Power Versus Talk

Greetings in the Lord!

Today's word comes from 1 Corinthians chapter 4, selected verses:
V. 1, 4) So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God...Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
V. 6, 7) Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, 'Do not go beyond what is written.' Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
V. 18-20) Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

~Maybe you cannot understand what Paul is talking about here in this scripture, so I will summarize. Paul was addressing some arrogant members of the Cornith church who were underminding his authority and ministry there. Remember the Cornith church was rich in spiritual gifts, but some had become arrogant and were causing divisions in the church, even trying to oust Paul and lead people astray. Fellow saints, listen to today's word: the Lord is speaking directly to us today to remind us that we cannot become arrogant and contest the leadership that has been called to guide us. Even if we display spiritual gifts, please remember where those gifts came from.

We are not to judge each other, as (God) "will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts." (Verse 5b). Paul was sent by God, and yet some people there thought they knew more, were called higher, and could do it better than the one God had called to them. That's prideful, right? In verses 9-13 Paul tells of his hardships, what he had to endure to be their spiritual "father;" it was not an easy calling. However, the true test of his calling was this: faithfulness and power. "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." (Verse 20).

~Be blessed and be a blessing.

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