1 Corinthians 2:3–5: I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Paul came to them as a humble servant. He did not depend on himself; he became nothing that Christ might be everything. Paul had learned that when he was weak, then God made him strong. Paul depended on the power of the Holy Spirit. It was not his experience or ability that gave his ministry its power; it was the work of the Spirit of God. His preaching was a “demonstration,” not a “performance.” The word translated demonstration means “legal proof presented in court.” The Holy Spirit used Paul’s preaching to change lives, and that was all the proof Paul needed that his message was from God. Those who minister the Word must prepare and use every gift God has given them—but they must not put their confidence in themselves (see 2 Cor. 3:5). Because Paul declared the Word of God in the power of God, his converts put their faith in a demonstration: they experienced God at work in their own lives. 1
Application
- When your focus is on Jesus, the pressure disappears.
- God is looking for your dependance on Him, not your performance for others.
Thought to Share
Secure Christians esteem the greatness of Christ, not self-esteem. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the blessing of being weak and dependent upon You for everything.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
