1 Corinthians 2:1-5
In the fast-paced, ever-changing world we live in, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends, ideas, and philosophies. Even within the church, there can be a temptation to focus on what’s new, innovative, or culturally relevant. But amidst all the noise, there is one message that remains timeless and unchanging: the message of the cross.
Christ and Him Crucified
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, made a bold statement: “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). This wasn’t a statement of ignorance or simplicity; it was a declaration of where true power and wisdom are found. Paul knew that the message of the cross was the very heart of the Gospel, and he was determined to keep it at the center of his preaching and teaching.
But what does it mean to focus on “Christ and Him crucified”? It means that the foundation of our faith is not in human wisdom, eloquence, or even religious rituals, but in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The cross is where Jesus took on the sins of the world, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe. It’s where the love of God was most fully displayed, and where the power of God was most clearly revealed.
The Gospel: Good News, Not Just Good Advice
One of the dangers in today’s culture is the tendency to reduce the Gospel to just another piece of good advice. We hear messages about how to live better, be happier, or achieve our dreams. While these can be helpful, they are not the essence of Christianity. The Gospel is not about what we can do for God, but about what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.
The Gospel is good news. It’s the announcement that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can have eternal life. It’s the declaration that we are loved and accepted by God, not because of our own efforts, but because of His grace. When we truly understand this, it changes everything. It changes how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we live our lives.
The Temptation to Rely on Human Wisdom
Paul’s focus on the cross also serves as a warning against the temptation to rely on human wisdom and eloquence. In a world that values intellectual achievement and persuasive communication, it can be easy to think that we need to be experts or gifted speakers to share the Gospel. But Paul reminds us that the power of the Gospel is not in our words, but in the message itself.
This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t seek to communicate the Gospel clearly or effectively. But it does mean that our confidence should be in the power of the Holy Spirit to work through the simple message of the cross, rather than in our own abilities.
The Challenge of Relevance
Another challenge that many churches and ministries face today is the desire to be relevant. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to connect with people where they are, but we must be careful not to compromise the message of the Gospel in the process. The cross is offensive to many because it confronts our pride, our self-sufficiency, and our sin. But it is also the only path to true life and freedom.
As Christians, we are called to be faithful to the message of the cross, even when it’s not popular or easy. We must resist the temptation to water down the Gospel or to replace it with a more palatable message. Instead, we must trust that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness and that the Holy Spirit can use even the most simple and humble presentation of the Gospel to bring people to faith.
Living in the Power of the Cross
Finally, focusing on “Christ and Him crucified” is not just about what we believe; it’s about how we live. The cross is a call to a life of self-denial, humility, and sacrificial love. It’s a reminder that true greatness is found not in power or prestige, but in service and obedience to God.
When we keep the cross at the center of our lives, it changes how we approach everything—from our relationships and work to our goals and dreams. It gives us a new perspective on suffering, knowing that Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. It fills us with hope, knowing that just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too will experience resurrection life.
Conclusion
In a world that is constantly changing, the message of the cross remains the same. It is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let’s keep “Christ and Him crucified” at the center of our faith, our message, and our lives. In doing so, we will experience the true power and wisdom of God, and we will be equipped to share the life-changing message of the Gospel with a world that desperately needs to hear it.