“I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3).
According to Paul, he was the first Christian to visit the city of Corinth (see 1 Corinthians 3:10). What were Paul’s fears? Corinth, with about 600,000 inhabitants, was the capital of the province of Achaia. It was the leading city in all of Greece, an imperial center with all sorts of commercial activities. It was one of the great attractions of the world, famous for its cultural level, its public buildings, and its athletic competitions. But it was also a synonym for immorality.
Paul’s fears were reasonable. Although the Corinthians were brilliant speakers, they knew very little about topics related to God. He decided to avoid erudite discussions and present simply the person and life of Jesus and His expiatory death, His expectations were not very promising since there were many enemies of Christianity in that city. He also feared that the Corinthians would only be impressed by his talent for persuasive speech, because Paul was a very eloquent speaker. The task of everyone who preaches is to have an attitude of submission, a dependence on God, and a humble acknowledgement of our own weaknesses (see Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, 75). then you share the message of salvation, follow Paul’s example: present a basic message, allow the Holy Spirit to give power to your words and use them for the glory of God.
I once belonged to a church that had a pastor who was very passionate about his preaching; he was a great intellectual, and expert in doctrines and prophecies. His first evangelistic campaign was perfectly organized, but the number of visitors diminished gradually to the point where only one person came to the church. The second year he changed his strategy. He held the meetings at the church itself. The topics were simple, emphasizing what Jesus did for us. Six people were baptized. The Pastor learned, as Paul did, that “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” (1 Corinthians 1:17).
You don’t need to amaze your listeners with an elaborate style of speech, nor convince them with human reasoning. Your task is to sow; the Holy Spirit will make the seed sprout and the spiritual plant grow. “Fanciful representations of truth may cause an ecstasy of feeling, but all too often truths presented in this way do not supply the food necessary to strengthen and fortify the believer for the battles of life.”—The Acts of the Apostles, ch. 24, p. 251.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Esteban Cortes
