NotinWord

Not In Word But In Power

For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
1 Corinthians 4:20

There's much more to Christianity than moral platitude, lofty intentions,and noble thought. The foundational characteristic of God's kingdom is power.

Let's look at Paul's example:

He faced constant criticism about his work among the early churches. Some of those criticizing him would travel to cities (such as Corinth) just to speak extensively about what Paul was doing wrong. There were times the churches were convinced that these slanderous accusations against Paul were the truth.

Paul's response was a reminder that the test of authenticity was not in the persuasiveness of the person's words, but in the spiritual power of his life.

Paul admitted that he was not found to be eloquent in speech (2 Cor 10:10). But those who criticized him for that could not question God's power in his life. He had seen many people converted, and through his ministry, many churches were started. He had been used by God to heal the sick and raise people from the dead through God's power. Whether or not his words were eloquent, they carried spiritual power and authority that came from God.

Many people will try to convince you of their opinions concerning the kingdom of God. They may even have charts and graphs to prove their points. But the test of the validity of their words is the spiritual power in their lives. If a person speaks forcefully about a point of doctrine but is habitually sinning, then his words are discredited by his life. If a person talks about the power of God but gives no evidence of victory in her life, her words are empty. It is much easier to talk about the victorious Christian life than it is to live it.

If you have the appearance only of Godliness without any corresponding spiritual power (2 Tim 3:5), ask God to cleanse you of your sin and to fill you with His Spirit

so that your life is characterized by power.

For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing." (2 Cor 10:10)

having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. (2 Tim 3:5)

Father, as I pray for victory over temptations and areas where I fail, help me see where and why I am lacking your power in my life.

I pray I will not attempt to live a godly appearing life without your Holy Spirit directing it in truth.

May my life be a life that leads others to You because of the power they see as YOU, and not because of the "lofty words."

I pray these things in your precious Son's name!

Amen.

Taking Responsibility

Then the man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate." Genesis 3:12

Adam and Eve did all they could to blame someone else for their sin. They wanted to avoid their responsibility. Adam blamed his wife. He even pointed the finger at God- saying, "the woman you gave me, gave to me of the tree, and I ate."

Eve blamed the serpent saying, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."

God ignored their excuses and gave them the judgment they would face as consequences of their disobedience.

We all tend to refuse to take responsibility for our actions. It's a downfall of our humanness.

We want to blame others for our problems:

Our parents didn't raise us well.

Our pastor was not a good enough preacher.

Our children are rebellious.

Our boss isn't sensitive enough to our needs.

Our spouse isn't understanding.

There isn't enough time (money, help, etc.) today.

On and on they go---

But forgiveness and restoration cannot happen until we accept full responsibility for our actions.

There is one obvious indication that we have not genuinely repented -

making excuses for our sinful behavior.

Nowhere in the Scripture does God excuse someone's sin because of someone else's actions. If we make it a habit to blame others for our failures, we will not reach a point of honest repentance.

God will hold us accountable for our own actions, not others (2 Cor 5:10).

We must strive to always acknowledge and take responsibility for our own sins. It will free us to receive God's forgiveness and to press on to spiritual maturity.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Cor 5:10)

Father, may I have the courage and honesty to accept the responsibility for my sins. May I never blame any one or any circumstance for my sins. I desire full restoration to You.

Forgive me when I have sinned--I know it is none's fault but my own. Give me your Spirit to guide me into Truth, and your strength to follow.

Thank you for loving me enough to open my eyes to my own responsibility.

In your precious Son's name I pray, Amen.

If you have questions, or comments, please email me.

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Looking Through The Eyes of Faith

By Larry Holder, Elton Smith and Steve Israel