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Imagine what it would have been like to be Paul. After conversion, he compared his Gospel to the disciples in order to validate his beliefs and share his experiences. Now, as he has begun to build churches all over the Gentile world, the enemy is working to destroy the true Gospel message. False teachers are coming in to try and deceive the weak.
At Corinth and beyond, there are many who are being used by the enemy to reverse the truth of Paul’s original Gospel message. Some know they are being used, but are running on a power trip. Others are ignorant and wholeheartedly believe they are following God. With so much deceit running rampant, it’s obvious Paul was concerned.
The problem at Corinth is a common one we still experience today. They were mixing human teaching and spiritual knowledge. Instead of relying on the Spirit for truth and wisdom, they were following the world’s ways. One way this plays out in our current culture is through nationalistic and/or political influence. Many place their political party on the same level as Jesus, even going as far as to believe that Christ endorses their party.
Others place national pride on the same level and honestly believe that this type of allegiance should be taught in church services. I’ve witnessed churches shooting off fireworks and waving American flags in their services. Don’t get me wrong… I’m more than grateful for the freedoms we have in this country, but that freedom can never compare to the spiritual freedom in Christ!
Paul gives warning to those who can discern the error of human teaching by using himself as an example.
When I came to you, brothers, announcing the testimony of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. 2 For I didn’t think it was a good idea to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:1-2 HCSB
Paul didn’t bully people into believing. He didn’t rule over others or even proclaim to have more wisdom and discernment than weaker individuals. He simply brought the message of Jesus and then lived it out among them. Furthermore, Paul didn’t need celebrity status to accomplish his purpose. He didn’t run a slick marketing campaign. He didn’t put on a huge performance with lights and smoke. In fact, he boasted about how weak he was.
I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 My speech and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a powerful demonstration by the Spirit, 5 so that your faith might not be based on men’s wisdom but on God’s power.
1 Corinthians 2:3-5 HCSB
I believe this generation has made some severe compromises in the way we teach people about Jesus. We have been duped into believing that bigger always means better. We have compromised the depth and substance of the Spirit for an accommodating service with luxurious amenities. I wonder what Paul would think if he walked into an American church today? Would he see people coming in their weakness with fear and trembling? Would he hear speech presented without persuasive words of human wisdom? Would he observe people leaving with their faith in man or in the power of God?