City Life Starter

The Word:

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. (I Cor 2:1-5)

By Blesson Selvanesan

Paul is writing this letter to the Church at the city of Corinth about his previous visit and reminds them about the experiences and work of God among them. It is very well known that Paul was a brilliant and very well-educated man. He was trained under a well-known rabbi of his day and knew the scriptures very well. He was also very well versed in various fields of study such as the law, literature, philosophy, ethics, and logic. After his dramatic encounter with risen Jesus, His whole worldview changed!

As a new believer, Paul was still looked upon in suspicion by many believers. He taught the people at Corinth about the Gospel of Christ and shared his testimony. People responded to his message and gave their lives to Christ and decided to follow Christ. Paul knew that the transformation in the lives of people was not due to his lofty speech laced with wise quotes or flowery language but due to the power of God. In those days the rabbis usually wore fine clothes, followed all the laws and used philosophy and logic to teach the people. They were wise, eloquent, competent, bold and used sophisticated language.  Even though Paul was trained in that method, Paul noticed that even in his weakness and trembling, people responded to his message not because of his capabilities but due to the demonstration of the Spirit. Paul understood that it’s not him but God.

When divisions arose in this church, Paul reminds everyone to remember the days when the power of God transformed lives. He reminded them that the Church was built by the Spirit and power of God and not by the wisdom of men. He exhorted them to look beyond the wisdom of men and to look at Jesus, his crucifixion, and his resurrection. He persuaded them to live in the power of God and not to be sidetracked by the display of wisdom by men.

Application

It is fascinating to me that how easily we fall prey to certain style or content of someone’s teaching. We are easily impressed by people and by their eloquence. I remember well when I was going to a church several years back. Initially, I was impressed by the sermons and the style. I decided to write notes and meditate on Sunday afternoons after church. I was frustrated week after week and noticed that the message had no content other than sophisticated language, poetic prayers and some newspaper headlines occasionally laced with out of context bible verses. It lacked the Word of God and was devoid of God’s power. I decided to move.

Another lesson to learn from these verses is the ability of God to work in us and through us just like He worked in Paul. Sometimes, God’s power is displayed in our weakness to show that God is in control and our accomplishments are not due to our ability or wisdom but due to the power of God. Paul knew very well how a rabbi constructs his sermon because he was trained to be a Pharisee. He noticed that despite his lack of eloquence and wise arguments, things happened due to God’s display of power. When we yield to God’s will and follow Him, God will use us to do the greater thing despite our weaknesses. God will fill us with His Spirit and divine wisdom to do our tasks.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you Lord for this brand-new day. Help me to look at You and not the worldly wisdom. Help me to focus on your power that transforms my life. Let me not be distracted by the knowledge, logic and sophisticated language of people who do not have you but to trust in your resurrected power. Empower me to live a victorious life. Work in me and through me despite my weaknesses and let your power be displayed in my life. Let your Name be glorified through my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.