Category - General

TRUE BIRTH/FALSE BIRTH

Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

30-Point Detailed Analysis

1-10: Context and Setting

1. Sermon on the Mount – This passage is part of Jesus’ closing statements in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing true discipleship.
2. Contrast Between Professed and True Faith – Jesus contrasts verbal confession with authentic obedience.
3. Addressing Religious Hypocrisy – The passage challenges those who assume that religious works guarantee salvation.
4. Warning of Final Judgment – Jesus points to the eschatological reality where many will be deceived about their standing with God.
5. Authority of Christ – Jesus declares Himself the judge, indicating His divine authority.
6. False Assurance of Salvation – Some will falsely believe they belong to Christ based on religious acts.
7. Emphasis on Obedience – True faith is demonstrated in doing the Father’s will, not just religious performance.
8. Judgment Day Scene – The phrase “On that day” refers to the final judgment when all people will stand before God.
9. Repeated Plea: ‘Lord, Lord’ – This double address signifies urgency, sincerity, or desperation.
10. Works Without Relationship – Despite their acts of prophecy, exorcism, and miracles, Jesus rejects them.

11-20: Meaning and Theological Themes

1. Lawlessness Defined – Jesus calls them “workers of lawlessness,” indicating a life disconnected from God’s moral will.
2. Divine Foreknowledge – Christ’s statement, “I never knew you,” signifies a lack of genuine relationship.
3. True Righteousness – The will of the Father involves more than outward deeds; it requires inner transformation.
4. Faith vs. Works – Salvation is not earned through works but is evidenced by obedience flowing from faith.
5. Miracles Do Not Equal Salvation – Supernatural acts can be performed apart from true faith.
6. Counterfeit Christianity – Many will assume they are saved based on external religious involvement.
7. Personal Relationship with Christ – “I never knew you” highlights the necessity of knowing and being known by Jesus.
8. Eschatological Warning – Jesus speaks of a future reality that will separate true believers from pretenders.
9. The Father’s Will – This refers to trusting in Christ, living in obedience, and pursuing holiness.
10. The Danger of Self-Deception – Many will be shocked to find out they were never truly part of God’s kingdom.

21-30: Application and Personal Reflection

• Testing Our Faith – We must evaluate if our faith is genuine or merely religious routine.
• Listening vs. Doing – Hearing Christ’s words is not enough; we must act upon them.
• Church Activity is Not the Same as Salvation – Serving in church does not replace personal surrender to Christ.
• Legalism vs. Grace – Obedience is the result of salvation, not the requirement for it.
• Walking in Holiness – True discipleship requires a lifestyle aligned with God’s will.
• Recognizing False Teachers – Many who lead others may themselves be deceived.
• Assurance in Christ Alone – Our security must rest in our relationship with Christ, not in religious acts.
• Daily Dependence on Jesus – Seeking His will daily ensures we remain in true fellowship with Him.
• A Life of Transformation – Salvation produces real change, not just religious performance.
• God’s Judgment is Final – Once Christ declares, “Depart from me,” there is no second chance.

Summation and Alliteration

• Faith Without Fellowship – Works without relationship result in rejection.
• Confession Without Commitment – Saying “Lord, Lord” is meaningless without obedience.
• Service Without Submission – Performing miracles does not equate to knowing Christ.
• Deeds Without Devotion – External acts cannot replace genuine faith.
• Religion Without Relationship – The Father’s will is about transformation, not just actions.

Conclusion

Matthew 7:21-23 is a powerful warning about false assurance. It calls believers to examine their faith and ensure their salvation is rooted in Christ, not just religious works. The passage emphasizes that obedience and intimacy with Christ are marks of true discipleship. It challenges us to live lives that reflect God’s will, knowing that no amount of spiritual activity can substitute for a genuine relationship with Jesus.

“The One Who Knows”

1. Many will stand, their voices raised,
   Crying out with confidence bold,
   Claiming works, claiming deeds,
   Yet missing the voice that calls them home.
2. The words were loud, their faith seemed strong,
   But the heart was distant, the will untouched,
   They moved in power, they spoke of Him,
   Yet they never walked the path of love.
3. Miracles flashed in the hands they held,
   Demons fled from the words they spoke,
   Yet the presence of Christ was not their own,
   Their steps were shadows, empty and cold.
4. He stands before them, eyes unshaken,
   His voice unyielding, truth untamed,
   “I never knew you,” the verdict falls,
   The weight of silence sealing their fate.
5. The hands that healed could not save,
   The lips that preached bore no fruit,
   The feet that ran never followed,
   The heart was closed to the voice of God.
6. Not by power, nor by might,
   But by surrender, by the cross,
   Not by knowledge, nor by fame,
   But by love, by truth, by grace.
7. A call remains for those who hear,
   To walk the way, to trust the voice,
   To leave behind the empty deeds,
   And seek the One who knows their name.
8. To do the will of the Father above,
   To live in truth, to walk in light,
   Not to perform, not to pretend,
   But to belong, to abide, to trust.
9. No greater loss than false assurance,
   No deeper wound than being unknown,
   The call is clear, the choice is ours,
   To live for Him, to follow Christ.
10. The door is open, the way is made,
    Not by works, but by His grace,
    To be known, to be found,
    In the arms of the King forevermore.

“Lord, Know Me”

Verse 1

Not my words, not my works,
But my heart, my soul, my life,
Jesus, You alone must lead,
Let me walk the way You guide.

Verse 2

Not the signs, not the gifts,
But the love that shapes my soul,
Jesus, let me know Your will,
Let my steps align with Yours.

Verse 3

On that day when all will stand,
Lord, may I hear Your voice,
Not to be cast far away,
But to be held in Your embrace.

Verse 4

Let me live in truth and grace,
Not in words that fade away,
Let my faith be found in You,
Not in things that do not stay.

Chorus

Lord, know me, lead me on,
Let my life reflect Your call,
Not by power, not by fame,
But by love that never fails.

Final Thoughts

Matthew 7:21-23 is a sobering passage reminding us that salvation is not about outward religious performance but about genuine faith, obedience, and relationship with Christ. The call is clear—seek Jesus, surrender to His will, and live a life of faithfulness.

The Weight of His Words

They stood before Him,
Voices full of confidence,
Hands raised in triumph,
Hearts filled with assumption.

“Lord, Lord,” they cried,
“We have spoken in Your name,
We have worked, we have healed,
Surely, we belong to You.”

The silence stretched,
A pause more powerful than words,
Their deeds laid bare,
Their souls exposed.

Did they listen,
When the call was whispered?
Did they follow,
Or merely perform?

Miracles danced upon their tongues,
Prophecies filled their days,
Yet the foundation was empty,
The roots never touched the earth.

The One they claimed to serve,
Did not recognize their steps,
Their voices carried weight,
But their hearts remained distant.

To do the will of the Father,
Is not to shout His name,
Not to gather works like trophies,
But to surrender all.

What does it mean,
To be known by the King?
Not words, not wonders,
But a heart that abides.

The weight of their efforts,
Crumbled into dust,
What seemed mighty,
Vanished in the wind.

“I never knew you,” He said,
Not in anger, not in malice,
But in truth,
A door forever closed.

Their hands, once lifted high,
Fell to their sides,
The knowledge of loss,
More bitter than silence.

It is not enough to claim Him,
If He does not claim you,
Not enough to build kingdoms,
That have no foundation.

The path is narrow,
Wider than words,
Deeper than service,
Rooted in surrender.

To know Him,
Is not to perform,
But to walk with Him,
To yield to His will.

How many have built,
Without laying the stone?
How many have spoken,
Without hearing His voice?

This is the warning,
For those who assume,
For those who labor,
Yet never love.

Not in great works,
Not in spoken wonders,
But in the unseen,
Is the soul known.

18.

The Father’s will,
Is not measured in miracles,
But in devotion,
In a life transformed.

Many will call,
Few will be heard,
Not by power,
But by presence.

To be known by Christ,
Is the only way,
To enter the kingdom,
To stand before the throne.

“Known by You”

Verse 1

Many will call out Your name,
Many will stand and proclaim,
Miracles worked in Your sight,
Yet their hearts remain in the night.

Verse 2

Words can be spoken so loud,
Deeds can impress all the crowd,
Yet if love is not in my soul,
What have I gained at all?

Verse 3

I don’t want to just say, “Lord,”
I want to walk in accord,
Not by my strength or my hands,
But by surrender to Your plans.

Verse 4

What is the will of the King?
Not empty words that I bring,
But a heart that is fully Yours,
Anchored in grace, secure.

Verse 5

Let me not stand and pretend,
Let me not break but bend,
Living each moment in You,
Walking in all that is true.

Verse 6

When I stand at the gate,
May I not fear what awaits,
For I long to hear You say,
“My child, you’ve walked My way.”

Chorus

Lord, let me be known by You,
Not by what I say or do,
But by the life You gave in me,
By Your love that sets me free.

I stand in the silence,
wondering why the road has turned,
the light once bright is dim,
and the answers do not come.

I cry out for direction,
for clarity in the storm,
but the wind only whispers,
telling me to wait.

I long for understanding,
to see the steps ahead,
but He reminds me gently,
that trust is not about sight.

The weight of the unknown,
presses against my soul,
but His presence holds me still,
and I know I am not alone.

The past is filled with proof,
of mercy undeserved,
if He has led me here,
He will surely lead me through.

Faith is not a feeling,
nor certainty wrapped in time,
but a choice to believe,
when nothing makes sense.

I will walk forward,
though the path is unclear,
for the One who calls me,
has never let me go.

His ways may be higher,
His plans beyond my grasp,
but I am held by His hands,
and that is enough for me.

There are moments in life when God’s plans seem unclear, confusing, or even painful. We pray, seek answers, and wait for clarity, but His ways remain a mystery. In these moments, faith is tested, trust is stretched, and surrender is required. So, what should we do when God’s ways make no sense?

1. Acknowledge Your Limited Understanding

• Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
• God sees the whole picture; we see only a small part. Trusting Him means accepting that we may not always understand His ways.

2. Strengthen Your Faith, Not Your Doubts

• Instead of feeding doubt, choose to strengthen faith.
• Romans 10:17—“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
• Spend more time in Scripture and prayer, not questioning but trusting His promises.

3. Hold On to What You Do Know

• Even when one thing is unclear, hold on to what is clear:
  • God is good (Psalm 100:5).
  • God is faithful (1 Corinthians 10:13).
  • God never abandons His children (Hebrews 13:5).
  • God works all things for good (Romans 8:28).

4. Pray with Honesty and Surrender

• Pour out your heart to God—He can handle your frustration and confusion.
• Psalm 62:8—“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge.”
• Jesus Himself prayed in Gethsemane when He struggled with the Father’s will (Matthew 26:39).

5. Reflect on Biblical Examples of Unclear Paths

• Job suffered immensely but later saw God’s greater purpose.
• Joseph was betrayed and imprisoned before becoming a ruler who saved his family.
• Moses led a complaining people in the wilderness, but God’s plan prevailed.
• Paul endured suffering, yet his impact on Christianity is eternal.

6. Surrender Your Timeline to God

• Often, our frustration comes from wanting immediate answers.
• God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels delayed.
• Ecclesiastes 3:11—“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

7. Choose Trust Over Explanation

• Sometimes, God does not give an explanation—He gives an invitation to trust.
• Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”

8. Look for God’s Presence in the Uncertainty

• Even when His plan makes no sense, His presence is constant.
• Psalm 23:4—“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”

9. Ask: What Is God Teaching Me?

• Growth often comes through confusion and struggle.
• Ask:
  • Is God teaching me patience?
  • Is He helping me surrender control?
  • Is He preparing me for something greater?

10. Seek Godly Counsel

• Proverbs 11:14—“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
• Talk to mature believers, pastors, or mentors.

11. Continue in Obedience

• Just because you don’t understand God’s plan doesn’t mean you should stop obeying Him.
• Keep praying, reading Scripture, serving, and walking in righteousness.

12. Worship Even in Confusion

• Worship is a weapon against doubt and despair.
• Habakkuk 3:17-18—Even when everything seemed lost, Habakkuk declared: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

13. Recall Past Faithfulness

• Remember how God has led you in the past.
• If He was faithful then, He will be faithful now.

14. Live in Hope, Not in Fear

• 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 reminds us: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”
• God’s ways may not make sense now, but they always make sense in eternity.

15. Choose to Believe Even Without Understanding

• Faith isn’t seeing and then believing—it’s believing even when you don’t see.
• John 20:29—“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Conclusion

When God’s ways make no sense, we trust, wait, and keep walking in faith. We choose to worship, pray, remember, and surrender. Even in silence, confusion, or pain, God is still working. He has never failed before, and He will not fail now.

God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16, ESV)

1. Contextual Consideration

• This passage is part of Paul’s defense of his ministry, explaining his role as an ambassador of Christ.
• The broader passage (2 Cor. 2:12-17) discusses triumph and testimony, drawing from Roman victory parades.

2. Aroma as an Analogy

• Paul uses olfactory imagery, describing the Christian’s influence as a scent or fragrance.
• The metaphor underscores the sensory impact of the Gospel, producing different reactions in different people.

3. Christ as the Source of the Fragrance

• The “aroma of Christ” signifies His sacrifice, presence, and message.
• Believers, as Christ’s representatives, carry the scent of salvation in their daily lives.

4. Fragrance to God First

• The primary audience of this aroma is God (“to God among those…”).
• This emphasizes that Christian ministry is first an offering to the Lord before it affects others.

5. The Dual Impact of the Gospel

• The Gospel’s fragrance is received differently depending on one’s spiritual state.
• To some, it signals salvation and hope; to others, judgment and condemnation.

6. Connection to Roman Triumph Processions

• Paul likely alludes to Roman military parades, where victors burned incense as they marched.
• To captives, this fragrance meant death, but to citizens, it meant victory.

7. Fragrance of Life for the Saved

• Those who embrace Christ receive the aroma as a symbol of life.
• The scent represents the joy, grace, and transformation of salvation.

8. Fragrance of Death for the Perishing

• For the unbelieving world, the Gospel’s fragrance is an unwelcome stench.
• It triggers rejection, rebellion, and ultimately eternal separation from God.

9. The Role of Believers in Spreading the Fragrance

• Christians are vessels of Christ’s aroma, dispersing His truth wherever they go.
• Through their words, actions, and lives, they become living witnesses.

10. The Inescapable Nature of the Fragrance

• Unlike words that can be ignored, a fragrance penetrates and lingers.
• The presence of Christ’s people naturally influences their surroundings.

11. Who is Sufficient? (Paul’s Humility)

• Paul rhetorically asks, “Who is sufficient for these things?” recognizing human inadequacy.
• This highlights that God, not human strength, empowers Christian ministry.

12. The Sovereignty of God in Response to the Aroma

• People’s responses to the Gospel are not controlled by Christians but by God’s work in their hearts.
• The fragrance reveals rather than determines one’s spiritual state.

13. Gospel as a Dividing Line

• The passage illustrates how Jesus is the great divider (Luke 12:51).
• One message produces opposite reactions, much like light illuminates or blinds.

14. The Aroma’s Connection to Worship

• Old Testament sacrifices had a pleasing aroma to God (Lev. 1:9).
• Christ’s sacrifice is the ultimate fragrant offering (Eph. 5:2), fulfilled in His people.

15. The Evangelistic Implication

• Christians cannot control who finds the Gospel appealing, but they must remain faithful in spreading it.
• The responsibility is proclamation, not persuasion.

16. The Role of Suffering in Spreading the Fragrance

• Paul himself suffered greatly for the Gospel, yet his suffering spread Christ’s aroma even more powerfully.
• Christian suffering can be a testimony of faith and endurance.

17. The Finality of Eternal Responses

• Those who reject Christ experience “death to death”, meaning eternal separation.
• Those who receive Christ experience “life to life”, meaning eternal communion with God.

18. The Unstoppable Power of the Aroma

• Just as a fragrance fills a room, the Gospel cannot be contained or silenced.
• The work of Christ continues to spread through His people, despite opposition.

19. The Connection to the Great Commission

• The fragrance of Christ spreads through obedience to Christ’s mission (Matt. 28:19-20).
• Every believer participates in diffusing the knowledge of Christ.

20. Living as a Fragrant Offering

• Paul calls Christians to live in a way that reflects Christ.
• This includes love, integrity, service, humility, and boldness in sharing the Gospel.

Summation and Conclusion

• 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 illustrates the Gospel’s dual effect—bringing life to believers and judgment to those who reject Christ.
• Believers are called to spread Christ’s fragrance wherever they go, knowing that God is the one who ultimately transforms hearts.
• Ministry is an offering to God first, even when met with opposition or rejection.
• The question of sufficiency reminds us that only God empowers us to be His witnesses.
• Faithfulness in spreading the fragrance of Christ is our call—the results are in God’s hands.

Verse 1
Everywhere I go, the scent remains,
a whisper of love, a call to grace.
Some will breathe and find their way,
others turn and walk away.

Chorus
The fragrance of Christ, it lingers still,
calling the weary, speaking His will.
Life to the broken, hope to the lost,
but some refuse, and count the cost.

Verse 2
A presence carried, unseen yet near,
filling the air with mercy’s cheer.
Some find healing in its touch,
others fear they’ve breathed too much.

Chorus
The fragrance of Christ, it lingers still,
calling the weary, speaking His will.
Life to the broken, hope to the lost,
but some refuse, and count the cost.

Verse 3
Through every season, day, and night,
the scent remains, a guiding light.
Wherever we walk, it does not fade,
it calls, it waits, it stands unchained.

Verse 4
So let me carry, bold and true,
the fragrance of Christ in all I do.
Though some will love and some will hate,
His truth endures, His love won’t fade.

The wind carries the scent unseen,
moving through streets and hearts,
some breathe deeply, filled with hope,
others recoil, disturbed by its touch,
yet the fragrance does not change.

A whisper in the crowded city,
a presence in the quiet field,
this aroma lingers in every place,
offering life to those who receive,
warning to those who refuse.

Truth moves without force,
it does not demand or bend,
but like incense in the air,
it reveals the state of the soul,
declaring light or deepening shadow.

The scent of sacrifice remains,
blood poured, love unshaken,
lingering in the hearts of those
who walk in step with mercy,
and carry its fragrance into the world.

No one untouched by its presence,
non indifferent to its call,
one moment draws a heart in,
another drives a soul away,
yet its power never fades.

It does not seek approval,
nor long for permission to stay,
it exists as it has always been,
a reminder, a call,
a touch of eternity on mortal air.

Some embrace and are made new,
finding life in its depth,
some curse and walk away,
choosing to live in shadows,
while the fragrance lingers still.

A presence that cannot be erased,
a truth that does not fade,
we carry its sweetness with us,
through streets, through silence,
into the hearts of those who breathe.

“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” (1 Cor. 1:17, NIV)

1. Context in Corinth
   1. Paul is addressing divisions in the church at Corinth, where believers were aligning themselves with different teachers (Paul, Apollos, Cephas, Christ).
   1. He emphasizes that the gospel is central, not allegiance to human leaders.
2. Paul’s Apostolic Calling
   1. Paul clarifies his primary mission: to preach the gospel.
   1. Though he baptized some, his role as an apostle was not focused on baptism.
3. Not a Rejection of Baptism
   1. Paul is not minimizing the importance of baptism but stressing priorities.
   1. Baptism is significant, but salvation comes through faith in Christ, not through ritual acts.
4. Preaching Over Ritual
   1. The core of the Christian mission is proclaiming the gospel, not performing sacraments.
   1. Preaching the gospel brings salvation; baptism is a symbol of that salvation.
5. “Not with Wisdom and Eloquence”
   1. Paul rejects reliance on human rhetoric and persuasion.
   1. Greek culture valued eloquence and philosophy, but Paul focused on God’s power, not man’s words.
6. Contrast with Greek Philosophy
   1. The Greeks sought intellectual arguments, but Paul refused to make the gospel about human logic.
   1. Faith is not the result of philosophical debate but the power of God.
7. “Lest the Cross of Christ Be Emptied of Its Power”
   1. If the gospel depended on human wisdom, the cross would lose its significance.
   1. Salvation is through Christ’s sacrifice, not persuasive speech.
8. Paul’s Preaching Style
   1. He did not rely on rhetorical techniques like the philosophers of his day.
   1. His message was simple yet powerful because it was God’s truth, not man’s reasoning.
9. Faith in the Power of the Cross
   1. The effectiveness of the gospel comes from God’s power, not human skill.
   1. The cross is where salvation is found, not in intellectual argumentation.
10. A Rejection of Worldly Wisdom

• Human wisdom cannot comprehend the depth of God’s grace.
• The gospel appears foolish to the world but is the true wisdom of God.
• Baptism vs. Gospel Proclamation

• Some Corinthians may have focused on who baptized them, leading to divisions.
• Paul corrects this by refocusing on the message of the cross.
• Spiritual Authority Comes from God

• Paul’s authority as a preacher comes from God’s calling, not human institutions.
• His mission is to proclaim Christ, not to gather followers for himself.
• The Centrality of Christ

• The gospel is about Jesus alone.
• Human methods should never overshadow the work of Christ on the cross.
• Dependence on God’s Power

• The effectiveness of the gospel is not based on human efforts.
• God’s Spirit brings conviction, not intellectual arguments.
• A Call to Humility

• Paul’s teaching warns against pride in human ability.
• The cross is foolishness to the world but is the wisdom of God.

Summation & Conclusion

Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 1:17 sets a clear theological framework:

• Preaching the gospel is more important than religious rituals.
• Human eloquence should not overshadow the power of the cross.
• The gospel does not need intellectual argumentation to be effective.
• Salvation comes from God’s grace, not human persuasion.

Key Theological Points:

1. The centrality of the cross in salvation.
2. The power of God over human wisdom.
3. The importance of faithful preaching rather than clever rhetoric.
4. The danger of divisions in the church over human leadership.
5. The simplicity of the gospel as the means of salvation.

Verse 1:
No wisdom of man, no eloquent speech,
No power in words, no lessons to teach,
Only the cross, where mercy is found,
Only His love, where grace abounds.

Chorus:
Nothing but the cross, nothing but His name,
Jesus is my answer, forever He reigns.
No wisdom, no striving, no power of man,
Only the cross—salvation’s plan.

Verse 2:
The world seeks reason, the scholars debate,
But faith stands firm, it will not wait.
Jesus has spoken, the work is complete,
The cross is enough, my soul is at peace.

Chorus:
Nothing but the cross, nothing but His name,
Jesus is my answer, forever He reigns.
No wisdom, no striving, no power of man,
Only the cross—salvation’s plan.

Verse 3:
Lay down your striving, surrender your pride,
Come to the Savior, arms open wide.
No need for wisdom, no need for gain,
Just trust in Jesus, the Lamb who was slain.

Chorus (Repeat):
Nothing but the cross, nothing but His name,
Jesus is my answer, forever He reigns.
No wisdom, no striving, no power of man,
Only the cross—salvation’s plan.

Verse 4:
Now I will preach, now I will go,
Not in my strength, but Christ alone.
No words can save, no wisdom can win,
Only the cross—where life begins.

I stand before the cross,
Not as a scholar, but as a child,
The weight of wisdom fades,
And only grace remains.

No polished words can save,
No eloquence can heal,
Only the hands stretched wide,
Bearing wounds of love.

The world seeks reason,
A way to grasp what is unseen,
But faith walks the path,
Beyond what the mind can hold.

The cross is power,
The cross is life,
It defies every logic,
And yet it stands firm.

I see the blood,
Poured for those who doubt,
I hear the cry,
Calling even the wise to kneel.

Here, knowledge is nothing,
Here, pride has no place,
Here, the only answer is Jesus,
And the love that defies all reason.

A simple truth,
A sacrifice so deep,
No words can add,
No wisdom can replace.

So let me preach,
Not with wisdom,
Not with pride,
But with the power of the cross.

THE GOSPEL

“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” (1 Cor. 1:17, NIV)

1. Context in Corinth
   1. Paul is addressing divisions in the church at Corinth, where believers were aligning themselves with different teachers (Paul, Apollos, Cephas, Christ).
   1. He emphasizes that the gospel is central, not allegiance to human leaders.
2. Paul’s Apostolic Calling
   1. Paul clarifies his primary mission: to preach the gospel.
   1. Though he baptized some, his role as an apostle was not focused on baptism.
3. Not a Rejection of Baptism
   1. Paul is not minimizing the importance of baptism but stressing priorities.
   1. Baptism is significant, but salvation comes through faith in Christ, not through ritual acts.
4. Preaching Over Ritual
   1. The core of the Christian mission is proclaiming the gospel, not performing sacraments.
   1. Preaching the gospel brings salvation; baptism is a symbol of that salvation.
5. “Not with Wisdom and Eloquence”
   1. Paul rejects reliance on human rhetoric and persuasion.
   1. Greek culture valued eloquence and philosophy, but Paul focused on God’s power, not man’s words.
6. Contrast with Greek Philosophy
   1. The Greeks sought intellectual arguments, but Paul refused to make the gospel about human logic.
   1. Faith is not the result of philosophical debate but the power of God.
7. “Lest the Cross of Christ Be Emptied of Its Power”
   1. If the gospel depended on human wisdom, the cross would lose its significance.
   1. Salvation is through Christ’s sacrifice, not persuasive speech.
8. Paul’s Preaching Style
   1. He did not rely on rhetorical techniques like the philosophers of his day.
   1. His message was simple yet powerful because it was God’s truth, not man’s reasoning.
9. Faith in the Power of the Cross
   1. The effectiveness of the gospel comes from God’s power, not human skill.
   1. The cross is where salvation is found, not in intellectual argumentation.
10. A Rejection of Worldly Wisdom

• Human wisdom cannot comprehend the depth of God’s grace.
• The gospel appears foolish to the world but is the true wisdom of God.
• Baptism vs. Gospel Proclamation

• Some Corinthians may have focused on who baptized them, leading to divisions.
• Paul corrects this by refocusing on the message of the cross.
• Spiritual Authority Comes from God

• Paul’s authority as a preacher comes from God’s calling, not human institutions.
• His mission is to proclaim Christ, not to gather followers for himself.
• The Centrality of Christ

• The gospel is about Jesus alone.
• Human methods should never overshadow the work of Christ on the cross.
• Dependence on God’s Power

• The effectiveness of the gospel is not based on human efforts.
• God’s Spirit brings conviction, not intellectual arguments.
• A Call to Humility

• Paul’s teaching warns against pride in human ability.
• The cross is foolishness to the world but is the wisdom of God.

Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 1:17 sets a clear theological framework:

• Preaching the gospel is more important than religious rituals.
• Human eloquence should not overshadow the power of the cross.
• The gospel does not need intellectual argumentation to be effective.
• Salvation comes from God’s grace, not human persuasion.

Key Theological Points:

1. The centrality of the cross in salvation.
2. The power of God over human wisdom.
3. The importance of faithful preaching rather than clever rhetoric.
4. The danger of divisions in the church over human leadership.
5. The simplicity of the gospel as the means of salvation.