You get the sense that the Corinthians thought they had it all . . . and, in a manner they did . . . they had been abundantly graced. Paul says that, in every way, they “were enriched in Him with in all speech and all knowledge” . . . that they were not “lacking in any spiritual gift” (1Cor. 1:5-7). Saved . . . knowing the word . . . having down the lingo . . . equipped with all the tools heaven had to offer . . . BUT . . . there was something amiss . . . something not quite right.

Rather than walking in a manner worthy of their calling, they were having problems walking at all . . . still crawling like infants. Petty jealousies . . . an air of prideful partisanship present among them as they chose sides . . . “puffed up in favor of of one against another” (4:6b). They viewed themselves as rich in Christ (4:8) . . . wise in Christ . . . strong believers, held in honor (4:11). They had a pretty high view of themselves . . . a lot of big talk . . . but for Paul, talk was cheap.

But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power.
For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. (1Corinthians 4:19-20 ESV)

The kingdom of God is about power. Not about talking about power, but about power. While all those who enter the kingdom do so by faith and through the grace of God, the kingdom is not about words, it is about works. The kingdom is not a theory to be discussed, but a dynamic to be experienced. The word for power is “dunamis” . . . the root from which we get dynamite . . . the kingdom is about “inherent power.” I can say I’ve entered the kingdom . . . I can talk about kingdom principles . . . I can glory in the kingdom’s future . . . but if there’s no “dynamite”, no power, then I really don’t know the kingdom at all.

And, it seems from this passage of Scripture, that arrogance subdues the kingdom.

Paul was just as graced as the Corinthians . . . just as knowledgeable . . . just as equipped . . . but, unlike the Corinthians he didn’t view it as something to boast in, but as a stewardship. “This is how one should regard us,” writes Paul, “as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy” (4:1-2). If there was ever a “super apostle” it was Paul. But the “S” Paul wore on his chest stood for steward . . . for servant . . . for slave of Christ. And in being a trustworthy steward of the gifts of God, in being diligent to faithfully put into effect that which God had entrusted him with, there was power . . . the kingdom of God was present. But not so with the Corinthians.

“For who sees anything different in you?” Paul asks the Corinthians, “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” (4:7)

That they were knowledgeable and spiritually gifted was not in dispute. But take knowledge and gift and mix it with arrogance and what you have is just talk . . . no real growth . . . no moving on to the meat of faith . . . nothing “different in you” . . . listless Christianity . . . an anemic dynamic . . . something less than the kingdom of God.

Oh, that I would resist any inclination to view myself worthy of God’s favor . . . that I would be on guard against feeling that somehow I deserve the grace. Instead, might I always view any talents, any gifting, any calling, all as a stewardship to be faithfully administered. Then, I believe, will I know the kingdom of God . . . in power . . . for His glory alone . . . amen.