Reflections on 1 Corinthians 2:3
“I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling.” (1 Corinthians 2:3, NIV)
Phillips puts it plainly: “in myself I was feeling far from strong; I was nervous and rather shaky.” The Remedy shows us why: Paul was “so unsure of how to present this life saving truth in a way you would appreciate, that my hands trembled with nervousness.”
This is the love Paul had for those he came to share the truth with. His trembling was not the fear that freezes. It was the trembling of a man who cared deeply about the people in front of him. When we truly care, and want with all our hearts to be a blessing to others, we will not take our task lightly. When our heart is in the work, we will feel as Paul did, afraid that our words and actions will not be enough.
And that is exactly where the blessing begins. The Jerusalem Bible says Paul came “far from relying on any power of my own.” It is when we rely on ourselves that we make a wreck of our work. Knowing you are not capable, in your own wisdom or strength, of the work the Lord has placed on your plate is enough to keep you safe in His hands and keep pride away from your heart.
Many a young minister has been ruined for his life’s work by the flattery of his congregation. He needs our honest encouragement and our prayers, but care is needed, especially with the young and with those who must guard themselves against pride.
The wise understand the personalities of those they speak with. A study of personality is a very good investment for anyone who wants to be a blessing in the work of the Lord. The more timid need building up, while the stronger sanguine and choleric may need a firmer word to be heard. Paul knew this: “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Understand who you are speaking with, so you do not harm with words you intended as a blessing.
God answered Paul’s trembling right there in Corinth. One night the Lord spoke to him in a vision: “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee” (Acts 18:9–10). The Father is with us too. He will give us our words and guide our willing tongues to say what is true. Our part is to care enough to tremble, and to trust Him enough to speak anyway.
