"The Gospel is Inherently Powerful"

 

1st.Corinthians 2:1-5 "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of GOD. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save JESUS CHRIST, and HIM crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the SPIRIT and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of GOD."

     Many well-meaning Christians who desire to be a witness to others of GOD's gracious offer of salvation often misunderstand the inherent power of the Gospel and the ministry of the HOLY SPIRIT. Believers sometimes fail to realize that they cannot "argue others into Heaven" through debate nor make the Gospel more palatable. Because they do not comprehend these basic facts, they may resort to gimmicks or subterfuge in the effort to render the Gospel as more "acceptable" to the unsaved.

     In 1st.Corinthians 1:17 (pictured at top of post), Paul tells the believers at Corinth that "CHRIST sent me . . . to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of CHRIST should be made of none effect." He continues in today's text by stating that his preaching was accomplished "not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the SPIRIT and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of GOD" (vv.4-5 2nd. picture from top of post). Likewise, he told the believers in Rome, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: for it is the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth . . . for therein is the righteousness of GOD revealed from faith to faith" (Romans 1:16-17 pictured above). Paul knew that the power of the Gospel (along with the convicting work of the HOLY SPIRIT, John 16:7-11), would change the lives of those unregenerate men, women, and children who allowed the SPIRIT to work in their heart. It is the HOLY SPIRIT WHO reproves, or convicts, "the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:8). We have no power to make any person believe anything ! It is our duty simply to obey CHRIST by telling the good news to all who will listen. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org