"For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Christ's sake." 2 Corinthians 4:5, NIV*
These words from the Apostle come from a section of his writing where he shows that his motivation and actions were pure and without hidden agenda.
Paul the Apostle had a message but it was not about himself, he had no place in the message except to be the speaker of the message. He could have talked a lot about himself, his education, revelations, experiences, and more, but he had a message much greater than himself.
The false teachers of his day and ours want to be the center of attention and the recipients of the benefits of the philosophies they bring; but not the Apostle, his focus was on Christ and serving.
PREACHING
The message of the Gospel, which Paul the Apostle taught, was that Jesus Christ is Lord. Which means Jesus is God come down taking on human flesh to walk among us as a sinless example of righteousness and he offered his life, body, and soul as a sacrifice on the cross to pay for the sins of humanity, a sacrifice that was acceptable to God the Judge and evidenced in the resurrection of Jesus and his accession to the throne in heaven. We participate in the gospel by faith where we receive the blessings and benefits of salvation as a gift paid for by Christ. This is a humble gospel and leaves no place for pride and self-promotion. This Gospel was Paul's focus and purpose.
JESUS
Jesus is Lord, elsewhere in the Bible, it teaches that "Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord." Philippians 2:10-11
SERVANT
Paul could have said, "I am an apostle and I have rank conferred on me by The Lord. So, serve me, do this and do that." Nowhere does the Bible or outside sources attribute such words or actions to the Apostles. Instead, he says here, "We are your servants for Christ's sake." He was in the place of leadership of the church and acted like the lowest servant.
PAUL'S MOTIVATION
What drove Paul? What was his message and the point of his life? It was the last three words of the verse, "For Christ's sake." He did what he did to advance the Gospel. You might say all he did he did for Christ.
What would our lives be like if we followed Paul's example and made Christ all? What if our motto was, "I'm all for Jesus or I am nothing at all?"
To read this verse in other translations then follow this link: Online Parallel Bible.
(c)Adron Dozat 12/30/12
