Wednesday, May 06, 2015

Public and Private Ministry

1 Corinthians 2:4 KJV
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

Paul lists here two of the tools at his disposal for his ministry;
·       His speech
·       His preaching
It would not be difficult to see the two of these as one and the same, but there is a difference and each is equally valuable in the delivery of the gospel.

His speech
It is generally accepted that Paul refers here to his private conversations wit individuals and small parties of listeners. The Greek word is logos, which according to Strong's Concordance means something said. It implies "a topic of discussion" or "reasoning".

His preaching
This word means to proclaim. To proclaim a thing implies at least two things; first, that it is delivered in a manner that a number of people hear it at once. It is loud. It is bold. Second that it is delivered authoritatively. They he did not use "enticing words of man's wisdom" he did not shrink from demonstrating the Spirit and power of God.


There is a place for each of these tools in the ministry of the gospel. It must be delivered to as many people as possible with as much force as the Spirit of God will give. It must also be carefully and meticulously defined and clarified in personal counsel and instruction. Neither is to be done in man's wisdom. Both must be accomplished in the power of God.

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