Christ as Lord -- The Center of the Message

Christ as Lord -- The Center of the Message

“For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus.” (2 Corinthians 4:5, LSB)

Paul states plainly that the apostles do not preach themselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, positioning themselves as servants for the sake of those they minister to.

The message is not about the messenger. Paul was painfully aware of this. He was not a commanding physical presence. He was not celebrated for his oratory. But none of that mattered, because the message was never about Paul. It was always about Jesus Christ -- Lord, not merely teacher or moral example or life coach, but Lord. Yahweh in the flesh.

The uncreated Creator who humbled Himself, bore a cross He did not deserve, and rose from a grave that could not hold Him. When the church begins promoting its own programs, its own personality, or its own platform above the proclamation of Christ, it has lost the thread entirely. The spotlight operator has failed when he calls attention to himself. He succeeds only when the worthy One is fully illuminated.

Reflection Questions:
* In what ways might you be tempted to make your faith more about your own story or church identity than about Christ Himself?
* What does it mean practically for you to preach Christ as Lord in your daily conversations and relationships?

Practical Application: 
Examine your recent conversations about faith. Were they primarily about what God has done for you personally, about your church, or about who Jesus Christ truly is? Make a conscious effort today to redirect at least one conversation toward the person and work of Christ.