Paul's Subject

Paul's Subject

Paul was an extraordinary man, called to an extraordinary office, and being sent to perform an extraordinary work, he chose an extraordinary subject.

He knew history, he was acquainted with philosophy, and he was well versed in tradition.

There were few subjects that he could not handle, few themes that he could not discuss, few congregations that he could not interest.

But he made the conversion of sinners the object of his life - and he chose Christ crucified to be the subject of his ministry! No matter where he went - he took his subject with him. No matter whom he addressed - he directed their attention to this point.

He knew what man required - and what man preferred; but it made no matter to him. As he wrote to the Corinthians, so he always acted, "Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified - a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God!" (1 Corinthians 1:22-24).

Paul's subject then, was Christ Crucified! Christ was God's anointed, the Messiah, the Son of God! Christ was the promised Saviour, who came to destroy the works of the devil! Christ the anointed Son of God - was put to the most cruel, shameful, and degrading death - He was crucified, and He was put to this death - that He may be a sacrifice for our sins, expiating them, and putting them away forever! He died as the Substitute of His people, as the Surety, who had engaged to discharge their debt, and as the conquering Saviour putting all His foes to flight.

Blessed Jesus, you were the representative of Your people, the victim of their transgressions, and the sacrifice for their sins! Your blood was the price paid for their ransom; and Your resurrection secured their discharge!

O my soul, look to Jesus - as crucified for your sins!

Think of Jesus - as dying in your stead!

Speak of Jesus - as full of grace and love!

Paul CHOSE this subject - and he had good reasons for doing so!

First, it is a most comprehensive subject, for it is the center where time and eternity, God and man, sin and holiness, life and death - meet!

It is the theater where God displays His perfections, unfolds His purposes, maintains His rights, confounds His foes, and secures His glory!

It is the instrument by which death is destroyed, sin is conquered, rebels are reconciled, saints are sanctified, and heaven is opened!

It is an object which confounds reason, astonishes angels, attracts sinners, imparts holiness, and furnishes matter for endless praise!

Second, it is the most honored subject. It tunes the harps of heaven. It fills the sweetest songs on earth. It is that by which the Holy Spirit works in the conversion of sinners, in the consolation of saints, in the sanctification of believers, and in the establishment of the church of God.

By the preaching of Christ crucified the oracles of the heathen were silenced, the altars of the heathen were cast down, and the temples of the heathen were transformed into houses of prayer.

By the preaching of the Cross society is elevated, nations are honored, and millions are snatched from hell.

Third, it is a subject that is intensely hated! Devils hate it, and try to prevent its publication. Erroneous men hate it, and try to substitute something or their own for it. And just in proportion as men are influenced by the prince of darkness, or yield to the pride of their own fallen natures - will they hate the doctrine of the Cross!

~James Smith~

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