I Corinthians 2:2, "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified."

This morning, two of the most important things that we can be taught and understand are: 1. what is the most important thing, and 2. why do we do what we do. A person that goes about his life and the functions therein without knowledge of the first one will be very unfocused, have their priorities misaligned, and will end up worshipping something they should not. A person that goes about his life and the functions therein without knowledge of the second one will never achieve the contentment and peace about what they do with prolonged periods of heaviness and sorrow. However, a proper view of both increases strength and gives rest for the weary soul that longs to abide in the joy of the Lord from day to day.

As Paul begins his epistle to the church at Corinth, undoubtedly there were a wide range of feelings, emotions, and thoughts that he had concerning them. He had thoughts of righteous indignation for what was being preached: no resurrection. He had thoughts of sorrow about their "preacher worship." Furthermore, he had thoughts of anger for their lack of discipline in their conduct concerning one among them in gross fornication. However, in the midst of all of Paul's thoughts, he shows (under the direction of the Holy Ghost) what the most needful thing is. Furthermore, he shows that this most needful thing gives the "why" as to how we live and perform in this life. For a minister or congregation member alike, consider the question, "What would you first say to a group of folks in serious error on many fronts?" Indeed, none of us (that I am aware of) have seen a church with as many varied problems as Corinth, yet no matter our situation, we have clear direction on what to address and talk about first.

Much has been discussed about the term "Jesus Christ and Him crucified." What exactly does it mean? What is the import of the thought? I have heard many different takes on the phrase, and all them, to some degree, have relevance. But, look at the first chapter, coupled with this phrase, and let us see what Paul meant by it. In the first chapter, Paul extols over and over the name of Jesus Christ. Consider the first string of verses, and the name of Christ, His glory, His grace, His mercy, etc, are pronounced repeatedly. Did Paul think non-resurrection preaching was the most important thing to address? No, that comes in chapter 15. Did he think that gross fornication was the most needful thing? No, that comes in chapter 5. What about preacher worship? No, that is discussed in chapter 1 and later in chapter 3. The first and foremost thing is extolling the name of Jesus. Why? He is the most important thing for us to consider, always has been and always will be.

Getting back to the phrase that Paul desired to know nothing more or less than it - Jesus Christ and Him crucified - what does it mean? Does it mean that we only preach on the crucifixion? Does it mean that every sermon must have nothing more or less than the thoughts of His death, burial, and resurrection? No, for there is more to consider in the Bible than that subject. Does it mean that duty is to be neglected at the declaration of the doctrine? No, for the Scriptures are given for the profit of both. (II Timothy 3:16-17) What the phrase means, I believe, is that Paul is setting the stage in bold language for everything else that he will address. What about the church problems in both discipline and theology? They will be covered by considering this thought. What about preacher worship, things offered to idols, financial support, and the other matters that Paul will go into detail about? They are comprehended, generally, in the thought from our verse.

Knowing that Jesus Christ is the most important thing, we also need to consider and contemplate His work to know why it is that we do the things that we do. Why is it that ministers need to be found labouring above reproach both in the word and doctrine? Because the love of God was manifested in the person of His Son. Why do we preach? To declare how great things Christ has done for us. Why should we be found not idolizing the preacher, not engaged in fornication, preaching sound words, supporting the Lord's ministers and His church, and being good fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends, neighbours, and citizens? Because Jesus Christ has showed us the way to live and demonstrated to the fullest degree how to rise above these things and still maintain charity, grace, mercy, and truth.

If a minister is burdened to declare how parents should raise their children and children respond to their parents, the best thing to show is the ultimate Parent and His Son. How do they interact? Christ did always those things which please His Father. (John 8:29) The Father honoured His Son, and heard Him always. (John 11:42) If a minister is burdened to speak about how a husband should behave himself to his bride and how the bride should behave herself to her husband, the best thing to show is the Bridegroom and His bride. Our Bridegroom gave His all for His bride (Ephesians 5:25), and the bride shows forth His glory and sings His praises in the earth. (Proverbs 31:11) If we need to hear how honourable citizens live, look at Christ's attitude towards paying taxes. (Matthew 17:27, Matthew 22:21) Whatever our station in life, we have the answer of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Wherever we are in a relationship with another in the various groups discussed above, we have the answer of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

If a minister is burdened to speak of doctrine and foundational points of theology, the best way to show it is the manifestation of God's righteousness in the work of our High Priest. His first coming into the world showed in a manifest, legal way what had originated in the portals of eternity with the Godhead, and it concluded showing manifestly with His resurrection what will take place at the end of time. Talking about election, predestination, eternal security, regeneration, the utility of faith, the purpose of the gospel, etc, are all predicated upon the knowledge of Jesus Christ and why we believe and do the things we do. The Old Testament prophets wrote about doctrinal matters, and indeed they exhorted in practical matters, but they still desired to know and understand the things we see and adore today. (I Peter 1:10-11) Even further, we have the perfect life to point to in our Lord that extolled doctrinal matters in His speech and exemplified practical perfection in His walk.

Whenever a message is sounded and the congregation has to hunt to look for Christ, the message is misaligned and unfocused. Whenever a message "whips" the congregation the way a madman would chastise his steed, the message is void of the "why" for the exhortation. Paul laboured among churches with problems and duly exhorted them in what they should be doing, but he ALWAYS gives the premise and why for the action. We should be found as good fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, neighbours, friends, and citizens because He has showed the higher ground to walk in. He has set landmarks that show forth, "This is the way, walk ye in it." (Isaiah 30:20)

I have heard lately some discussion about a "Christ centered ministry," but quite frankly, if the ministry is not Christ centered, then there is no ministry. Duty without Christ is a burden not meant to be borne. Doctrine without Christ is cheap and worthless. Paul will come back to this point later in chapter 15 by showing that everything we preach (gospel) is centered and predicated upon Christ and His work. (I Corinthians 15:1-6) He needs to be seen in our doctrine, reproof, exhortation, correction, instruction in righteousness, and examples. This is Christ Jesus and Him crucified. It is His work of salvation (crucifixion) and His Person and life (Christ Jesus). Knowing of His offering to God without knowing of His perfection is not enough. Knowing of His perfection without knowing of His perfect and spotless offering to God (and its acceptance) is not enough. Knowing both, we are better fit and suited to not only discuss but act upon and live by the tenets that we are to teach, preach, and walk in.

May we be found serving Him diligently in grace and truth. May our conduct in every avenue of life and at every season show forth the brilliance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His great and successful work. May our "meat and potatoes" that we stand upon in His church be filled with the solidarity and never-ending goodness of His endless perfection, justice, and mercy. Finally, may our lives redound to His glory so that we can freely say and unashamedly declare that all glory is His and all of our good gifts and perfect gifts came from Him. (James 1:17)



In Hope,

Bro Philip