1 Corinthians 2:4 “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”
The apostle Paul was a speaker par excellence, schooled by the finest scholars the world could offer. He could out-talk the best with the fewest words possible and leave them dizzy. Yet Paul understood that the kingdom of our God is not successful by how well we present our opening arguments or deliver that crushing bit of logic in the final debate.
Paul charged Timothy, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2). In the same manner, let’s make sure that we are careful not only about what we preach, but also how we preach it.
Paul openly and plainly preached Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected. He taught the deep things of God, yet refused to use the world’s ways to grow the church. Likewise, you and I are to be ready to give solid biblical answers to anyone who asks, at all times and in all places, without rousing rhetoric or human wisdom. Our ability to win souls for God’s kingdom rests not in ourselves, but in the Word of God delivered under the power of the Holy Spirit, in humility and love.
Politicians may employ well-crafted, impassioned speeches to win others to their side. As Christ-followers who care about the eternal destination of others, we must leave ourselves out of the message and give our listeners the only thing that counts—God’s Word.
– Pastor Jack
Click here to read all of Jack Hibbs’ Weekly Devotionals at Real Life with Jack Hibbs.
