How can we prioritize Christ's message over personal recognition in our ministries? The Setting of 1 Corinthians 1:16 “ I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that I do not remember if I baptized anyone else.” • Paul is writing to believers who were dividing themselves around their favorite leaders (1 Corinthians 1:12). • He reminds them that he baptized only a few and even forgets the exact count—proof that numbers and personal acclaim were never his aim. • Immediately after, he says, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” (1 Corinthians 1:17) Key Lesson: Christ First, Statistics Second • Celebrated achievements can overshadow the message of the cross. • Paul treats his own baptizing record as incidental; Christ’s work is what matters. • 2 Corinthians 4:5 echoes the principle: “For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord.” • When ministry goals shift from exalting Jesus to tallying personal success, the gospel loses clarity and power. Practical Ways to Keep the Focus on Jesus • Preach the Word, not personal stories—2 Tim 4:2. • Quote Scripture more than opinions. • Celebrate conversions and growth as Christ’s victories, not our résumé builders—Acts 2:47. • Share testimonies that center on what Jesus did, not on what we organized. • Keep records for stewardship, but resist publicizing them for approval. Guardrails Against Self-Promotion • Cultivate anonymity where possible: serve without public credit—Matthew 6:3-4. • Invite accountability partners who will call out self-glorifying language. • Frequently revisit the cross—Galatians 6:14, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” • Pray for pure motives—Psalm 139:23-24. • Redirect praise: “Praise God for what He has done,” instead of “Thank you for noticing my gift.” Encouraging One Another in Humility • Spotlight Christlike character in others, not merely their accomplishments—Philippians 2:3-4. • Use team language—“we” and “us”—to highlight the body’s role over a single person. • Bless unseen servants publicly; it reminds everyone that God values hidden faithfulness. A Final Word From Scripture “Therefore, let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:31) When every accolade rolls upward to Jesus, His message stays front and center, and ministry becomes an ever-clearer window to the Savior instead of a mirror reflecting ourselves. |
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