1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Over the years, I have heard a ton of opinions about the Gospel. Some people teach an “easy believeism” where they will tell you that all you need to do is trust in Jesus for salvation with no expectation of anything else such as life-change. Then, I have met others who teach a “Lordship salvation” meaning that when a person is saved, Jesus is instantly the Lord of their lives. I believe the true answer is somewhere in the middle. I will explain at the end of our devotion.
Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand that salvation is not found in eloquent words, strategic ploys, human philosophy, or in any other approach that is centered on man’s abilities. It is in fact a work of God that man cannot replicate, duplicate, or expedite. In other words, it’s all by God’s power alone. Remember, the Corinthians were surrounded by people who were highly educated in stoicism, epicureanism, and platonism. To summarize, these philosophies were focused on mystical levels of “higher” knowledge. So, when Paul told the secular Corinthians that all they needed for immortality and purpose was “belief” in a God they could not see, they called it “foolishness!” Ultimately, this is THE REMINDER that the most important aspect of our Christian lives is FAITH! Are we willing to trust in someone other than ourselves? Are we willing to worship someone other than ourselves? Are we willing to serve someone other than ourselves? Everything hinges on this.
One of the highlights of my life has been to watch the “simple faith” of people coming to Jesus. I do not lead people in a scripted prayer to follow Jesus. I ask them to “call out” to Jesus for salvation “confessing” him as Lord (Romans 10:9). Such simple prayers. Such raw prayers. Such beautiful prayers. No big words. No complicated phrases. No proud proclamations. Just humble belief and trust in Jesus. Then, it happens! God begins to change their lives! All of a sudden, broken marriages are repaired. Mean words are replaced with compassionate encouragement. Selfish priorities are gone; selfless living is now here. THAT IS THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!
Paul made it clear that when he came to the Corinthians, he did not come to them as some “big wig” wowing them! He didn’t bring a PowerPoint presentation. He didn’t try to “overeducate” them. No, in fact, he did the opposite! He relied on the power of the Holy Spirit! The Greek word for “power” in the New Testament is dunamis which is where we get the English word “dynamite.” Think of the power of dynamite. It has the ability to completely destroy or crush something. That’s the negative aspect. Think of the positive aspect. The Gospel of God has the power to “repair your life” as it “crushes the strength of sin out of your life!” God is amazing! The Gospel of Jesus is EVERYTHING!
So, is it “easy believeism,” or is it “Lordship salvation?” It’s actually in many ways both. The Gospel is simple to understand and receive. Jesus died for our sins, was buried for three days, and rose again overcoming sin, death, and the Devil. It also demands our full commitment. There is no salvation where Jesus doesn't become the Lord of our lives over time!
So, don’t get distracted with ideas, philosophies, and man’s inventions. Instead, believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and if you already know him, it’s time to make him known to others! You can do this by sharing your personal testimony of how Jesus changed your life. Just amazing! Our only appropriate response: HALLELUJAH WHAT A SAVIOR!
Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand that salvation is not found in eloquent words, strategic ploys, human philosophy, or in any other approach that is centered on man’s abilities. It is in fact a work of God that man cannot replicate, duplicate, or expedite. In other words, it’s all by God’s power alone. Remember, the Corinthians were surrounded by people who were highly educated in stoicism, epicureanism, and platonism. To summarize, these philosophies were focused on mystical levels of “higher” knowledge. So, when Paul told the secular Corinthians that all they needed for immortality and purpose was “belief” in a God they could not see, they called it “foolishness!” Ultimately, this is THE REMINDER that the most important aspect of our Christian lives is FAITH! Are we willing to trust in someone other than ourselves? Are we willing to worship someone other than ourselves? Are we willing to serve someone other than ourselves? Everything hinges on this.
One of the highlights of my life has been to watch the “simple faith” of people coming to Jesus. I do not lead people in a scripted prayer to follow Jesus. I ask them to “call out” to Jesus for salvation “confessing” him as Lord (Romans 10:9). Such simple prayers. Such raw prayers. Such beautiful prayers. No big words. No complicated phrases. No proud proclamations. Just humble belief and trust in Jesus. Then, it happens! God begins to change their lives! All of a sudden, broken marriages are repaired. Mean words are replaced with compassionate encouragement. Selfish priorities are gone; selfless living is now here. THAT IS THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!
Paul made it clear that when he came to the Corinthians, he did not come to them as some “big wig” wowing them! He didn’t bring a PowerPoint presentation. He didn’t try to “overeducate” them. No, in fact, he did the opposite! He relied on the power of the Holy Spirit! The Greek word for “power” in the New Testament is dunamis which is where we get the English word “dynamite.” Think of the power of dynamite. It has the ability to completely destroy or crush something. That’s the negative aspect. Think of the positive aspect. The Gospel of God has the power to “repair your life” as it “crushes the strength of sin out of your life!” God is amazing! The Gospel of Jesus is EVERYTHING!
So, is it “easy believeism,” or is it “Lordship salvation?” It’s actually in many ways both. The Gospel is simple to understand and receive. Jesus died for our sins, was buried for three days, and rose again overcoming sin, death, and the Devil. It also demands our full commitment. There is no salvation where Jesus doesn't become the Lord of our lives over time!
So, don’t get distracted with ideas, philosophies, and man’s inventions. Instead, believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and if you already know him, it’s time to make him known to others! You can do this by sharing your personal testimony of how Jesus changed your life. Just amazing! Our only appropriate response: HALLELUJAH WHAT A SAVIOR!
Posted in Devotional