Some of us are so grateful for the gospel that we want EVERYONE to experience the same forgiveness in Christ that we have. But at times, that passion can disrupt the Spirit’s flow. How? Sometimes we try to take the place of the Spirit in helping people get it. Without the Spirit’s power, they cant…
…No one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit… – 2 Cor 2:11-13 (esv)
With out the Spirit, there’s no power. You can share with passion, creativity, convincing words, lofty words, impressive words, you can draw pictures, or even use visuals to help people get it. All of that is for naught if it’s void of the Spirit’s power.
For Christ sent me to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. - 1 Cor 1:17 (esv)
My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. – 2 Cor 2:4-5 (esv)
We can be convincing at times apart from the Spirit, especially to people we love. A parent can make it nearly impossible for a child or teenager to reject the Gospel… Many children make a decision for their parents, not for Christ. I don’t want anyone making a decision to “trust Christ” because of my persuasion. Would it be just empty words in response to me or God? I want them to Trust Christ because the Spirit revealed it to them! For that, the Gospel needs to be empowered by God, not me. What power do I have? None! Jesus said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Its my power or God’s, one or the other, not both.
