“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14
Jesus is “The Word” made flesh. While we may marvel at the miraculous works of Jesus, the Father seeks to make Himself known through the character and love that we have for one another.
“By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples,
if ye have love one to another.”
John 13:35
In Jesus Christ, “The Word” was made flesh. God’s purity, love, and long-suffering were demonstrated for this world to see. God’s intent in sending His “only begotten Son” into this world was to make visible His glorious attributes within the lives of those who, by faith, receive the “Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:2)
“No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son,
who is in the bosom of the Father, that One declares Him.”
John 1:18 (LITV)
His Word is to be demonstrated in the lives of those who have received Him, who is The Word. When the church becomes dimmed by carnality, when it walks in the ways and wisdom of the world, she ceases to show forth His wonder. When we lose His wonder in our midst, we begin to banter over His words; we separate ourselves from one another because we have lost the LIFE of Him.
His Life is what binds us in the “unity of the Spirit”. It is this unity that demonstrates the Unity of God and the power of the living Christ. Men love to speak words about God, what we call “philosophy” (man’s love for knowledge). The Truth of God seeks to make us true representations of Him in how we live. Religion concerns itself with words. Truth concerns itself with motives, actions, and the authenticity of our relationship with Him.
“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received,
and heard, and seen in me, DO: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Philippians 4:9
Paul was not a preacher of great words. He carried himself as an evidential expression of Christ. “Those things which ye have… seen in me, DO”! He had no church of his own. He desired no following of his own. He was simply a servant of Christ, and he proved it by the life he lived.
“For I decided not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ, and Him having been crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my word and my preaching was not in enticing words of human wisdom, but in proof of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 2:2-5 (LITV)
The message Paul brought to the Church was not in words alone but in the “demonstration of the Spirit”! His character and the conduct of his life were the message. The cry of his heart was for the unity, the love and the purity of the church. The idea of men having “their church” and “their people” is the antithesis of the heart and desire of all that God purposed in Christ.
The religious glory in their words, their buildings and their numbers. The pure in heart seek to be witnesses of His person and grace. The carnal draws people to themselves; the humble live to draw all men to Jesus.
Paul had but one supreme motive: “to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” It is the crucified life that presents Jesus with no selfish purpose or agenda. It is a life that knows within itself dwells no good thing. It has seen itself in the LIGHT of Him who is selfless, pure and Holy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart!
For they shall see God.”
Matthew 5:8
“My Saviour! Fill up the blurred and blotted sketch which my clumsy hand has drawn of a Divine life, with the fullness of Thy perfect picture. I feel the beauty I cannot realize; robe me in Thine unutterable purity.”
— F. W. Robertson.
Related Post: The Ministry of The Word (LINK)
Brian Troxel
Amen! My life for His glory! 🙌 Thank you for another encouraging post. Blessings BT🙏
The greatest gift to mankind. Happy New Year to you.
Yes, amen. His word is a lamp unto our feet; it is a two-edged sword that cuts and penetrates our hearts so that we may come to know that which is of the soul and of the Spirit. How privileged we are to have His Spirit breathing upon it that we might grow in our relationship with Him.
Blessings for this coming year.
Brian
I really liked this post, Brian, but I’m currently studying the book of Acts with some friends. I was wondering what you meant about Paul when you stated:
“Paul was not a preacher of great words.”
So far, I’ve found that Paul has preached the Gospel message which I would consider great words. I know this might seem picky but we just read Acts 13 and I found his preaching there outstanding. Anyway, I hope you have a great night and if you can help me understand something I’m not seeing, please let me know.
God’s blessings…
Hello Chris
Sorry for the late reply, and thank you for stopping by!
Appreciate the question, as so few take the time. I always do all that I can to not diminish or misrepresent anything concerning God’s Word. All that I meant was that Paul never sought to use flowery speech nor reduce his presentation of the person of Jesus Christ. His words were anointed of God, but he used the simplicity of speech, relying on the power of the Spirit rather than the wisdom of the flesh. For the wisdom of the flesh will bring honour to the man rather than the honour that belongs to God.
“And my word and my preaching was not in enticing words of human wisdom, but in proof of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 2:2-5 (LITV)
“I know this might seem picky, but we just read Acts 13, and I found his preaching there outstanding.” Acts 13 is one of the grandest moments of the early church, where we see the Holy Spirit speaking directly with power and unction in the midst of a unified people. We see chosen vessels being sent forth with power, purity of motive, into the world to see Jesus alone lifted up and glorified.
The ministries of the early church sought no glory for themselves; they did not seek the attention of the people. They were unified and sought by every means to “preserve the unity of the Spirit.”
“Then take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit placed you as overseers, to shepherd the assembly of God which He purchased through His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and out of you yourselves will rise up men speaking perverted things, in order to draw away the disciples after themselves.”
Acts 20:28-30 (LITV)
Paul was very bold in his final dissertation to the elders of THE church at Ephesus, knowing by the Spirit of God that even some of them would speak words to draw away “disciples” unto themselves. I have been involved in ministry for almost 50 years and have seen many who use the pulpit and their oratory skills to elevate themselves, their church, and their ministry to draw the people of God to themselves for their own profit.
“These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.”
Jude 1:16
Paul’s words were spoken by the unction of the Holy Spirit and were free from flattery or impure motives. He was careful not to seek the admiration of others, but he spoke the truth regardless of its consequences as his parting words to the elders af the church at Ephesus clearly demonstrate.
May we be careful also.
Blessings,
BT
I appreciate your response, Brian. I understand what you meant now and I completely agree that Paul’s words were spoken by the unction of the Holy Spirit and were free from flattery or impure motives. “His words were anointed of God, but he used the simplicity of speech, relying on the power of the Spirit rather than the wisdom of the flesh.” That is true. You don’t see Paul using huge theological terms that someone might use to impress others. God used Paul to communicate the gospel message in words that the average person could understand.
I’m never in a hurry for a reply back, I’m just thankful when I get one.
I often write things that are not clear with others and I always appreciate it when someone asks me about it. Just like you, I try to be careful when writing about God’s Word.
Thanks again and God’s blessings…