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I. THIS IS THE GREAT DOCTRINE SUITABLE FOR MAN, VIEWED AS A BEING GUILTY IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. This state of guilt we bring into the world with us; we augment it by actual transgression, and we cannot remove it by any service or obedience of our own. In these circumstances the duty of the ambassadors of Christ is not to gain the applause of their perishing fellow-creatures, by displaying from week to week the depth of their own learning; but to offer simply this one remedy for men's guilt.

II. THIS IS THE ONLY DOCTRINE SUITABLE FOR MAN, VIEWED AS A BEING WHO HAS TO BE RAISED TO HOLINESS. Describe holiness as you will; speak of its beauty and its dignity; invest it with all the charms which fancy can devise or language utter — and to the human heart alienated from Christ, your efforts will be as unavailing as if you were to exhibit the finest combination of colours to the blind, for "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God." Or point to God, as the highest type of holiness — you only plunge the sinner into utter wretchedness. But the preaching of "Christ crucified" exhibits a new aspect of the Divine character, which he can look upon without fear; he now strives to keep God's holiness constantly before him; and his language is not "Depart from me," but "My soul thirsteth for God."

III. THIS IS THE ONLY SUBJECT SUITABLE FOR MAKING AN IMPRESSION UPON MAN IN THE WAY OF LEADING HIM TO THE DISCHARGE OF ACTIVE DUTY. The growth of holiness in the heart is indicated by the fruits of righteousness in the life. Now, when the sinner is once convinced that God loves him, and when fear, and doubt, and suspicion have thus given place to hope, and joy, and confidence — then does he begin to ask what he can do to manifest his gratitude to his merciful Redeemer.

(A. D. Davidson.)

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KJV: For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

WEB: For I determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.