The Greeks dominated the culture of the ancient world and their impact is still with us today. They influenced politics (democracy), philosophy (Plato, Aristotle, Socrates…), poetry & Literature (Iliad & Odyssey, Aesop’s Fables…), theater, architecture, and sports (Olympic games, marathon races…).
Corinth was not only a Greek town but was also one of the most international and affluent cities of the day, a modern equivalent of London or Paris.
The church at Corinth got into trouble trying to accommodate its surrounding world. Personality contests, showmanship, and immorality were ruining the church.
Paul helped the struggling church by reminding them of the simplicity of the gospel message: its movement, its mystery, and its momentum. Paul reminded Corinth how the gospel message reached a modern sophisticated people.
1.) The Gospel Movement:
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.(I Corinthians 2:1)
The preacher Paul came to the Corinthians in weakness, fear, and trembling. His “bodily appearance was weak and his speech was contemptible”(II Cor. 10:10).
“I wasn’t anything to look at, ”Paul says, but “You weren’t much better!” He reminded them of the condition in which he found them. “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:” (I Cor. 1:26)
God chose the“foolish”and the “base”things (the saints) of the world to confound the wise!
The precious gospel message moves in very common jars of clay. Remember it was “the common people” that heard Christ gladly (Mark 12:37;) and it was “unlearned and ignorant men” who God used to “turn the world upside down!”(Acts 4:13)
2.) The Gospel Mystery:
The success of the gospel is “a mystery” that is impossible for the world to understand with an unsaved mind. The gospel’s power is not found in worldly technique, talent, or marketing capabilities. The Power is in the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. (I Cor. 2:6-10).
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:(I Cor. 2:4)
In Corinth: “Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.”(Acts 18:5) “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:For I am with thee,and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” (Acts 18:9-10)
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.(I Cor. 2:7-8)
3.) The Gospel Method:
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (I Cor. 1:18)
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.(I Cor. 1:21)
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;(I Cor. 1:23)
For one year and six months, Paul taught, preached, and reasoned with the Corinthians out of the Word of God. (Acts 18:1-11). The Gospel method worked! Faith came by“hearing and hearing by the word of God”(Rom. 10:17).
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 lists ten predominant sins found in society and then Paul says, “and such were some of you! But ye are now washed…sanctified…justified!” The gospel message changes lives!
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”(Romans 1:16)
4.) The Gospel’s Momentum:
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.(I Cor. 2:4-5)
The church at Corinth was founded upon the unchanging foundation of God’s Word. God did not need man’s wisdom to get His work started, and he did not need man’s wisdom to keep it going. Paul plainly told the church: “Finish the way you start!”
Paul warned the Corinthians that if they gave into temptation and used the world’s methods to “get the job done” they would end up being of no eternal consequence.
“Culturally relevant,” “un-foolish” masters of religion appear to rule. They have the biggest crowds, the nicest campuses, and the praise of all men. However, the sinking sand of self-help philosophy, charisma, and entertainment all “comes to nought!” So continue to build on a solid foundation.
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:(I Cor. 2:4-6)