The Reformed Life

In 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the countercultural nature of the gospel. To the world, the message of the cross is foolishness. To the Jews, it was a stumbling block because they sought signs. To the Greeks, it was folly because they valued human wisdom. Yet, for those whom God has called, the cross is the power and wisdom of God.

This passage carries a profound lesson for pastors: the ministry of the gospel is not defined by what the world deems as successful. The temptation to capitulate to cultural demands for flashy signs, eloquent speeches, or worldly metrics of success—bigger budgets, larger congregations, or grand facilities—is ever-present. But Paul’s words to the Corinthians and Timothy offer a different standard for faithful ministry.

Faithfulness Over Worldly Success

Paul’s exhortation to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2-5 echoes the same principle: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.”

Faithful pastors, take heart. Your calling is not to meet the ever-changing expectations of the culture but to be steadfast in proclaiming the unchanging truth of the gospel. The world may clamor for signs and wisdom, but what it needs is the cross. It is the cross—not human ingenuity—that transforms lives, breaks the chains of sin, and ushers people into the kingdom of God.

The pressure to measure ministry success by worldly standards is not new. Pastors often face the temptation to define their work by metrics such as attendance, budgets, or social media engagement. While these tools can be helpful, they are not the measure of faithfulness. Paul’s reminder that God’s wisdom confounds the wise calls us to a different approach. True success in ministry is faithfulness to the Word of God and reliance on the power of the Spirit.

Encouragement for the Weary Pastor

Ministry can feel discouraging at times. Perhaps your congregation hasn’t grown in the ways you hoped. Maybe you’ve faced criticism for not being innovative enough or for holding to “old-fashioned” truths. Remember this: success in ministry is not measured by worldly standards but by your faithfulness to God’s call.

• When you feel inadequate, know that God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise (1 Cor. 1:27).
• When you feel weak, remember that God’s power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).
• When you feel unseen, be encouraged that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).

Preaching Christ crucified will not always yield immediate, visible results, but it will have eternal impact. The world’s wisdom may scorn your efforts, but God delights in using the weak and despised to display His glory. Remember the words of Isaiah 55:11: God’s Word will not return empty but will accomplish His purposes.

The same cross that seems foolish to the world is your assurance of God’s wisdom and power at work in your ministry. Preach it boldly, relying not on human wisdom but on the Spirit’s power (1 Cor. 2:4-5).

Encouragement for the Congregation

If you’re not a pastor, consider how you can support and encourage those who shepherd your church. Pastors face unique challenges, including the pressure to conform to cultural expectations. Here are a few ways you can encourage your pastor to stay faithful:

1. Pray for them. Ask God to give them boldness, wisdom, and perseverance.
2. Affirm their faithfulness. Let them know you value their commitment to God’s Word over cultural trends.
3. Support their vision. Be a partner in their gospel work, helping to bear the load of ministry.
4. Encourage them with Scripture. Share passages like 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and 2 Timothy 4:2-5 to remind them of their eternal impact.

Additionally, resist the temptation to measure your pastor’s success by worldly standards. A healthy church is not necessarily the largest one in town. Encourage your pastor to focus on spiritual growth rather than numerical growth. Stand with them as they uphold the truth of God’s Word, even when it’s unpopular.

Pressing On in God’s Strength

Pastors, your calling is not easy, but it is eternally significant. The cross defies human expectations and humbles human pride, yet it is the means by which God displays His power and wisdom. Your role is to proclaim this message with faithfulness and trust God with the results.

The Apostle Paul himself faced rejection and ridicule for preaching Christ crucified. Yet, he did not waver because he understood that the gospel’s power lies not in human approval but in the work of the Spirit. Let Paul’s words inspire you to endure: “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25).

Trust in God’s ways, which are higher than ours (Isa. 55:8-9), and continue to preach Christ crucified. When you encounter challenges, remember that you are not alone. The same Spirit who empowered Paul’s ministry is at work in you today.

A Collective Effort

For the congregation, remember to uphold your pastor in prayer and encouragement. The work of ministry is a collective effort, and your words of support can be a source of strength for those leading the charge. Pastors, in turn, must lean on their congregations as co-laborers in the gospel.

Faithfulness to the gospel is the measure of true success. The world’s approval fades, but the eternal impact of preaching the cross endures forever. Pastor, press on, knowing that your labor for the Lord is seen, valued, and used by Him for His glory.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Josh Chambers

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