For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1Cointhians 1:18
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1Cointhians 1:23-24For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 1Cointhians 2:2
Paul was not a people pleaser. Jews hoped for a “sign” and Greek folks sought wisdom. But Paul instead chose to proclaim the power of God and the wisdom which was God’s alone. It was Paul’s topic of choice.
His preaching posture came with “feebleness (of body or mind); and, by implication, ‘malady’ or moral frailty.” “ (Paul), not only eschewed all affectation of cleverness or grandiloquence, but went to the opposite extreme of diffidence and nervous self-effacement” (Robertson and Plummer). Paul had been in prison in Philippi, driven out of Thessalonica and Berea, politely bowed out of Athens. It is a human touch to see this shrinking as he faced the hard conditions in Corinth.” A.T. Robertson. “In conscious feebleness; diffident of my own powers, and not trusting to my own strength.” Barnes.
Neither was it with “enticing words of man’s wisdom” but in a display of The Holy Spirit and “dunamis” (power).
Paul’s methods and mode seems to be so contradictory to effective communication, however, powerfully necessary for the kingdom of God. Why? Because it makes the most important thing the most important thing. My interpretation of the most important thing is not the most important thing. That would only refocus attention towards me, and I must not be the most important thing. Friends, the plan of God removes the lesser important things so as to magnify truth.
In Malcolm Gladwell’s book “What the Dog Saw” Ron Popeil became rich in the “gadget” selling business by making the gadget the “star.” Frosty Wilson was a well dressed, articulate individual, and a good salesman. But he thought he was the best. When Michael Jordan pitches McDonald’s hamburgers, Michael Jordan is the star. But when Ron Popeil pitched, say, the Chop-O-matic, his gift was to make the Chop-O-matic the star. Do you see the difference?
Beloved, Christ and Him crucified is more than an historical event. Much more than some gimmick. He was seen in time and was crucified in time; yes, but also in eternity. Christ was a lamb slain before the foundation of the world, see Revelation 13:8! The bloody cross of history (2000 Years ago), displayed graphically what had taken place in the eternal dimension, existing in the mind of the Eternal Godhead from eternity past. It was an act of judgment. A judicial sentence –a punishment and payment for the sins of the world. (…for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 2:17). It was God’s one and only answer for the redemption of Mankind!
Ron Popeil explained his presentation and emphasized that it must be shown four times. Then, projecting a much higher price initially, gradually lowered the price to almost unbelievable numbers.
Folks, the unbelievable cost of the entire redemption of mankind and for any individual — free for all who believe.
That’s correct, salvation is free for all who believe. Yes, it cost Christ everything, but we are saved by simple childlike faith.
In closing, “Christ crucified” presented in demonstration of the Spirit and power, was Paul’s resolve. What greater love can exist than that a man lay down his life for his friends. In the case of Christ and Him crucified, the life laid down covered His enemies as well. love ya
