1 Corinthians 2 Review: Day 3
Act like men- ἀνδρίζομαι (an-drid'-zom-ahee) to behave like a man; to be responsible and courageous by taking the initiatives God reveals through faith
There was a day when I died; died to self, my opinions, preferences, tastes and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame even of my brethren or friends; and since then I have studied only to show myself approved unto God.[i]
-George Muller
Today, we are thinking about what it means to act like men, considering the Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2. Here we are compelled to examine both the motives and demonstrated behaviors of his own life as well as that of his audience.
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
In 1 Corinthians 2 Paul followed his open rebuke of the growing factions within the Corinthian church, with a reminder that their faith and growth as a body was not the result of his or any other preacher’s creative rhetorical gifts. In fact, Paul noted that it was quite the opposite as he recalled his early feeble attempts to communicate despite crippling fear and poorly delivered speech. (vs. 1-4)
Paul reminded them that their salvation was the miraculous result of God’s power delivered through the message of the gospel, even as it was shared through the weakest of vessels.
It can be tempting to read Paul’s description of his own halting efforts and assume that he possibly lacked the skills and polished delivery of his peers such as Cephas and Apollos. Though it is perhaps true that he was less polished than others, we must ask if this weakness was unique to Paul’s personality. Could it be, however, that had he remembered and held onto something his Corinthian brothers and sisters had simply forgotten?
Whose you are determines who you are
Let’s reflect on the early progression of Paul’s commands in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 and remember that a believer’s rightful actions spring from sober minded vigilance and obedience to God’s word, which then provides a solid foundation for their faith.
Paul never lost sight of his calling. (1 Corinthians 1:1) More importantly, he remained focused upon the one who had first called him. That realization changed everything and shifted his confidence away from his flesh to the true source of his power and identity.
His own words from Philippians 3:3-11 offer an even more vivid picture of where his confidence was anchored.
For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Despite his impressive resume, Paul clearly understood that nothing within his character, pedigree, or self-righteous adherence to God’s laws could ever save him or anyone else. His hope and the hope others remained solely rooted in personal faith and identity in Jesus Christ.
Though he was no longer able to rely upon the idolatrous crutches of his past accomplishments, he proceeded to obey with a power that betrayed his frailty.
Spirit-led vision leads to Spirit-led action
Midway through 1 Corinthians 2, Paul explained that those who have experienced salvation have not only had their hearts opened to understand God’s full plan of redemption but have also become the recipients of divine wisdom through his Spirit’s indwelling presence.
Just how special is this gift?
Paul described it by quoting the prophet Isaiah in verse 9:
But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
It is remarkable to consider this verse in the light of what Paul would later write to the believers in the Ephesian church regarding God’s divine plans for his people:
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
Paul not only understood that any righteousness he possessed was not his own, but also that his adoption into God’s family meant that the Lord had carefully prepared a divine path and mission on earth that was so good and valuable, it defied human imagination.
Finally, Paul was acutely aware that his dependence upon God would not only lead and carry him through every trial he would face as he carried out his mission, but it would prepare him for future glory once his time on earth was through.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18
Questions for Consideration
Paul’s utter dependence upon God ultimately drove his actions, and he invited his readers to follow his example in Philippians 3:17-21:
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, what are some of the greatest obstacles you face when imitating Paul’s example?
Take careful inventory of your thoughts, words, and actions. Is your mind set on heavenly or earthly things? Are you walking in obedient faith, knowing that God has specially prepared good works for you in service to him?
[i] MullerGeorge. “George Muller Quotes - GeorgeMuller.Org.” georgemuller.Org n.d. Accessed October 8, 2024. https://www.georgemuller.org/quotes.