The Divine Summons
1st Corinthians 1:17
Paul asserts that the divine summons is to proclaim the gospel. However, it is important to bear in mind the specific definition that Paul assigns to "the gospel," which refers to the actual process of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Our preaching is focused on emphasizing sanctification as the ultimate objective. Paul use personal experiences solely as illustrative examples, rather than as conclusive evidence. Our duty is not to speak about salvation or sanctification, but rather to exalt Jesus Christ (see to John 12:32). It is unjust to claim that Jesus Christ worked to redeem me and make me a saint. Jesus Christ worked diligently to achieve redemption for the entire world and to present it in a state of complete restoration and perfection before God's throne. The manifestation of redemption by our ability to undergo it demonstrates the potency of its existence, however this experience is an incidental outcome rather than the primary objective of redemption. Were God to possess human form, He would undoubtedly get weary of the incessant pleas we make for our deliverance and spiritual purification. We constantly impose demands on His efforts throughout the day, seeking personal favors or seeking liberation from undesirable circumstances. Once we grasp the fundamental essence of the message of God, we will cease to trouble Him with little personal grievances.
Paul's sole fervor in life was to disseminate the word of God. He embraced heartache, disillusionment, and adversity just because they reinforced his unwavering commitment to the message of God.