Talk vs. Power
(S) Scripture
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.
What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
1 Corinthians 4:19-21 (NIV)
(O) Observation
In dealing with this troubled church Paul assesses part of the problem. There are arrogant people, those pushing their own agenda. They use words to persuade but there is no power in those words to change a life. It is not enough to talk a good game you must live it with power. The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. It must be more than talk.
(A) Application
The church seems to be full of folks who talk a good game. These people want to influence the direction of the church and yet their hearts are only filled with cheap talk rather than the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul wanted to assess the real power of people and we should do the same. Living out our faith must be more than lip service. We cannot talk one way and live another. For our talk to be filled with power it must come from a life that is surrendered and committed to God. We must be walking by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. We cannot be satisfied with simply talking a good game because that leaves our lives empty and powerless.
(P) Prayer
Lord, fill me with your Spirit today. Let my walk with you be filled with power. Let my talk match my walk today, keep me from hypocrisy. Amen
2 comments:
I'm struck by the fact that the Corinthian church was filled with people who seemingly possessed the "power of words." Thus, one of the reasons Paul writes these words is to respond to their questions, accusations and more. However, the "power" that Paul demonstrates is in authentic ministry. It was the same "power" that was illustrated in the life of Jesus' ministry; the power of the Kingdom. It changed lives, healed the sick, raised the dead, relieved the pain and more. May the words that we use, as religious, spiritual and theological as they may be, never get in the way of the real evidence of the Spirit's infusion in our lives...the power that demonstrates itself through ministry. You go Paul! You go Pastor! "The Bud"
Amen to that!!
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