1 Cor. 4:20
For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.
How should the Christian life appear? Should Christians be seeking the world's riches and power? Apparently, the Corinthian believers were doing just that. Paul responded to them by saying that when the Lord comes, all will be made known, things, motives, and thoughts hidden in darkness. The Lord Himself will commend those who are His.
In a bit of irony, Paul declares that they are rich kings, having all that they want. But do they really? Is this what God would have them do? Paul says that an apostle is the least of all, like men sentenced to death because they have become a spectacle to all. He is a fool for Christ's sake yet the Corinthians claim wisdom in Christ. He is weak, but they are strong. They were held in honor, but he was in disrepute. Thus far, he had suffered hunger and thirst, was poorly dressed, buffeted, and homeless, was laboring with his own hands, when reviled, he blessed, when persecuted, he endured, when slandered, he entreated. He had become like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things. Quite the contrast! How did this comparison strike their hearts? Was their lifestyle revealed? Did they see his point? How tempting it is to buy into the world's system, its mind-set, possessions, and power! But Christ will not co-exist with the world. Each life must be entirely His or not at all His. Paul wrote these powerful words to admonish them like a father talking to beloved children. Just like all children imitate their parents, Paul encourages them to imitate him in their Christian lives. He wants them to know that the kingdom of God is not just talk but is power. He wants to to live for Christ 100% of the time relinquishing all for the gospel.
Father,
Grow me like this. Help me to see clearly the world's influence in my life.
In Jesus name,
Amen
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