Corpus Christi

The Biblical Blueprint for Ministry

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 · Brendon Helm · August 2, 2026

Summary

Paul recounts how he came to the Corinthians not with lofty speech or wisdom, but proclaiming the testimony of God. The sermon unfolds this text under three headings. First, The Content of Ministry — Paul decided to know nothing among them except Jesus Christ and him crucified, so that the substance of all faithful ministry is not novelty, technique, or human philosophy but the person and finished work of Christ. Second, The Character of Ministry — Paul came in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and his speech and message were not in plausible words of wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, showing that the minister's frailty is the very setting in which God's strength is displayed. Third, The Culmination of Ministry — all of this was so that the faith of the hearers might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God, which is the aim and crown of every true ministry.