1 Corinthians 1:21
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
What is the difference between the person who sees people saved and the person who struggles in getting someone to accept Christ as Saviour? I believe one of the big differences is that the one who sees someone saved realizes that it is not how they give the Gospel or their knowledge of God that causes a person to want to be saved, but it is the power of the Gospel that convicts a person and causes them to want to be saved. The person who struggles to see someone saved often tries to convince themselves that the person they are talking to “really gets it” when they should be concerned with simply giving the Gospel and letting the Gospel do its work.
The Gospel is powerful and does not need your “expertise” or embellishments for it to do its work in the sinner’s heart. The Gospel is simple and should be given in a simple manner because its purpose is so that every person can be saved. When you complicate the Gospel, you make it more difficult for someone to understand. God made the Gospel simple because the power of the Gospel is in its simplicity and its ability to save any soul from Hell.
Moreover, there are two types of preachers and teachers. The first type of preacher and teacher tries to show their intellect that makes little to no difference on the listener. The listener should never walk out saying, “That preacher/teacher is a smart person.” The listener should walk out saying, “I was helped.” The second type of preacher or teacher is the one who keeps God’s Word as simple as it is and lets the power of God’s Word do the work in the heart of the listener.
I have found that God’s Word is what makes the difference, not my intellect or ability to deliver God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 says, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. This verse does not say that the knowledge and wisdom of the speaker is what does the work in the heart of the listener, but it is God’s Word that pierces deep into the heart of the listener and changes their life.
Paul said in the verse above, …it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. It is not the wisdom or preaching/teaching style that makes a difference; it is God’s Word that you are teaching/preaching that makes the difference. When you realize the power of God’s Word, you will realize that God can take whatever speaking ability you have and use it to make a difference in the heart of those who are listening to you.
My friend, let me encourage you to let God’s Word do the work through your delivery of it to a lost person in soul winning or a listener as you preach or teach. I like to put it this way, keep God’s Word on the bottom shelf where everyone understands it, and God will take your foolishness to make His Word understandable to all. Yes, you should always try to improve your delivery and excitement, but God’s Word presented simply to those you are giving it to is what will make the difference to those listening. Let’s be careful not to overcomplicate God’s Word. Give it in its simplicity, and you will see it make a difference in the heart of the listener.
