Eyes Wide Open: 41-Day Lenten Devotional Sample

The Power to Preach

“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”  – 1 Corinthians 1:17

Paul understood his calling in life—to preach the gospel. Unfortunately, at the time many of the Corinthians were divided on how they were saved, not by what they heard but who brought the message. They were putting emphasis on human knowledge and missing the gospel point completely. 

It was clear that Paul was not happy about this; he even went further to say he was glad he didn’t baptize most of them, in fear that they would put their focus on him and not on Christ. Paul wanted the gospel to speak for itself, completely unfiltered—and we should do the same.

We hear and read many talented preachers over the television, radio, podcasts, books, and the internet. These men and women speak so eloquently and with grace and conviction. Sometimes we quote more from preachers and authors than we do scripture. 

When we want to learn about something, we “google” the verse or subject and watch a sermon, rarely opening the Bible. This leads us into two problems: we place human knowledge and understanding over the Word of God, and we believe we cannot speak or preach the gospel like them, so we just don’t do it.

Paul knew the gospel is meant to glorify Jesus and share his amazing and underserving sacrifice for our sin so we will have eternal life with our Creator. God has definitely gifted some people to reach the masses, but we have access to the same content in scripture and it is our duty to do the same. 

Jesus talked about humbling oneself like a child because a child speaks of what they know, without the mixture of fancy words or flashy props, but with complete trust and conviction. We may not reach as many people as the late Billy Graham, but we are called to do the same, and maybe not knowing what to say or how to say it is the best first step.  

May the power of God’s word only come from his grace overflowing in our lives and from our mouths.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for sending your son Jesus Christ to pay the ultimate sacrifice for our sins so that we can be with You. Pour into our lives your love and give us the courage and opportunity to share it with others. Like Paul, use us for your glory and may our understanding and words come from you alone. Amen.

- Written by Lorenzo Pablo