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CHRIST IS THE MESSAGE
LORD’S DAY, JANUARY 26
2 Corinthians 4:5-6
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
 
“For we preach not ourselves,
but Christ Jesus the Lord …”
 
CHRIST IS THE MESSAGE
 
Just like John the Baptiser, the Apostle Paul was always seeking to glorify Christ in his conduct and message. “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
 
Paul’s preaching was never a bombastic show of oratorical skill or sophistry. He had earlier declared in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5: “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
 
To drive home his point, Paul was quick to point out that the ability to believe in the gospel did not come from himself but from God (2 Cor 4:6). The allusion here is to Genesis 1:3, where God created light by the power of His Word. “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” Just as God is the giver of physical light, He is also the giver of spiritual light that so illumines the minds and hearts of men. Paul was just an instrument in the hands of God. As the servant of Christ, he was most willing to serve men so that Christ may be glorified.
 
On the other hand, the opponents of Paul were often quick to preach about self. Their preaching was designed to draw the admiration of men. They were also keen to lord themselves over others, that they may gain an advantage. There was no spirit of servanthood in them. “These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage” (Jude 16).
 
How do you conduct yourself in the service of Christ? Are you like Paul or his opponents? Never be self-serving in the ministry of Christ!
 
THOUGHT: Christ must increase, and I must decrease.
PRAYER: Give me a servant’s heart, Father.

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