Daily Walk Through the New Testament
November 19
Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:16

There are many churches today that base their operations on human traditions rather than biblical teaching. It’s sad but true that some sermons and ministry programs are most likely not at all what God had in mind for His church. Christians are choosing human wisdom over God’s wisdom, and that is exactly what Paul warned believers about in 1 Corinthians 2. Paul told the Corinthians that when he preached, he did not rely on “persuasive words of human wisdom” (vs. 4). Paul was a very capable individual, and he could have put his trust in his own cleverness and strong communication skills as he served God. Instead, he put his trust in God’s message and God’s power. His confidence was in knowing what message God wanted him to preach: salvation through Jesus Christ. He said his preaching demonstrated the power of the Holy Spirit so that people’s faith would be in the power of God (vs. 4-5).
Paul’s preaching penetrated human hearts, causing people to cry out, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). Paul’s secret was prayer. Prayerless preaching yields no power. We must rely on the Spirit of God to do the work of God. For your ministry and your daily life, are you trusting in God’s wisdom or in human wisdom? Like Paul, join God’s agenda for His work instead of making your own. Jesus taught His disciples that their first calling was to “be with Him” (Mark 3:14). Simply by being with Him, they would know what to say(1 Corinthians 2:14). Answer Jesus’ call to be with Him, and follow His lead today.