Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

A Game of "Who's the Best Preacher?"

What is preached matters far more than how it is preached or who preaches it. In Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth, he addresses a troubling concern brought to his attention: the church is divided. They have begun to play a kind of “Who’s the Best Preacher?” game. Some claim Paul, others Apollos, still others Cephas. Factions have formed around style at the expense of substance, around charisma to the detriment of Christ, and the Corinthian church stands on the brink of schism.

In his commentary on 1 Corinthians, Richard Hayes reminds us that the gospel—particularly its message of Christ and the cross—is

not a better packaged philosophy in the marketplace of ideas. It…

1. Are there other examples in the New Testament where the preaching of something other than Christ and his cross trip up the church; how can these examples inform our understanding of this text? 

2. What causes disunity within our community?

3. Do I give outsize value to something other than the cross of Christ in my preaching, leading, or shepherding?

4. If Paul downplays his own role and rhetorical skill, how can I ensure my preaching focuses more on substance than style? What…