THE REAL JESUS

 

The Real Jesus – 1 Cor 2:1-4 – Feb 2, 2013

Intro:  Paul is talking about how he came and what state he was in when he came to Corinth.  Paul had left Athens discourage and sick. 

 

1. Paul had made a decision after the disaster of Athens.  When he came to Corinth he chose not to try wisdom and oratory to convince people any more.  Paul had decided to go back to basics.

 

1. Corinth and Greece at the time was under the influence of Socrates and Plato.  Wisdom and pithy sayings were the fare of the day.  Epicurean and stoic philosophers and hearing the newest thing was in fashion.
2. That is how the devil works he will try to get you distracted by any means possible

 

2. He brought them the testimony of God.  Jesus Christ was the Savior.  There is no other name under which heaven could be saved.  He would share about his conversion.

 

1. He would share what the scriptures had to say about Christ.  Paul’s audience at first was the Jews.  Then a significant event happened in Corinth.  Paul during this time turned his back on the Jews because of the hardness of their heart and for the remainder of his life concentrated primarily on the Gentiles.
2. It was also in Corinth he determined to preach Christ and Him, crucified. 
3. Paul preached Jesus Christ, dead, buried and rose again.  He preached about   

       Jesus’ broken body and shed blood.  He preached about Jesus being the Savior,

       healer, baptizer in the Holy Spirit and the Soon Coming King.

 

3. Paul said his condition among them was one of weakness, fear and much trembling.  It was a time of weakness, brokenness and fear.  It was a time of darkness for Paul and so he went back to the basics.  God sent to him Aquila and Priscilla, Silas, Timothy.  It would be in Corinth God would give him a vision of encouragement to speak on for He had many people in the city.  So Paul stay on another 18 months after this vision.

 

4. Here are some practical lessons to help in times of discouragement, weakness and fear.

 

1. Go back to basics.  Pray, read the word, remember what it was like when you came to know Christ.  Keep your eyes on Jesus.  Keep life simple.  Trust in the Lord.  Wait for God to answer.
2. God will send the right people to help you.  Paul had the previous mentioned people to come along side of him. 
3. God will send you a word of encouragement.  It could be a vision, dream, an inner word, scripture, a radio or T.V. program, a social media connection, a friend, pastor, church leader speaking a right word.
4. Do not give up but when you have not heard from God, stay put. Trust and keeping working.  Him.

 

5. Paul had been given a God directed formula or method for Corinth and I believe for the rest of his life and a good foundation for or method of reaching people today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Paul closes this section with two thoughts.  When you do not put your faith or trust in human wisdom, You rely on two things.

 

1. Demonstration of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is the one behind all that we do.  We have to be endued with power from on high.  We need resurrection power
2. Paul says when the Holy Spirit is involved faith will not rely on the wisdom of man but the power of God.  Paul wanted nothing now but Jesus Christ crucified, a Spirit led life and the power of God.  .
3. People who are focus on being Spirit filled and Spirit led.  People who want to advance the Kingdom through resurrection power.  Remember the promise Paul was given in Corinth.  Keep preaching for I have many people in this city.  That is what we will focus now on.