Ep. 305. 1 Corinthians 1-2 | Who Is Your Favorite Preacher

EPISODE 305

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PREACHER: 1 CORINTHIANS 1-2

First Corinthians is the book that changed everything for me. I was challenged by a friend to reexamine our position on a small portion of 1 Corinthians 3, and that year-long examination brought me to the place where I was determined to know nothing about the Scripture unless I could know it in context. It is a journey I have been on since January 2013 and one, regardless of when you're reading this, that I am still on today. (unless I'm dead or Christ has returned. Then, I've concluded my journey of study and learning for obvious reasons)

If we aren't careful, we will assume that chapter two is a different conversation than what is happening in chapter one, but as I will show you in today's video, along with tomorrow's, we can see that these first four chapters are one singular thought that Paul is unpacking.

The Corinthians are arguing over who the better teacher is: Paul, Apollos, or Peter. Paul points out that the men who have proclaimed the gospel in or to Corinth are not where the attention or affection should rest. They are, in fact, just "foolish" so that "No human being might boast in man." But, "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord." Paul did not come to the Corinthians with lofty or impressive speech because he wanted their faith to rest not on his eloquence or charisma but on the power of God. That is why he "Decided to know nothing among them except Jesus Christ and him crucified."

We, who teach and preach the word of God, would do well to follow Paul's leadership in setting before the people nothing but the simplicity of the cross of Christ.

We who find ourselves enamored with this teacher or that one would do well to remember that our boast is in Jesus and not man.

ADDITIONAL READING: Isaiah 29:14; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Isaiah 40:13-14