Paul
J.R. Miller emphasizes the centrality of the cross in Paul's mission, warning against obscuring the gospel with worldly wisdom and urging believers to focus on the pure message of Christ's sacrifice.
In this biographical sermon, J.R. Miller explores the apostle Paul's mission to preach the gospel with clarity and simplicity. He highlights the dangers of relying on worldly wisdom that can obscure the message of the cross. Through vivid metaphors and scriptural insight, Miller calls believers to focus on the power of Christ's sacrifice as the heart of Christian preaching.
Text
The First Epistle to the Corinthians was written from Ephesus in the spring of A.D. 57. The apostle had heard that dissensions were troubling the church at Corinth, and he wrote to them giving many exhortations and commands. Early in the letter he stated his conception of his mission, "Christ sent me to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." As if one should prepare a fountain of pure, fresh water by a great highway, to give drink to the weary pilgrims who pass by—but should plant so many lovely trees and flowers about the fountain as to hide it from the eyes of those whom it was designed to refresh. That is the danger when men use the wisdom of this world in preaching the gospel; the perishing ones who listen are too often charmed by the beautiful flowers of rhetoric or poetry or science with which the cross is ornamented, and fail to see the cross itself!
The story is familiar of the artist who had painted his picture of the Last Supper, and then called his friends to look at it. He had tried to make the Master\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Context of Paul's letter to the Corinthians
- The problem of dissension in the church
- Paul's mission to preach the gospel
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II
- The danger of worldly wisdom in preaching
- The metaphor of the fountain and flowers
- The risk of hiding the cross with eloquence
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III
- The importance of focusing on the cross
- Avoiding distractions in the message
- The power of simple gospel preaching
Key Quotes
“Christ sent me to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” — J.R. Miller
“As if one should prepare a fountain of pure, fresh water by a great highway... but should plant so many lovely trees and flowers about the fountain as to hide it from the eyes of those whom it was designed to refresh.” — J.R. Miller
“The perishing ones who listen are too often charmed by the beautiful flowers of rhetoric or poetry or science... and fail to see the cross itself!” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Focus on the clear message of Christ's sacrifice in your personal witness.
- Avoid using complicated or worldly arguments that might distract from the gospel.
- Remember that the power of the gospel lies in the cross, not in eloquent speech.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Paul's main mission according to the sermon?
Paul's main mission was to preach the gospel of Christ crucified without relying on worldly wisdom or eloquence.
Why does J.R. Miller warn against using worldly wisdom in preaching?
Because it can obscure the message of the cross and cause listeners to miss the true power of the gospel.
What is the metaphor of the fountain and flowers about?
It illustrates how adding too much ornamentation to the gospel can hide its pure and refreshing message from those who need it.
How should believers approach preaching according to the sermon?
Believers should focus on the simple, clear message of Christ's sacrifice rather than elaborate rhetoric.