Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• Looking at one verse tonight - v20
• Example of 'The Apprentice'
• In the church of Jesus Christ we should not speak about professionalism
• We should not be shoddy but do our best
• God is not interested in human abilities
• Example of John Piper book 'Brothers, we are not profressionals'
• Paul states we are to preach Christ crucified - even if the world views this as foolish
• We are ordinary human beings that rely on the power of Jesus Christ
• "The kingdom of God is not in word by power" (v20)
• Christ rules in a place of power
• The world does not have this power
• The world does not have the Holy Spirit
• Not just words
• There were many proud talkers in Corinth
• Many were puffed up (v18-19)
• Overview:
• When words are not enough
• When the word comes with power

When words are not enough

Is the church just to do with talking and sermons?

• There is a sermon and there is a 'sermon'
• Not weak, flimsy or their own interpretation
• The role of the preacher is to let the Bible speak for itself
• To expound the meaning of the text now and then
• Not to pick and choose, not to make little preparation, not to avoid certain subjects, not to half-quote verses
• Words are not enough unless they are the words of God accompanied by the Holy Spirit
• Paul will not be like those who were puffed up (v18)
• Paul would preach in power (v20)
• Paul through his experiences knew the power of God
• Words are not enough when they come from a proud heart and a false explanation of Scripture

What about words that are true but there seems to be no power?

• Is not the word of God sharper than a two-edged sword?
• Christ is the power of God - the teaching of Him crucified
• Yet people can come continually and there is no effect on their life
• God's word is not independent of the Holy Spirit
• We must pray for the Spirit of God to come down and work powerfully in people's lives
• Example of John the Baptist - he knew the Holy Spirit is a remarkable way
• Example of the Jesus Christ - He was anointed with the Holy Spirit at His baptism
• Example of the apostles - who received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
• Do we need this power today?
• Example of Dafydd Morgan
  
• Example of Simon Magus

*I have jumped ahead in my sermon*

When the word comes with power

• First upon the preacher
• Quote from Lloyd Jones - in the preparation of the sermon
• Example of building the tabernacle
• Second to the congregation
• God speaks to us all the time
• There may be times when He speaks more acutely to us - when His word comes with power
• Conviction of sin and belief in the gospel
• Growing in prayer and the love of God
• Paul advises the Corinthians to imitate him (v16)
• Not to follow him but to follow his example
• His example of humility (v17)
• Follow those that are examples of godliness
• Quote from a young lad
• 11:1 - Imitate Paul as he imitates Christ
• We need Godly examples
• Not just preaching but discipleship
• To come along side each other
• To disciple each other
• Paul and Timothy were to be amongst their people
• The Thessalonians received the word in power and assurance
• We are not to be unstable and tossed around

Closing Remarks

• Paul writing from a heart of love (v14)
• Paul wants to come in a spirit of love and gentleness (v21)
• It is about humbly serving Christ, praying for the leaders and each other
• It is about praying for the word of God to have a great effect on our lives