1 Corinthians 2:1-16, K.I.S.S.

You’ll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God’s master stroke, I didn’t try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified.

So…my life should be a sermon, or a finely tuned instrument that plays only God’s perfect melody. These are two great metaphors from chapter one. Still, there is a didactic element to the whole thing. We can’t just “BE”.

My experience tells me this is where things break down. We have difficulty agreeing about the exact content of the MESSAGE. Paul says the Message of Christ is most likely to fail when we make it too complicated. I tend to drone on and on about the Old Testament offerings, and how they are a “type” of Christ. I dive into Hebrews to ensure my listener will understand the Blood will never lose its power. By the time I’m done…their eyes are glazed over.

Paul reminds us to keep it simple. Unbelievers have neither the spiritual sophistication nor the benefit of the Holy Spirit to make things clear. We must focus on these two basics: Who Christ is and…What Christ did. If we do this, we find the Message (will come) through anyway. God’s Spirit and God’s power (will do) it.

All the finer nuances of doctrine can wait until new believers get their feet on the ground. We all know that God’s wisdom is deep and mysterious. We know it because we haven’t fully figured it out ourselves yet. Why should we burden new believers with it? (We’ve) seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before (us).When Paul tells us to  distill it down to “Who and What” he also confirms the truth that salvation is through Christ alone. It’s not through modes of baptism or days of worship or anything else. These are all important things but…that’s why we have Sunday School.

And, Paul says The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. We can “keep it simple” because we can trust the Holy Spirit to activate the learning. I am a participant in the process. I should work to cultivate an environment for learning but nothing I say, or do, will ultimately make the difference. I am a partner with the Holy Spirit…a very subordinate partner.

But, remember, nearly all the time it begins with us. It’s the melody of our lives that attract an unbeliever’s interest. We can’t afford to take a day off. Then again, how hard can it be, when God gave us the simple part?

Live boldly out there today…