The Wisdom of Men

When it comes to preaching, we all have a preference for style. Some like an animated charismatic approach, while others prefer a more reserved cerebral one. Personally, I land somewhere in between.

Whichever your preference, never choose style or substance.

There are some great ministries available through YouTube and individual church apps that provide solid, biblical teaching.

But the opposite is also true.

There are a number of “high profile” ministries that have grown primarily by telling members what they want to hear and avoiding the things they don’t.

This isn’t about the size of the church, or if they have a coffee bar in the lobby. It’s not their style of worship or use of modern technology.

It’s about churches built not on the foundation of Christ, but the cult of personality.

I’ve watched a number of gifted, dynamic speakers work their congregation into a frenzy, only to say some of the most outlandish, unbiblical things. The listener is so caught up in the moment, they don’t hesitate to “amen” the comment.

And there’s a reason why.

The Apostle Paul told us a sign of immaturity within the church is when men follow after men, not Christ. (1 Co 1:11-17) Some of the early Believers in Corinth were saying they belonged to Apollos, some to Cephas, some to Paul, and some to Christ.

And he rebuked them for it.

There are men and women in ministry in whom I hold in high regard, but I don’t “belong” to them. I belong to Christ, and Christ alone.

In 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Paul reminded the Believers in Corinth how he had come to them. Not with “persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” (v 4)

Why was that important?

He tells us in verse 5. “That your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

Those who follow men will find their faith in the wisdom of men.

Those who follow Christ, in the power of God.

No matter what the style.