Not only in Words
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