Psalms 16:2, 31:1-3, and 29:1-4
My Shepherd called me into His green pastures and laid me down in 1 Corinthians 4. The Mind of the Spirit beckoned to the spirit of my mind in verses 20-21:
1Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
1Corinthians 4:21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
“The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power”? The word is λέγω (Lego, not the toy, but the dative form of logos), and the power is dunamis. Theologians wax eloquent on the word logos, but sometimes it means nothing more than spoken words (Matthew 5:37; Acts 11:22). When Paul says “the kingdom of God is not in word,” he is not saying the word of GOD bears no relationship to the kingdom of GOD (Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:16 with John 1:1-3).
This is the “kingdom of God,” which comes without observation (Luke 17:20-21). The word that is translated within, as used here, can mean “inside a person”; however, when used with a plural pronoun, such as “you” in Luke 17:21, it can mean “in your midst” (or, within the group identified by the plural pronoun you). Regardless, the fact is, the kingdom of God that comes without observation is present in the world, or “in the midst” of mankind, but only those who have been translated into the “kingdom of God’s dear Son” are within that kingdom (Colossians 1:13). Remember that the “King” of this kingdom presides as Prince (Archon-overarching authority) over the kings of the earth (Revelation 1:5; see Ephesians 1:21; see 18-23).
Along the still waters, I thought about what Paul said: “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” Paul said this in response to the “speech” (λόγον Logon, the accusative case of Logos) of those who were puffed up against his authority, or his power in the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:18—power translates ἐξουσίᾳ, indicating authority). The authority of Paul’s words would be confirmed by the power (dunamis) that manifested in and through his ministry. He warned the church that he could come and would not bother wrangling with the words (the speech) of these usurpers among them, but would know “the power” — the might of GOD, the manifestation of the dunamis Jesus promised (Acts 1:8—“But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you”).
Paul asserted that the “power” of the Holy Ghost confirms his spiritual authority, not his “word only”; this is what he testified to the Thessalonins: “For our gospel came not unto you in word (λόγῳ) only, but also in power (δυνάμει), and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
The manifestation of the power Paul asserted would be demonstrated by coming to them with a rod of correction: “Shall I come unto you with a rod” (1 Corinthians 4:21a). The word rod can refer to a stick with which to smite, or a baton of royalty, a symbol of his authority in the gospel. However, the power could also be manifested through a demonstration of God’s love, God showing His mercy through a “spirit of meekness.” Paul asked them which would be necessary: “What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?” (1 Corinthians 4:21).
The Spirit reminded me of something Paul said in his second letter to the Corinthians: “Lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed” (2 Corinthians 12:21).
In the valley, kneeling in the shadow of His Cross, I lamented what I perceive in me is a woeful lack of power or might in the gospel. The Spirit quickly pointed out the humility required and the Son of God spoke of what is needed: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Deny self, take up the cross, follow Jesus: these are the only things I know to do.
At the table, He anointed my head with His oil and filled my cup with His grace. Goodness and mercy came quickly to watch my 6 as we went together into the harvest.
Praying for revival! 🙏
Goling live asap:
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