1 Corinthians: Not in VainSample

How do you tend to measure spiritual power? 

Of course, it might not be something you often consciously think about. But when it comes to your church, or the Christian leaders you respect, or even your own attempts at sharing your faith, what do you tend to count as evidence that God is powerfully at work? Or perhaps flip the question the other way round: what circumstances or events or personalities lead you to conclude that God isn’t up to much?

Paul has just cut the Corinthian Christians down to size by bluntly reminding them of their own weakness (1:26-29), but now he explains that he’s no different. When Paul first brought the gospel to Corinth (see Acts 18), he would have faced the temptation to make his ministry fit in with the norms of the surrounding culture. The city was well versed in wise-sounding rhetoric and flash speakers. And yet Paul chose a different way: he ‘resolved to know nothing … except Jesus Christ and him crucified’ (v. 2; see also 1:17-18). 

The key question here is ‘why’? Was Paul just trying to be a bit odd for the sake of it? 

Our answer lies in verses 4–5. Paul makes clear that he wanted it to be evident that when people responded to his presentation of the gospel this was only happening because the Holy Spirit was at work. In other words, the reason people were choosing to listen certainly wasn’t because they were being manipulated, or because they were bowled over by his oratorical prowess and fancy philosophising. After all, there was none of that on display! 

Of course, this also explains why boasting in particular leaders (as in 1:10-12) is so problematic. It’s a sign that our confidence is resting not on the message but the messenger. Not only will this lead to inevitable division in the church, but it also means we’re taking glory away from God.

Reflection

How has the cross powerfully changed your life? Consider some of the following areas: your spiritual status, your personal character, your future and your current situation.