I. A FAITHFUL EVANGELIST PLAINLY PROCLAIMS THE TESTIMONY OF GOD (v. 1)

II. A FAITHFUL EVANGELIST HAS RESOLVED TO MAKE CHRIST CRUCIFIED THE CENTERPIECE OF ALL HIS PROCLAMATION AND CONVERSATION (v. 2)

I) A faithful evangelist has resolved to make *Jesus Christ* the centerpiece of all of his proclamation and conversation

(I) Jesus Christ is necessary (John 14:6)
(II) Jesus Christ is sufficient (Hebrews 7:25)
(III) Jesus Christ is strong (Revelation 19:11-13)
(IV) Jesus Christ is gentle (Matthew 11:28-29; Isaiah 42:3-4)
(V) Jesus Christ is beautiful (Revelation 5:5-6)

II) A faithful evangelist has resolved to make Jesus Christ *and Him crucified* the centerpiece of all of his proclamation and conversation

(I) Jesus Christ and Him crucified answers your biggest problem (Colossians 2:13-14)
(II) Jesus Christ and Him crucified provides the greatest power (Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:24)
(III) Jesus Christ and Him crucified reveals your highest purpose (2 Corinthians 5:15; 1 Peter 3:15)

III. A FAITHFUL EVANGELIST KNOWS HE IS INSUFFICIENT IN HIMSELF (v. 3)

IV. A FAITHFUL EVANGELIST KNOWS GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT IS SUFFICIENT TO TURN DEAD SINNERS INTO LIVING SAINTS (v. 4)

V. A FAITHFUL EVANGELIST WANTS EVERYONE TO REST THEIR FAITH NOT IN HIM, BUT IN THE POWER OF GOD (v. 5)

DISCUSSION

1. Read verse 1. What did Paul not do when he came to Corinth? What does he mean by “with lofty speech or wisdom”? How can 2 Corinthians 4:2 help clarify? Are you given to lofty speech and wisdom, or do you stick to the open statement of the truth?

2. According to verse 2, what did Paul decide to do when he was in Corinth? What does Paul not mean? What does he mean? How should this direct all preachers, Bible teachers, and saints that proclaim the gospel? Can you say with Paul, “I knew nothing among you except Christ and him crucified”?

3. According to verses 3 and 4, what characterized Paul when he was with the Corinthians? What did not characterize Paul’s speech and his message? Since Paul was himself weak, fearful, and trembling, where did the power in fact come from? Has God powerfully worked in your heart and mind by the Holy Spirit so that you trust “Christ and him crucified”?

4. According to verse 5, why did Paul “preach Christ and him crucified…not in plausible words of wisdom”? Where must our “faith…not rest”? On the other hand, where must our “faith…rest”? Where does your faith rest?