To Magnify God

We usually think of Paul as the brilliant, well-educated scholar who always spoke with ease and eloquence. Paul did not think of himself that way. He might even have tried to overcome the image. When He wrote to the Corinthians, he said he did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom. . . . (I Cor. 2:1a NIV) Then he explained what he had tried to do: I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (v. 2)

Anyone who studies Paul quickly realizes the man was brilliant. But his goal was magnifying God. He did not want people to believe the gospel because of His persuasiveness; he wanted them to believe because they had their own encounter with God. He said, that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. (. 4,5)

Obviously, the man wasn’t impressed with himself. His purpose was to magnify God. To magnify God he focused on God’s strength and God’s power.

Originally published June 29, 1984.