1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone shows that Paul did not rely on eloquent speech or human wisdom but focused on proclaiming Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The chapter, divided into verses 1-5 and 6-16, highlights Paul’s humble approach and his dependence on the Holy Spirit, urging believers to center their faith on God’s power rather than on personalities or persuasive words.
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone
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1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone
Scriptures used in this lesson:
1 Corinthians 2:1-6, 1 Corinthians 2:7-16,
Our study began with the first chapter of 1 Corinthians. The main lesson was that Christ is not divided. Paul asked the Corinthians if they had been baptized in his name or if he had been crucified for them. The answer is no. The people had begun to focus on leaders and personalities rather than on Christ.
Christ Must Be the Center, Not Personalities
There is a tendency, both then and now, to admire certain individuals for their charisma or abilities. Some preferred Apollos for his eloquence, Peter for his miraculous acts, or Paul for his directness. This focus on individuals led to division. The message is that Christ should be the center, not any person.
Paul, Peter, Apollos, and others should have worked together as one body. In the church, everyone should make room for each other’s ministries. Competition among ministries causes division. Instead, each gift should find its place, as Proverbs says, and there should not be separate groups for each leader.
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone
Many denominations were founded on truth, but they stopped growing when they focused solely on one aspect. Like Peter wanting to build three tabernacles on the Mount of Transfiguration, people sometimes want to stay in one place spiritually. However, God wants the church to reach out and spread knowledge everywhere, rather than building camps or focusing on specific doctrines.
People often seek signs or wisdom, moving from place to place or church to church. Jews look for signs, while Greeks seek wisdom. The real answer is that Jesus is everything we need—wisdom, sanctification, righteousness, and redemption. He is the “I Am” who provides whatever is needed.
Letting Each Ministry Function Without Competition
The church must learn to let each ministry function without competition. We should all work together in ministry, demonstrating that cooperation is key. Leaders support each other, pray for each other, and make adjustments as needed. If the focus shifts to the person instead of focusing on God, both can drift away from God. The lesson is to keep the focus on Jesus, not on individuals.
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone
Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 1 is to set aside personalities and focus on Jesus and the cross.
1 Corinthians 2:1-16
1 And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
3 I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling,
4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.
6 Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away;
7 but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory;
8 the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;
9 but just as it is written, “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone
10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.
11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,
13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.
14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one.
16 For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone
Words in italics in the King James Bible show that those words were not in the original text. The translators added them for clarity. Most translations do this, but the NIV is an exception.
Words in capital letters often indicate quotations from the Old Testament. Paul and other New Testament teachers frequently used the Old Testament in their teaching. All they had was what we call the Old Testament. They were making the New Testament as they lived it. The Old Testament complements the New Testament.
The chapter is divided into two parts. The first section, verses 1 through 5, describes Paul’s arrival in Corinth. He reminds the people how he came to them. Paul talks about the message he preached and his attitude when he arrived.
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Ministry
The second section, verses 6-16, focuses on the Holy Spirit. Paul explains the importance of ministry through the Holy Spirit. He shows his determination to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength. Paul depends on the Spirit in all his work.
1 Corinthians 2:1-6
1 And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
3 I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling,
4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.
Paul’s Humble Approach in Corinth
Paul explains that when he first came to Corinth, he did not use impressive speech or human wisdom. He did not try to persuade them with eloquent words. Instead, he arrived in weakness, fear, and trembling.
The word “weakness” means he felt feeble in body and mind. He could not do what he wanted or was called to do. Paul also says he was in fear, using a word that means deep terror. He was trembling, which shows he was deeply unsettled.
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone
Paul’s previous experience in Athens shaped his approach. In Athens, he preached at Mars Hill, a place for philosophers. He gave a well-structured sermon with three points, a poem, and an altar call, warning them about judgment. However, this message had little effect. Few believed, and there was no real power or change.
The Power of Preaching Christ Alone
Because of this, Paul decided not to rely on human wisdom or persuasive speech in Corinth. He did not want to repeat what happened in Athens. Instead, he focused on preaching Christ and him crucified. He wanted to share the message of Jesus, not the philosophies of men.
Paul’s sermon in Athens was theologically sound. His three points were valid: people do serve unknown gods, God created the world, and in God we live, move, and have our being. Even his poem, “for we also are his offspring,” was scripturally correct. Paul also warned that God will judge the world, which is a valid message.
However, Paul realized that even a theologically perfect sermon can lack power. Good doctrine alone does not change lives. What is needed is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, even the best sermons or worship services are empty. The presence and work of the Holy Spirit are essential.
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone
Paul’s Experience in Athens
Paul’s experience in Athens left him feeling weak and afraid. He felt he had failed in his mission there. When he arrived in Corinth, he was still struggling with these feelings. He was afraid he might fail again and felt unable to do what God had called him to do.
About five years ago, our church became what it is today. That was when I became the pastor. Some of you were already here. Others of you came during that time. There was a great deal of excitement at the beginning.
I started preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. As I preached, things began to change. My first message was about how the universal church was built to defeat hell. I taught about the church’s history and how it had survived through the ages. I said that no force, no person, and no demon could stop the church.
Also, I emphasized that the church was not meant to escape trouble, but to overcome it. The church, I said, is mighty through God and able to pull down strongholds. I shared that the church would be presented to Jesus Christ without spot or wrinkle.
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone
Upset People
Some people became upset with my messages. One person came to my study. They brought me writings from other men and put them on my desk. They told me I needed to listen to these men and said if I did not, they would leave the church. Because my message was upsetting people, I felt led to move on from that subject. I began to preach about something else.
So, I started preaching about God’s order in the home. I talked about the roles of men, women, and children. This message upset another group within the church.
Now, instead of one group being upset with me, there were two. Some people told me I was wrong. They said the New Testament teaches there is neither male nor female. They warned that if I did not change, they would leave the church.
Because of this, I felt led to preach about something else. I began teaching about God’s government and spiritual authority. I spoke about the need to have someone in our lives to submit to, such as a pastor or elder, and asked, ‘Who is your spiritual authority?’ Who do you seek for godly counsel?
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone
By this time, people were leaving the church. The excitement was gone. Growth had turned into decline. I found myself trying to preach with eloquence, searching for messages that would draw people in. I realized I had slipped into a place of weakness, fear, and trembling.
Six years ago, I could not understand what Paul meant. Now, I feel I do. I started to believe that everything depended on me. If I did not preach well or say things just right, I feared I would ruin the work that others and I had sacrificed for. I felt like I was on Mars Hill, trying to speak to philosophers. I tried to find words that would please everyone. Not long before, a mainline denomination had rejected me. Now, I was also being rejected by a charismatic church. I was hurting and filled with fear.
One day, I went home and sat in my study, my hands hanging limply, feeling empty. Judy came in and asked what was wrong. I told her I was depressed, and I shared my feelings. Instead of encouraging me, Judy said she could be packed and ready to leave in two hours. That was her response. I felt like a failure. This was my own Mars Hill.
You might wonder what helped me come out of that difficult place. The truth is, you never really know if you are fully out of it. You only find out when you are tested, to see if you will give in to people’s opinions.
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone
First Step from My Depression
I did come through it, and I believe there are three main reasons for that. First, God placed certain men around me. Men like Pastor Tibo, Don, Ted, Willis, Doug, Randy, Dr. Grim, Mark, and Steve. Even though things were not happy or exciting, we still met together on Wednesdays and Friday mornings. We read scripture and prayed together.
We realized that what I was teaching was true, even if it was not popular or joyful for everyone. I remember one morning with Dr. Cash. After praying, we talked, and he said my messages were “grossly different.” I asked if I should change it, but he told me not to change the Word of God. This support was the first thing that helped me. They never told me what to preach. Others in the church encouraged me as well. People who had been with me for a couple of years continued to pray for me. I could feel their support and prayers.
Second Step from My Depression
The second thing that helped me was the prophets who visited, and my pastor from Griffin. My pastor always told me I was doing a good job, even when I did not feel that way. He noticed growth in the church, not just in numbers but in spiritual maturity. He encouraged me every time he visited.
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone
Prophets who came through also told me I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Judy and I once visited Christian International during particularly challenging times. Dr. Hammond prophesied over me, saying I was right where God wanted me to be. He also spoke to Judy, telling her she could not hide from God or avoid her calling. This encouragement helped us keep going.
The prophets and my pastor were a big source of encouragement for me. The men of God I allowed into my life helped me through hard times. I want to encourage you to always have godly people around you. They will lift you up when you need it most.
Third Step from My Depression
But the third and final thing that helped me was reaching a point of surrender. I finally spoke out loud what I had only thought before. I said, “God, if this church is not of you, destroy it. If your Spirit is not here, let this die.” I realized I could no longer carry the weight I felt.
Inside, I struggled with fear and weakness, despite appearing strong on the outside. I tried to convey confidence and peace to the church, but it wasn’t always true. I finally told the Lord that if He would not bring His Spirit and peace, I wanted Him to let my time here come to an end and take us to a place of peace.
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone
Today
I believe that when people enter this church, they feel the presence of God’s love. They sense that people here honestly care. New visitors often say this is the first thing they notice. For example, Andy, a young man in a wheelchair, told me after the service that he finally feels at home here.
People are now experiencing what I always wanted them to feel. Little by little, I have learned what it means to preach Jesus Christ and him crucified. This does not just mean talking about the cross; it also means embracing the cross. It means not allowing people to control or manipulate me. Threats or complaints no longer move me.
Some have said they would stop supporting the church if I continued to preach certain things. Others have tried to influence what I say. I have learned I cannot preach to please people. If I try to please one group, another is unhappy. So I preach what I believe God wants me to say to us. I seek the Lord. I listen to what I think is the voice of the Lord. Then, I preach what I believe He has given me.
If you want to hear the word of God preached plainly and honestly, you will like it here. If you want to hear only what pleases you, this may not be the place for you. We are committed to preaching Jesus Christ and him crucified, and we will preach the whole gospel and minister to the entire person—spirit, soul, and body.
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2: How to Preach Christ Alone
I will lead us to practice everything found in the book of Acts. We expect to see miracles and the power of God at work. We will not compromise or bow to pressure. I will lead us in seeking the Holy Spirit and trusting that God will give us wisdom and power, just as He did for the first-century church.
I do not want to be remembered as a great preacher. Instead, I want you to remember that we preached Jesus Christ and followed the leading of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2
1 Corinthians Study Chapter 2
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