Today’s 333 Devotional: “Not In Words But In Power”
Due to a plethora of problems within the Corinthian church Paul had to write them several times. Some of those problems dealt with how they viewed him. They criticized his appearance and speech. While his writings were well received, apparently, he didn’t look the part and his speech wasn’t eloquent.
“For some say, ‘His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.’” (2 Corinthians 10:10)
The Greek culture was accustomed to leaders who were great physical specimens, such as seen in their art and sculptures, and who were great orators, those who studied the art of speech eloquently presenting an argument.
But this wasn’t Paul. By the time he got to Corinth his eyesight was bad, his body was broken due to torture and abuse. He told them he had been whipped five times, beaten three times, stoned, and was often imprisoned along with a litany of other things. (2 Corinthians 11:22-28)
As far as his speech, he tried eloquent in Athens, but it got him nowhere. So, in plain unadorned language he preached one thing, Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).
But his writings were another matter; they were forceful. In the following verse Paul makes it clear that he would come and put things right by checking out if their words contain the power of God.
“Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.” (1 Corinthians 4:18-20)
Paul’s saying the Kingdom of God isn’t in what we say, but rather it’s where the power of God is being manifested.
Today we’re fond of discussing Christianity. Yet in all the talking, writing, debating and discussions, where is the power of God?