The Holy Spirit is at Work
1 Corinthians 2:13
Speaking of the things of Christ and of God is not difficult in a church situation where you are in the company of other Christians. However, in our text, Paul reminds us that trying to talk about these things with unbelievers, can be very difficult, and in some situations, dangerous. When Paul came to Corinth and began speaking the Gospel message, he was afraid he was going to be beaten up and branded as a religious fanatic as he had been in other cities. He states that he came in ‘fear and weakness.’ Nevertheless, Paul faithfully began to preach ‘Jesus Christ crucified.’ He told the facts and story from his heart, and God’s Spirit began to work in the hearts of people, bringing them to Christ.
You may sit down with somebody over a cuppa and somehow you stammer out a word about Jesus Christ and the relationship you have with Him. It is the earnestness in your face and the love and compassion in your heart that will come through, and somebody will be touched who would never have been reached by eloquent sermons or masterful oratory. That is what Paul is talking about – the simplicity of the Gospel message which God’s spirit has placed in you. Perhaps it is important to remember what Paul says: the apostles preached the Gospel with words “taught by the Spirit”
(1 Corinthians 2:13). The Spirit of God is alive and active in you.
Pastor Darryl