Faith in Man

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Job 3,4 and 1Corinthians 2.

Just a quick note about 1Cor 2:1-5
1Co 2:1  And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
1Co 2:2  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
1Co 2:3  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
1Co 2:4  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1Co 2:5  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

The fact that the writing came from Paul, who was himself a learned person (c.f.Act 22:3) drives further home the point upon what/whom shall we put our faith and confidence in.
Paul was addressing a church which was struggling with unity issues (1Co 1:10-13). It was a classic case of following man and not God. Wherefore Paul reiterated our ultimate pattern to follow, even as we esteem others higher than us (1Co 11:1) - Christ.

Well did the psalmist say
Psa 118:8  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
Psa 118:9  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

The fact remains that man, however strong has the tendency to falter. Yet God is unchanging! (c.f. Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8; Jam 1:17) It is upon Him that we should lean upon, regardless of whatever happens around us. That's how we can become deeply rooted in faith and be stedfast and unmoveable (1Co 15:58). But if we base our faith on a particular individual, what will happen if that person falls?

The passage also alludes to the fact that the power of God lies in the Word. Very often, especially in the denominational world at large, charismatic characters attract throngs of people through glib oration, sleek packaging and shrewd marketing that put the advertising professionals to shame! Yet, the bible tells us, enticing words of man will come to nought but the endearing and everlasting Word of God will never fade and indeed it what will judge us (1Pe 1:24,25; Jhn 12:48).

Let us be careful not to follow after man, but seek after God through His Word.

in Him
Paul

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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? ~ 2 Corinthians 13:5