those who believed would believe because of the power of the Spirit, not because of his delivery. (1 Corinthians 2:3-5)
He knew that when we presented the simple message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, some would think it foolishness and some would find it an obstacle. But, others, those who benefited from the work of the Holy Spirit (not Paul’s rhetoric) would believe and be saved.
(Note, Paul did present his arguments with eloquence to believers in order to exhort them toward faithfulness and obedience AFTER they believed… see 1 Corinthians 2:6.)
So, Paul trusted the Spirit to work through the simple message of the gospel. Is that still enough today?
One Comment
Comments are closed. If you would like to discuss this post, send an email to alan [at] alanknox [dot] net.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
- Thursday Thoughts | Called Out In Kansas - [...] A Simple Message | The Assembling of the Church. [...]
“So, Paul trusted the Spirit to work through the simple message of the gospel. Is that still enough today?”
It better be. Unless we think the Spirit is no longer capable… (And, of course, unless we think that what Jesus did is not sufficient… in which case, maybe we really haven’t received the gospel ourselves…)