Paul gives us a glimpse of the state of mind he was in when he first came to Corinth. It will be seen that the principle that he sets down in the first chapter is that by which he lived and laboured in Corinth. He has said that the gospel does not depend upon human wisdom or approval for its success. It was with this very much uppermost in his mind that he entered upon his ministry in Corinth, verse 1.

In revealing to us his soul he provides us all, preacher and congregation, with valuable lessons on the service of God.

I. THE GOSPEL MINISTRY CALLS FOR A DETERMINED ATTITUDE

Paul says that he was of a determined mind when he came to Corinth. It was the decision that a judge arrives at. He determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 

1. Here is the sole ground of the sinner’s hope. Nothing must be permitted to deflect the sinner’s gaze from the cross. In Gal 3:22-23, Paul shows that the unconverted sinner is caught in a net (shut up, Luke 5:5) and only the gospel message of justification by the blood sacrifice of Christ can deliver. Preachers dare not stray from the exposition of the person and passion of Christ. Indeed to stray from this message brings the curse of God upon a preacher’s head, Gal 1:8-9. This was what Paul was saved to declare, Gal 1:15-16, Ephes 3:8. This is the only foundation upon which you may build, verse 5.

2. Here is the sole source of the believer’s comforts. Reconciled to God, Rom 5:10, Col 1:20. Access to God in prayer, Eph 3:12. Cleansing from sin, I John 1:7. The fullness of blessing that is found in Christ is emphasised in Ephesians chapter 1:1-14. Note how many times the word in is linked to Christ.

3. Here is the sole motive for the believer’s obedience. The whole purpose of the cross work of Christ was: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world . . Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works, Titus 2:11-12, 14. Had the crucified One not come to save His people from their sin? In the light of the cross, what eagerness we should show in pursuing holiness. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again, II Corinthians 5:14-15.

4. Here is the sole fount of mankind’s happiness. There is much in this world that will amuse but nothing that will contribute to real joy. Place a man in great distress and nothing will comfort him but the cross of Christ. 

II. THE GOSPEL MINISTRY INVOLVES FACING DISTRESSING FEARS

Paul says that he came in weakness, in fear, in much trembling, verse 3. If this mighty man of God feared how much more ought I!

This fear and trembling arose for a number of reasons.

1. The great importance of the work. The eternal salvation of sinners rests, at least in part, upon the ministrations of the preacher, Eze 33:1-8, Hebs 13:17. 

2. The extreme insufficiency of the minister. II Cor 2:15-16. If Paul felt insufficient how much more ought this preacher? I Tim 4:12. 

3. The dread of being a castaway. I Cor 9:27. To keep under =to beat black and blue. To bring into subjection = to make a slave.

III. THE GOSPEL MINISTRY EXCITES AN EXPECTATION OF BLESSING

While Paul’s preaching had none of the ornamentation that pleases men, it was blessed of Heaven, verse 4. 

1. The gospel is accompanied by proof. God will own His word even as He owned His Son, Matt 3:17, Acts 2:22, Rom 15:19. He will preserve His witness, Acts 18:9-10. He will save sinners and He will preserve His church.

2. This work is carried out by the Holy Spirit. How we need to pray for the Spirit’s blessing and seek to remove all offences that may grieve the Spirit.

3. The blessing will mark it as God’s work. The power of God. It will last, it will stand because it is of God. Every convert from sin and worldliness is a demonstration of God’s power. The change could not have been wrought by man.

The blind man could not answer every question but he could say he was no longer blind and this was no work of man, John 9:25.