Not in Word but in Power

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

One thing you could say about the life of Paul is that he silenced his critics with powerful works, not powerful words. Christ followers know that moral platitudes, lofty intentions, and noble thoughts are no substitute for a life of spiritual power—a fundamental character of God’s kingdom.

Paul’s ministry was under constant scrutiny and criticism. It’s a matter of biblical record that many of his opponents followed him from city to city, criticizing his authority and teaching. That certainly was true in Corinth, and some believers in the church were persuaded to believe the malicious reproach against Paul.

Would Paul respond in kind? Absolutely not! Paul proclaimed that the real test of authenticity was spiritual power, not the persuasiveness of words. So Paul responded, “God’s Way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life” (1st Corinthians 4:20 - The MESSAGE Paraphrase).

That’s what it boiled down to. His critics may have questioned his teaching and apostolic authority, but they could neither deny nor discount his powerful ministry. Think about it, God used him in healing the sick, and even raising the dead with power from above.

It’s much easier to talk about a victorious Christian life than it is to live it; but live it we must! We must never have a “form of godliness, but deny the power thereof” (2nd Timothy 3:5).

It is good to ask God for cleansing (1st John 1:9), and to be filled with His Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) so that your life will be characterized by power.

For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. (1st Corinthians 4:20)