For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
--1 Corinthians 1:17-18 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on May 20, 2013 of Psalm 95; 1 Corinthians 1; 1 Samuel 24:14-26.
Corinth was a large and important port city in the day, boasting all the amenities of a cultural center, including idol worship, heavy drinking, and institutionalized prostitution. The immoral condition of Corinth was well known, and the city became synonymous with everything sinful. Into this environment Paul planted a church while on his second missionary journey. Very probably due to cultural influence, the church experienced many problems such as divisions within the church itself, pervasive immorality, and questions about such things as marriage, food, worship, and the resurrection. A wide array of beliefs and practices could be found within the church. Paul sought to provide them with guidance and leadership with this letter.
It is interesting to note at the beginning of today's focus verses that Paul saw his calling to be to preach the Gospel, not to baptize. While he did practice the ritual for some, it should be clear from this statement that he did not consider baptism to be necessary for salvation. This is backed up by Jesus Himself, when He told His disciples, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Please see Mark 16:15-16.) Belief in the Gospel of Jesus the Christ is what is absolutely required for salvation. And belief in the Gospel can only occur if the Gospel is first taught (please reference Romans 10:14). So Paul sees it to be far more critical that he preach and spread the Gospel. He also shows it very important not to be too clever in our speech when preaching the Gospel, not to use overly fancy eloquence or to make ultra-persuasive argumentation, but to let the Good News speak for itself. Otherwise we might diminish or distract from what Christ accomplished on the cross, from what God is telling us.
And that message of the cross, Paul tells us, will appear meaningless to those who refuse to hear and accept it. But to those who do believe, who are being saved, the message God delivered through Christ Jesus on His cross is one of His mighty power at work in the lives of man. Our cross is empty. Jesus died, yet lives. That is the powerful message of the cross. Mighty God brought Jesus back from death and gave Him life, just as He will do for us if we but believe.
But it takes more than a message, it takes more than baptism. Paul uses the words "being saved" for a reason. Through our belief in the Gospel we are being saved, we are actively seeking and receiving salvation. Jesus is actively at work in us, our faith is active within us. Nothing is standing still. Be active for Jesus. Spread His Good News throughout all the world. Amen.
Blessed Jesus, thank You for being active in our lives. Thank You for the sacrifice You made and for the glorious message Your story provides. May we help spread Your wonderful Gospel to everyone we see, being witnesses to Your eternal faithfulness and to You being alive within us. In Your treasured name, Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.
It is interesting to note at the beginning of today's focus verses that Paul saw his calling to be to preach the Gospel, not to baptize. While he did practice the ritual for some, it should be clear from this statement that he did not consider baptism to be necessary for salvation. This is backed up by Jesus Himself, when He told His disciples, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Please see Mark 16:15-16.) Belief in the Gospel of Jesus the Christ is what is absolutely required for salvation. And belief in the Gospel can only occur if the Gospel is first taught (please reference Romans 10:14). So Paul sees it to be far more critical that he preach and spread the Gospel. He also shows it very important not to be too clever in our speech when preaching the Gospel, not to use overly fancy eloquence or to make ultra-persuasive argumentation, but to let the Good News speak for itself. Otherwise we might diminish or distract from what Christ accomplished on the cross, from what God is telling us.
And that message of the cross, Paul tells us, will appear meaningless to those who refuse to hear and accept it. But to those who do believe, who are being saved, the message God delivered through Christ Jesus on His cross is one of His mighty power at work in the lives of man. Our cross is empty. Jesus died, yet lives. That is the powerful message of the cross. Mighty God brought Jesus back from death and gave Him life, just as He will do for us if we but believe.
But it takes more than a message, it takes more than baptism. Paul uses the words "being saved" for a reason. Through our belief in the Gospel we are being saved, we are actively seeking and receiving salvation. Jesus is actively at work in us, our faith is active within us. Nothing is standing still. Be active for Jesus. Spread His Good News throughout all the world. Amen.
Blessed Jesus, thank You for being active in our lives. Thank You for the sacrifice You made and for the glorious message Your story provides. May we help spread Your wonderful Gospel to everyone we see, being witnesses to Your eternal faithfulness and to You being alive within us. In Your treasured name, Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.
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