9-20-09 Sorrell PM: 1 Cor Series Pauls Reliance on the Power of God
First Corinthians Message 5: Paul’s Approach to Preaching
Text: 1 Cor. 2:1-5
I. Recap
A. Problem with divisions
B. Divisions centered around men.
C. The foolishness of following men instead of God
II. Paul’s personal reliance on God and not his own wisdom or abilities.
1 Cor. 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
1 Thess. 2:4-6 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness: 6Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
A. Excellency - in a manner to please or command esteem
B. Testimony – a solemn declaration or affirmation made for the purpose of establishing or proving some fact
III. Paul made up his mind before he ever started to know nothing except Jesus and Him crucified.
1 Cor. 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
IV. Paul’s demeanor as a preacher of the Gospel was very different from his demeanor as a persecutor of Christians.
1 Cor. 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
V. Paul did not entice with his wisdom, but left it up to God
1 Cor. 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
Entice - to incite; to allure; in a good sense.
Allure - to attempt to draw to; to tempt by the offer of something good, real or apparent; to invite by something flattering or acceptable;
VI. Our faith cannot stand in men
1 Cor. 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Acts 8:9-23 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 12But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
