1 Corinthians 4 (#4): In the Power of Christ

verse 19: If the Lord permits, I will come to you soon, and I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but also what power they have.

verse 20: For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

◇ The kingdom of God is not in eloquent words. The kingdom of God is not in abundant knowledge. The kingdom of God is not in wisdom. The kingdom of God is where words, knowledge, and wisdom are put into action.

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1)

Even if you believe in Jesus Christ, are filled with gifts, and live in the joy of salvation, if it is only words and knowledge, you are nothing more than a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. Boasting of knowledge with brilliant words is nothing but a noisy cymbal.

A few days ago, I met a teacher. The teacher said that scholars express themselves through research papers. There are many people who boast about their knowledge, but they are not scary. However, the teacher said that people who do not boast of their knowledge but regularly publish research papers are scary.

For those who study, the power is in research papers. What is the power for us who believe in Jesus? Is it boasting about knowledge and experience? Is it causing division by claiming to be better than others? Isn't it embracing the heart of Christ and serving with humility and love?

♧ God, let us live by the power of Christ, not by human words! Holy Spirit, lead us in truth!