The Kingdom of God Is About Power, Not Words
When Paul writes to his friends in the city of Corinth, he encourages them to change their behavior. In the middle of this, he slips in a curious line about the kingdom of God.
He says that God’s kingdom isn’t about talk but about power (1 Corinthians 4:20).
Jesus Showed the Power of the Kingdom of God
Jesus ushered in the kingdom of God. The Bible records some of the things he talked about, but more importantly it talks about things he did.
With God’s power he healed people and perform miracles. He exorcised demons and supernaturally fed thousands.
After demonstrating the power of the kingdom of God, then he talked. After seeing God’s power, the people were willing to listen.
The Early Church Moved in God’s Kingdom Power
In the book of Acts, we frequently see the power of God’s kingdom through the work of Jesus’s followers. They heal people, raise the dead, and cast out evil spirits. Usually this precedes them talking about Jesus.
Only after people see God’s supernatural power are their ears open to hear more about him.
Where Is God’s Kingdom Power Today?
Yet today many of Jesus’s followers don’t move in the power of the kingdom of God. They resort to words. They talk about it, but they don’t demonstrate its power. Is it any wonder that few people bother to listen to their message?
Our church services, at least most of them, are about words. But we don’t see much of God’s power when we go to church on Sunday. Yes, some churches are an exception, but too many have pushed aside the power of God and resort to mere talk.
Our sermons, which often comprise most of a church service are words.
For those of us on the inside, who follow Jesus, these words tickle our ears, fill us with knowledge, or give us something to chuckle about, but they do little to demonstrate what the kingdom of God is truly about. It’s about power.
We need to reclaim the power of the kingdom of God. Then, the world who needs to know Jesus and experience the kingdom of God will be ready to hear what we have to say.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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