A Single Purpose

And I , brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

I Corinthians 2:1-2 

Paul carried out his mission work with a single purpose. He articulates that purpose in our text. Of all the things of which he could speak, this was the one subject he pursued above all others. If we look into Paul’s background we realize he was well educated in many subjects and well-versed in the Scriptures. He tells us of his background in Philippians. He says he was, ‘circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrews of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.’ He could have discoursed on many moral, ethical, and religious subjects. He declares, however, he would not come to his audience, ‘with excellence of speech or of wisdom.’ Instead he says, ‘I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.’ This is the primary purpose of preaching. If we are going to continue the work according to the pattern set for us by the Apostles who were closest to Christ then our purpose must be the same as theirs. No subject upon which we meditate, or which we expound surpasses this one. Our primary theme must be Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  

Our Holy and Wise God, 
we rejoice that Christ is our glorious subject. 
We praise You that You have given us the privilege 
to make much of Him. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning