2 Corinthians 4:5 – “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul is making it clear that his message is not about himself. He is not trying to gain followers or build his own reputation. Instead, his focus is completely on “Jesus Christ as Lord.”

Paul contrasts two things:

1. What he does not preach: Himself. He does not promote his own name, opinions, or status.
2. What he does preach: Jesus Christ as Lord. His entire mission is to point people to Christ, not to himself.

Paul also describes himself and his fellow workers as “your servants for Jesus’ sake.” This means that his ministry is not about power or status but about humble service. He sees himself as a servant to the people he ministers to, all for the sake of Jesus.

This verse is a reminder that Christian ministry is not about making a name for ourselves—it’s about lifting up Jesus. True gospel preaching focuses on who Jesus is and what He has done, not on the preacher.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to the Corinthian church, where some people were questioning his authority as an apostle. Some false teachers had come in, promoting themselves and trying to gain influence. They were likely more charismatic and impressive than Paul in their speech, leading some Corinthians to prefer them.

In contrast, Paul refused to make ministry about himself. He did not try to win people over with fancy words or personal achievements. Instead, he kept his message simple: Jesus is Lord, and we are your servants. This humility stood in sharp contrast to the pride of the false teachers who promoted themselves.

Paul’s attitude also reflected the way Jesus lived. Jesus, though He was Lord, came to serve (Mark 10:45). Paul was following His example.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches that Christian ministry should always be centered on Christ, not on human personalities. The gospel is about Jesus, not about preachers, churches, or movements.

It also reinforces the idea of servant leadership. Paul does not see himself as someone to be served, but as a servant of others for Jesus’ sake. This reflects Jesus’ teaching that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).

Finally, this verse highlights the Lordship of Christ. Paul does not preach Jesus as just a teacher or prophet—he proclaims Him as Lord. This means Jesus has full authority and should be obeyed and worshiped as God.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording is intentional:

• He first rejects self-promotion (“we do not preach ourselves”).
• Then he affirms Christ’s supremacy (“but Jesus Christ as Lord”).
• Finally, he places himself in the role of a servant (“ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake”).

This structure emphasizes that the focus of Christian ministry must always be Christ first, then service to others, never self-promotion.

The phrase “Jesus Christ as Lord” is also significant. It is a strong statement of Jesus’ divine authority, reflecting the early Christian confession “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9).

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 – “And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (Paul’s focus was always on Christ, not on himself.)
• Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Jesus Himself came as a servant, setting an example for His followers.)
• John 3:30 – “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John the Baptist’s attitude mirrors Paul’s—lifting up Jesus, not himself.)
• Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (The Lordship of Christ is central to the gospel message.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges modern Christians to examine their motives. Are we pointing people to Jesus, or are we seeking recognition for ourselves? True ministry is not about building personal platforms—it is about making Jesus known.

It also reminds us that every believer is called to be a servant. The Christian life is not about seeking power, status, or personal success, but about humbly serving others.

For church leaders and preachers, this verse is a strong warning against pride. Ministry is not about popularity or influence—it’s about faithfully proclaiming Christ.

For every Christian, this verse serves as a reminder that our goal should always be to point others to Jesus, not to ourselves.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in the fact that He sent His Son, not to bring attention to Himself, but to serve and save people. Jesus came in humility, giving up His glory for our sake (Philippians 2:6-8).

Paul’s approach to ministry reflects God’s heart. He does not seek fame or recognition but follows Jesus’ example of humble service. God’s love is expressed through servant leadership—not demanding from others but giving for their benefit.

By keeping the focus on Jesus, this verse also reminds us that God’s love is not about human achievement. Salvation is not about following great leaders or impressive speakers—it is about knowing Jesus.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse. Paul’s entire message is about Him:

• Jesus is Lord. This means He has full authority over all creation (Matthew 28:18).
• Jesus is the focus of true preaching. Paul does not promote himself but points people to Christ.
• Jesus is the ultimate servant. Paul calls himself a servant for Jesus’ sake, just as Jesus came to serve (Philippians 2:7).

In John 13:14-15, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet and said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

Paul follows this example, seeing himself not as a master over others but as a servant for Christ. This is what true Christian ministry looks like.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to preach “not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord”?
2. In what ways do people sometimes make ministry about themselves instead of about Jesus?
3. How can we develop a servant’s heart in our daily lives?
4. Why is it important that Jesus is Lord in our preaching and in our personal lives?
5. How can we follow Paul’s example of pointing others to Jesus rather than seeking attention for ourselves?