1 Corinthians 2:4
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And my speech - Ὁ λογος μου, My doctrine; the matter of my preaching. And my preaching - Το κηρυγμα μου, My proclamation, my manner of recommending the grand but simple truths of the Gospel. Was not with enticing words of man's wisdom - Ενπειθοις ανθρωπινης σοφιας λογοις, With persuasive doctrines of human wisdom: in every case I left man out, that God might become the more evident. I used none of the means of which great orators avail themselves in order to become popular, and thereby to gain fame. But in demonstration of the Spirit - Αποδειξει, In the manifestation; or, as two ancient MSS. have it, αποκαλυψει, in the revelation of the Spirit. The doctrine that he preached was revealed by the Spirit: that it was a revelation of the Spirit, the holiness, purity, and usefulness of the doctrine rendered manifest: and the overthrow of idolatry, and the conversion of souls, by the power and energy of the preaching, were the demonstration that all was Divine. The greater part of the best MSS., versions, and fathers, leave out the adjective ανθρωπινης, man's, before σοφιας, wisdom: it is possible that the word may be a gloss, but it is necessarily implied in the clause. Not with the persuasive discourses, or doctrines of wisdom; i.e. of human philosophy.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
my speech--in private. preaching--in public [BENGEL]. ALFORD explains it, My discourse on doctrines, and my preaching or announcement of facts. enticing--rather, "persuasive." man's wisdom--man's is omitted in the oldest authorities. Still "wisdom" does refer to "man's" wisdom. in demonstration of . . . Spirit, &c.--Persuasion is man's means of moving his fellow man. God's means is demonstration, leaving no doubt, and inspiring implicit faith, by the powerful working of the Spirit (then exhibited both outwardly by miracles, and inwardly by working on the heart, now in the latter and the more important way only, Mat 7:29; Act 6:10; Heb 4:12; compare also Rom 15:19). The same simple power accompanies divine truth now, producing certain persuasion and conversion, when the Spirit demonstrates by it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And my speech, and my preaching,.... As he determined, so he acted. As the subject matter of his ministry was not any of the liberal arts and sciences, or the philosophy and dry morality of the Gentiles, but salvation by a crucified Christ; so his style, his diction, his language used in preaching, was not with enticing words of man's wisdom; with technical words, words of art, contrived by human wisdom to captivate the affections; and with bare probable arguments only, a show of reason to persuade the mind to an assent, when nothing solid and substantial is advanced, only a run of words artfully put together, without any strength of argument in them; a method used by the false teachers, and which the apostle here strikes at, and tacitly condemns: but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power; partly by making use of solid proofs out of the writings of the Old Testament, indited by the Spirit of God, and which amounted to a demonstration of the truths he delivered; and partly by signs, and wonders, and miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, those extraordinary instances of divine power, which greatly confirmed the doctrines he preached: and besides all these, the Spirit of God wonderfully assisted him in his work, both as to words and matter; directing him, what to say, and in what form, in words, not which human wisdom taught, but which the Holy Ghost taught; and accompanying his ministry with his power, to the conversion, comfort, edification, and salvation of many.
1 Corinthians 2:4
Paul’s Message by the Spirit’s Power
3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.4My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,5so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
An Hour With Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 2
By Kathryn Kuhlman12K22:34InterviewMRK 16:17JHN 4:24ACT 1:8ROM 10:91CO 2:4GAL 5:24EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of surrendering everything to God and receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit. They admit to not knowing much about the Holy Spirit or the spiritual battle, but they emphasize the importance of accepting Christ for salvation. The speaker also highlights the sacredness of the relationship between God and believers, comparing it to the intimacy between a husband and wife. They express the need for reverence and worship towards God, acknowledging His holiness. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of following Him in life.
Walking in the Power of the New Convenant
By David Wilkerson6.0K58:342SA 23:5PSA 40:12PSA 89:28PSA 89:34ISA 60:11CO 2:4In this sermon, the preacher explores the story of Isaac sending his son Jacob on a journey with nothing, despite being a wealthy man. The preacher questions why a rich father would send his son without any material benefits. The sermon emphasizes the importance of walking in the power of the New Covenant and the provision that God has made for his children to protect them from trials and temptations. The preacher also highlights the need for a deep yearning and craving in one's heart to know Jesus in a greater way and to walk in holiness and righteousness in a dark age. The sermon references examples from the Old Testament, such as David, who found strength and relief in the Covenant despite facing numerous trials and temptations.
The Kingdom of God - Part 2
By B.H. Clendennen3.6K04:59MAT 6:10MRK 16:17ACT 1:81CO 2:4HEB 13:8This sermon emphasizes the reality of the kingdom of God, where miracles happen, angels walk, and God's power is manifested on earth through His people. It highlights the call for believers to demonstrate heaven's reality on earth by living according to God's will and bringing His kingdom to this world. The message underscores the unchanging nature of God and His gospel, urging believers to walk in the Spirit and experience the power of God in their lives.
Resources Which Must Be Received
By Alan Redpath3.6K53:16ResourcesJHN 7:38ACT 1:8ACT 2:4ROM 8:91CO 2:4GAL 5:22EPH 5:17EPH 5:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the seriousness of the Christian life and the need for young people to understand that following Jesus is not just about having fun and games. He believes that young people should be presented with the gospel as total warfare, rather than a happy and easy life. The speaker also highlights the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian and in the church, as there is no substitute for the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. He encourages the audience to learn the secret of steadiness in their Christian walk, even in ordinary circumstances, and to rely on God's fullness to remain steady in the midst of storms and pressures.
Audio Sermon: Be Filled With the Holy Spirit
By Chuck Smith3.2K51:48ACT 3:6ACT 4:8ACT 4:31ROM 8:261CO 2:4GAL 5:22EPH 5:18COL 3:17This sermon focuses on the story of Peter and John healing a lame man at the temple, highlighting the power of faith in Jesus Christ and the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit for effective ministry. It emphasizes the need for prayer, faith, humility, knowledge of God's Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to be used by God in accomplishing His eternal purposes.
Command Me Partial
By David Wilkerson3.0K02:59CommandsEZK 37:9MAT 6:33JHN 3:8ACT 1:8ROM 8:111CO 2:4EPH 6:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just preaching the gospel, but also praying for a supernatural transaction between God and fallen man. He highlights the need for the Holy Spirit to do the work and bring about a heavenly transformation. The preacher references the story of Ezekiel, where he prophesied as commanded by God, and breath came into the lifeless bodies, turning them into an exceeding great army. The sermon emphasizes the power of prayer and the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing about spiritual revival and transformation.
Worst Thing to Happen to a Preacher - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill2.8K10:21MAL 3:2MAT 16:24ACT 2:41CO 1:181CO 2:42CO 5:141TH 5:17JAS 5:16REV 3:16This sermon emphasizes the need for a revival of true, uncompromising Christianity, challenging the modern church to return to the radical commitment and power demonstrated by figures like Leonard Ravenhill and the Apostle Paul. It critiques the lukewarmness and lack of spiritual fervor in today's church, calling for a genuine encounter with the Holy Spirit to ignite a transformative fire that can impact the world. The speaker highlights the importance of personal devotion, prayer, and a deep care for the spiritual well-being of others, echoing the sacrificial dedication of early Christian leaders despite their hardships.
Taking the Message to the World
By Paul Washer2.2K50:41Great CommissionPSA 119:160MAT 13:13MAT 28:19LUK 24:44ACT 1:81CO 2:4REV 22:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that Moses, despite his significant role in the destiny of Israel, was ultimately sustained by God's grace. The speaker also highlights the nature of divine revelation, emphasizing that it comes from God to humanity. The parables in Matthew 13 are discussed, with the speaker noting that even the apostles struggled to understand them. The sermon also emphasizes the need for individuals to have a deep understanding of scripture and a burden for the world, as well as possessing a validating character.
The Glorious Ministration of the Spirit
By Carter Conlon1.8K47:17Holy SpiritMAT 6:331CO 1:181CO 2:41CO 2:161CO 3:62CO 3:32CO 3:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ rather than being distracted by the charisma and self-promotion of human leaders. He warns against being drawn to those who seek to gain personal glory and take advantage of others. The preacher highlights the need to see beyond the veil and have a genuine encounter with God. He emphasizes that when we turn to the Lord, the veil is lifted, and we are able to see Christ clearly. The sermon concludes with the reminder that it is God who brings about transformation and growth, and it is through His presence that we experience true liberty and generosity.
Sermon Substance
By Jim Cymbala1.8K42:09Sermon Preparation2CH 7:1MAT 22:37JHN 13:341CO 2:42TI 4:2JAS 1:221PE 4:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God. He encourages preachers to focus on delivering a message from God's word rather than relying on their own abilities or clever points. The speaker highlights the need for ministers to lead people into a love for the Bible, as it is through the word of God that individuals can draw near to God. He also warns against being incompetent ministers who seek attention or fail to feed the people spiritually. The sermon concludes with a reminder that preaching should be accompanied by a demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit.
Where Is the Secret
By Leonard Ravenhill1.6K1:22:58RevivalEXO 33:15NUM 6:1JDG 16:21MAT 16:19MAT 18:18ACT 1:81CO 2:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson and the power he possessed as a Nazirite. The preacher emphasizes that Samson's strength did not come from his physical abilities, but from his commitment to God's commandments. The preacher also highlights the importance of staying true to one's calling and not succumbing to worldly temptations. The sermon concludes with a reminder that even in the face of giants, God provides the necessary tools and strength to overcome challenges.
God's River
By Jim Cymbala1.6K30:19Holy SpiritGEN 15:1ISA 41:17JHN 3:8JHN 7:38JHN 14:261CO 2:41JN 1:71JN 4:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus' incarnation and sacrifice for humanity. He explains that Jesus came to earth as God in human form, performed miracles, and taught the word of God. Before his crucifixion, Jesus told his disciples that it was necessary for him to leave so that he could send the Holy Spirit. The preacher highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives, as it provides them with joy and peace even in difficult times. He then references Isaiah 41, where God promises to provide water in barren places, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence and provision in believers' lives.
Paul's Passion and Preaching - Part 4
By Leonard Ravenhill1.5K07:51JHN 14:26ACT 7:22ROM 1:141CO 2:4EPH 5:18PHP 1:20JAS 1:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience over achievements or years lived. It discusses the need for constant spiritual growth and being filled with the Holy Spirit to overflow with His presence. The preacher highlights the role of the Holy Spirit as a gracious guest in our lives, guiding and influencing our thoughts and actions. The sermon also touches on the passion and dedication required in preaching the Gospel, with examples from biblical figures like Moses and John the Baptist.
The Eternal Purpose of God - Part 8
By Stephen Kaung1.5K05:55ROM 8:281CO 2:42CO 4:72CO 12:9EPH 1:11EPH 3:20PHP 2:13COL 1:292TI 1:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and tapping into the exceeding great power of God to fulfill His purpose in our lives. It highlights how acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on God's power, as seen in the example of the apostle Paul, allows us to be vessels for God's work and experience His glory. The message encourages believers to align themselves with God's purpose, allowing Him to work through them to manifest His eternal plans.
Holy Ghost or Bust
By Jim Cymbala1.3K54:39JHN 14:26ACT 2:4ACT 4:311CO 2:4GAL 5:16EPH 5:18This sermon emphasizes the need for preachers to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit in their preaching, rather than on human wisdom or eloquence. It shares a personal experience of a divine intervention during a church service, highlighting the importance of being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in ministry. The speaker encourages a shift towards preaching with deep conviction and a demonstration of the Holy Spirit's power to bring about true transformation and spiritual growth.
God's Bailout Plan
By Ricky Bradshaw1.2K00:00HumilityEXO 3:52CH 7:122CH 7:14ACT 1:81CO 2:4EPH 4:3JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of grasshoppers eating crops as a reflection of the economy. He emphasizes that God's plan is for His people to return to a love relationship with Him. The speaker highlights the importance of humility as a spiritual discipline that is lacking in the church today, contrasting it with pride. He also discusses the role of prayer in difficult times, emphasizing that trusting in the Lord and not politicians is crucial. The speaker suggests that the problems in the world may be a result of the greed and sins of God's people, and believes that America has been under God's remedial judgment for the past 40 years.
How the House Churches in China Meet
By E.A. Johnston1.2K04:48MAT 18:20MRK 16:17ACT 1:8ROM 8:141CO 2:4GAL 5:25EPH 6:121TH 5:17JAS 5:161JN 4:1This sermon emphasizes the reliance of the church on the Holy Spirit rather than on human structures like in the West. It shares the challenges faced by rural underground churches in China, highlighting their unwavering faith, dedication to prayer, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and uncompromised love for God and one another. The Chinese believers demonstrate a deep commitment to prayer, deliverance from demonic activity, and a profound connection with God through the Holy Spirit, contrasting the Western church's reliance on committees and methodologies with the Chinese church's dependence on the leading of the Holy Spirit.
We Have Known and Believed the Love
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.1K27:45BelievingJHN 15:11ACT 16:31ROM 5:81CO 2:4EPH 1:42TH 2:10HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's love and how it affects every aspect of our lives. He highlights that God's love is the driving force behind everything that happens in the world. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, using the example of Jesus calming the storm to illustrate how God's presence inspires faith. He encourages listeners to abide in God's love and to let their love for Jesus guide their actions. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the incredible love and grace of God, and the need for individuals to recognize their own need for salvation and the provision that God has made through Jesus Christ.
The Church of Chile Is on Trial (Spanish)
By David Wilkerson1.0K1:01:501CO 2:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of staying true to the Word of God amidst the rise of false doctrines and teachings, warning against compromising the Gospel for popularity or success. The speaker urges pastors and believers to seek God in prayer, prioritize the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and remain steadfast in preaching the uncompromised truth of Jesus Christ, even in the face of trials and challenges.
Holl-03 Authentieke Conversie (True Conversion)
By Art Katz89944:21HollandEXO 3:14EXO 4:22HOS 11:1MAT 6:33MAT 10:20JHN 1:141CO 2:4In this sermon, the speaker recounts a moment when he stood up to preach in a challenging environment. He prayed for guidance and spoke a message that was not anointed, yet something remarkable happened. The power of his personality seemed to shake the room, and one by one, Jews in the audience began to respond. The speaker reflects on the limitations of human cleverness and emphasizes the need for the Spirit of God to bring true transformation. He prays for a mighty rushing wind to burn out their lives with God's glory and make them abandoned fools for Christ's sake.
Another Filling of the Holy Spirit
By David Servant78407:41MRK 16:17ACT 1:8ACT 4:30ACT 13:91CO 2:41CO 12:4HEB 2:4This sermon delves into Acts chapter 13, focusing on the encounter between Paul, Barnabas, and Bar-Jesus, a Jewish false prophet, where Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, pronounces judgment on him, causing Bar-Jesus to go blind temporarily. The sermon emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit in operation, refuting the notion of only one baptism in the Holy Spirit and highlighting the prophetic words spoken under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It also challenges the belief that the age of miracles has passed, pointing out the significance of miracles in the book of Acts and questioning the flawed logic behind such beliefs.
Letters to 7 Churches 07 Sardis-a Cold Heart
By James Booker78139:371CO 2:4GAL 5:161TH 1:5REV 3:1In this sermon, the preacher compares the church of Sardis to an army and encourages the congregation to join the army of the Lord. The sermon is divided into five points: the supreme commander of the army, the sad condition of the army, the solemn command given to the army, the separated company in the midst of the army, and the satisfied conquerors who have conquered in the army. The preacher emphasizes the importance of starting, continuing, and ending with Christ as the supreme commander. The church of Sardis is criticized for its lack of commendation, except for a few faithful individuals. The sermon also references Ephesians chapter 4, highlighting the need for believers to awake from spiritual sleep and receive light from Christ.
Homiletics: Called to Preach - Part 2
By Tim Conway5401:45:201CO 2:4EPH 4:111TI 3:12TI 2:15HEB 4:12This sermon discusses the importance of proper interpretation of Scripture for sermon preparation, emphasizing the significance of understanding the text before preaching. The speaker shares a personal experience of a powerful encounter with God during a sermon, highlighting the impact of being immersed in the Word and preaching. The sermon also touches on the qualities of a true leader in the church, emphasizing the need for supernatural leadership qualities that inspire others to follow. The prayer at the end seeks for healthy foundations, a thriving church, revival, and impactful preaching in the generation.
Revival Stories: George Whitefield
By E.A. Johnston46523:25BiographyMAT 6:33JHN 14:61CO 2:42CO 13:5In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes a momentous occasion in the town of Exeter where thousands of people gathered to hear George Whitfield preach. The speaker vividly recounts the chaotic scene as people rushed to the meeting house, with everyone and everything seemingly struggling for life. Whitfield's appearance was described as angelic, and his preaching had a profound impact on the speaker, who felt a "heart wound" upon hearing him. Despite his weakened condition, Whitfield fervently prayed to continue preaching and spreading God's truth. The sermon transcript concludes with a reference to Whitfield's chosen text from 2 Corinthians 13:5, emphasizing the importance of examining oneself to ensure faith in Christ.
The Biblical Evangelism of the Westminster Confession #2
By Ernest C. Reisinger21759:09EvangelismLUK 14:27LUK 14:31JHN 8:31ACT 20:271CO 2:41CO 2:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of addressing the needs of the audience and applying the teachings of the Bible to their lives. He emphasizes the necessity of evangelism and the biblical doctrine of assurance. The preacher also shares a personal experience of being deceived by someone who only told him partial truths. He concludes by expressing his frustration in not knowing how much to touch on in his sermon, comparing it to a bishop who lost his train ticket but was recognized by the conductor.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And my speech - Ὁ λογος μου, My doctrine; the matter of my preaching. And my preaching - Το κηρυγμα μου, My proclamation, my manner of recommending the grand but simple truths of the Gospel. Was not with enticing words of man's wisdom - Ενπειθοις ανθρωπινης σοφιας λογοις, With persuasive doctrines of human wisdom: in every case I left man out, that God might become the more evident. I used none of the means of which great orators avail themselves in order to become popular, and thereby to gain fame. But in demonstration of the Spirit - Αποδειξει, In the manifestation; or, as two ancient MSS. have it, αποκαλυψει, in the revelation of the Spirit. The doctrine that he preached was revealed by the Spirit: that it was a revelation of the Spirit, the holiness, purity, and usefulness of the doctrine rendered manifest: and the overthrow of idolatry, and the conversion of souls, by the power and energy of the preaching, were the demonstration that all was Divine. The greater part of the best MSS., versions, and fathers, leave out the adjective ανθρωπινης, man's, before σοφιας, wisdom: it is possible that the word may be a gloss, but it is necessarily implied in the clause. Not with the persuasive discourses, or doctrines of wisdom; i.e. of human philosophy.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
my speech--in private. preaching--in public [BENGEL]. ALFORD explains it, My discourse on doctrines, and my preaching or announcement of facts. enticing--rather, "persuasive." man's wisdom--man's is omitted in the oldest authorities. Still "wisdom" does refer to "man's" wisdom. in demonstration of . . . Spirit, &c.--Persuasion is man's means of moving his fellow man. God's means is demonstration, leaving no doubt, and inspiring implicit faith, by the powerful working of the Spirit (then exhibited both outwardly by miracles, and inwardly by working on the heart, now in the latter and the more important way only, Mat 7:29; Act 6:10; Heb 4:12; compare also Rom 15:19). The same simple power accompanies divine truth now, producing certain persuasion and conversion, when the Spirit demonstrates by it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And my speech, and my preaching,.... As he determined, so he acted. As the subject matter of his ministry was not any of the liberal arts and sciences, or the philosophy and dry morality of the Gentiles, but salvation by a crucified Christ; so his style, his diction, his language used in preaching, was not with enticing words of man's wisdom; with technical words, words of art, contrived by human wisdom to captivate the affections; and with bare probable arguments only, a show of reason to persuade the mind to an assent, when nothing solid and substantial is advanced, only a run of words artfully put together, without any strength of argument in them; a method used by the false teachers, and which the apostle here strikes at, and tacitly condemns: but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power; partly by making use of solid proofs out of the writings of the Old Testament, indited by the Spirit of God, and which amounted to a demonstration of the truths he delivered; and partly by signs, and wonders, and miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, those extraordinary instances of divine power, which greatly confirmed the doctrines he preached: and besides all these, the Spirit of God wonderfully assisted him in his work, both as to words and matter; directing him, what to say, and in what form, in words, not which human wisdom taught, but which the Holy Ghost taught; and accompanying his ministry with his power, to the conversion, comfort, edification, and salvation of many.