Of No Effect

In 1 Corinthians 1:17 the apostle Paul says, "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel; not in wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. " That last phrase captures my attention -- "lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect". What did Paul mean by that statement?

Throughout the book it is evident that the Corinthians were enamored of human wisdom. In chapter 1 they are quoted as saying, "I am of Paul, and I am of Apollos, and I am of Cephas" (1 Corinthians 1:12), as though the different apostles and preachers of the gospel were different camps of philosophical thought. In vs 20, Paul chides them, "Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" He continues his theme in chapter 2. In 2:1 he says, "And I, brothers, when I came to you, did not come with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God. " In 2:4 he says, "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. "

I think that statement in 2:4-5 clarifies Paul's comment in 1:17. If Paul had come to the Corinthians with "words of [human] wisdom" their faith might "stand in the wisdom of men" rather than in the "power of God". Paul had "determined not to know anything among [them] except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (2:2). Why? Lest their faith should stand on anything other than the bedrock of the person of Jesus Christ.

What is the draw?

Considering Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians, we ought to ask ourselves, when converting others, what are we using to draw converts? What are we teaching them to build their faith on? What is my faith built on?

Are we drawing people, as so many churches do, with free coffee and donuts or lunch following services? Do we advertise active sports leagues and gymnasium facilities? Are we offering day-care, aerobics, or even Salsa dance classes? Is this the way Paul drew souls to Christ? I, for one, see no authority for such practices in scripture.

Or, are we hoping people will be attracted to a lively, up-beat worship service? Are we hoping people will be impressed by the skill, dynamic delivery and erudition of our preacher? Are we drawing people with our modern facilities, variety of Bible classes, or friendly atmosphere? Do we attract them with a vibrant youth, singles, or young couples ministry? I do think there is authority for these things. I certainly appreciate joyful, up-beat worship, a skillful preacher, modern facilities, friendly brethren, and active work among the young. But is that the primary focus? Is that the basis upon which to draw people to the church?

What about us? How do we choose where we will work and worship? Are we drawn to a compelling, entertaining preacher with a dynamic personality? Are we drawn to a fun-filled social circle? Is it all about what services the church can offer to us? Do we seek out a church that offers much, and requires little?

The Corinthian church had a problem with human wisdom -- they prized it more highly than was appropriate. Our society can suffer from that failing as well, but we usually have a different problem. We often suffer from the "cult of consumerism". We ask what can the church do for me? Is the preacher entertaining to me? Does he make me feel good about myself? Does the church entertain my teenagers? Is it cool? Or, am I going to be put on a guilt-trip? We look around and seem to have so many choices. Why not pick the church we like best? "Are ye not carnal and thinking as mere men?" (1 Corinthians 3:3)

Paul determined not to know anything among them but "Jesus Christ, and Him crucified", lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. The draw must be the gospel of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, preaching the gospel will make people uncomfortable. Many will be driven away by the scriptural demands of discipleship. Condemnation of sin and the worldly standards of our society will be considered old-fashioned and uncool by many. But, I submit to you there is only one thing matters in selecting a church -- do they preach and practice from the heart the true gospel of Jesus Christ? All too often that question is lost in the superficial appeals of modern, consumer-driven churches.

-PG