Not the Work of Man

Not the Work of Man

“But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Gal. 1:11-12.

It is a great joy and comfort that the gospel is not the result of man’s clever thoughts. Such thoughts are changeable and arguable. This is the case at faculties of theology and Bible schools. Opinions change with the various professors and Bible School teachers. But words of prophecy are unshakable. They flow together like drops of water.

“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” V. 8. This is how pure and holy and exalted the gospel is in wisdom and power of creation. Paul was afraid that excellence of speech would supplant the gospel and the word of the cross with persuasive words of human wisdom. Jesus abolished death, and He brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, and Paul was ordained to be an apostle and a teacher to the Gentiles to preach this gospel.

You cannot bring light and immortality to the light through excellence of speech. You cannot create life, and an abundance of life, by well thought-out words and speech mannerisms. Everything that has to do with life and growth and eternal glory can only come forth by the gospel in God’s wisdom and power through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

“But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.” 1 Thess. 2:4. Paul did not come with flattering words, neither did he come with a cloak of covetousness nor did he seek honor from men, even though he could have demanded honor as an apostle. Vs. 5-6. The gospel could be entrusted to Paul because he lived such a faithful life. He was considered faithful and was put into the ministry. 1 Tim. 1:11-12. “But has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior . . . .” Tit. 1:3.

“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Gal. 1:10. Such an exalted life in faithfulness and obedience to the gospel can only be the result of the prophetic Word.

There is a tremendous difference between excellence of speech and the prophetic Word. There is no cross, no way, and no eternal glory through excellence of speech. One seeks the honor and favor of man by speaking in such a way. Then one is not a servant of Christ.

The work of an evangelist is to preach the Word, be ready in season and out of season, to convince, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and teaching; to be sober in all things, endure afflictions, and fulfill his ministry. 2 Tim. 4:2-5. There are not many who do the work of an evangelist in light of these words.

Soon Jesus is coming to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who have believed and have been obedient to the gospel. 2 Thess. 1:8-10. Paul was willing to preach the gospel also in Rome even though he might suffer a martyr’s death for the truths of the gospel. He was not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God to salvation for every one who believes. Rom. 1:15-16.

Only through faith in the gospel can we be born again to be a new man in Jesus Christ. The only thing that counts in Christ is a new creation, and not what we are as natural human beings.

Jesus was the first one who was anointed to preach the gospel. The Spirit of the Lord was upon Him, and He preached the gospel to the poor, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed. He came to all those who were in need of help and salvation. He gave hope to those who had fallen the deepest. Through the power of the gospel they could overcome all sorts of evil tendencies and come into a large place of joy and peace. All human help and power is only a substitute when compared to life and immortality that is brought to the light through the gospel. Through this life we can, together with the saints, experience the growth of the body up into Christ, our head.

“But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” 1 Cor. 1:24. Paul had hope and faith for all because he himself had been transformed through the gospel from being a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man. He knew that he was the greatest of sinners from among all the other sinners whom Jesus had saved.

Let us believe in the power of the gospel to transform us from glory to glory, and not in the work of man, which will perish.