What does "we proclaim is not ourselves" teach about Christian humility? Setting the Verse in Front of Us “For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Corinthians 4:5) Following the Flow of the Passage • Paul has just spoken about God’s mercy in entrusting believers with the ministry of the gospel (4:1). • He rejects secret, shameful ways and distortion of truth (4:2). • He contrasts the blinding work of the “god of this age” (4:4) with the illuminating power of God in Christ (4:6). • Nestled in the middle, verse 5 tells how a minister—or any believer—must speak: not about self, but about Christ. What “We Proclaim is Not Ourselves” Teaches • The messenger is never the message. • All credit and glory belong to Jesus Christ as Lord. • Any authority we have is borrowed authority; we speak as “servants for Jesus’ sake.” • Humility is not optional; it is the only posture that fits the gospel. Scripture Echoes That Reinforce the Lesson • John 3:30 – “He must increase; I must decrease.” • Galatians 2:20 – “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” • Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • 1 Peter 5:6 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.” Marks of Genuine Christian Humility 1. Christ-centered speech • Our words direct listeners to Jesus’ person and work. 2. Servant identity • We gladly take the lower place, like foot-washing (John 13:14-15). 3. Dependence on divine power • The “treasure in jars of clay” picture (2 Corinthians 4:7) keeps us reliant on God rather than self-confidence. 4. Willingness to suffer for others • “So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you” (4:12). Humility embraces hardship if it advances the gospel. Why This Matters Today • In a culture that prizes self-promotion, the church displays a counter-cultural witness by boasting only in the Lord (Jeremiah 9:24; 1 Corinthians 1:31). • Ministry built on personality fades; ministry built on Christ endures. • Humility protects unity: when no one seeks the spotlight, Christ remains central and believers serve one another freely. Putting the Truth into Daily Life • Begin conversations with gratitude for Christ’s grace rather than personal achievements. • Adopt the question, “How can I serve for Jesus’ sake in this moment?” • Celebrate others’ gifts and successes, trusting that the Lord sees your hidden faithfulness. • Memorize 2 Corinthians 4:5 and let it shape your motives whenever you speak about faith. The simple confession “We proclaim not ourselves” calls every believer to step off center stage so that Jesus alone receives the honor He deserves. |
    |