Chad Coley
Series in First Corinthians
Biblical Preaching, Part 1
1 Corinthians 2:1 - 5
21 April 2024
Corinth was a city divided into cliques based on popular speakers. The Corinthian church had borrowed this, and so Paul came to Corinth to remind them that biblical preaching is not about rhetoric or personality, but the Word of God.
Good preaching explains God's Word (v. 1 - 2). It does this firstly by avoiding detracting from the truth. The Sophists were the famous speakers of the day, and the Corinthian Church were following this pattern in also having their favorite speakers. Paul instead determined to come to them with a simple message, and without any great oratory so as not to detract from the truth.
Good preaching seeks to be clear with the message. Paul determined to focus on Jesus Christ and Him crucified, forgetting rhetoric and entertainment. The duty of the preacher is to preach the Word with clarity, because it is the Word which the Spirit uses to convict and challenge.
Preaching is worship, as is hearing and obeying. Listening to the Word of God is not a passive experience; it either softens or hardens hearts, but always accomplishes its purpose.