Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 4:18–21
God had Paul correct some of the Christians in Corinth who had been listening to some arrogant people. God had Paul write in 1 Corinthians 4:18–19, “Now some have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant but their power.” Those arrogant people had told the Corinthians that Paul was afraid to return to Corinth. Paul was not afraid; he had been waiting for God to open the door for him to return. Paul told them that if the Lord opened a door for his return, he would put these arrogant people to the test to see if they were of God. True power is only found through God and His Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s will—that is why God had Paul write in 1 Corinthians 4:20, “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.” God never wants us to trust in human wisdom, but to fully trust in His power. Then, God had Paul ask in 1 Corinthians 4:21, “What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?” Paul asked the Corinthians who they desired to see when he returned: a Paul who would bring God’s discipline or who would bring God’s gentleness. Surely they would have chosen the latter. Most of us would choose the gentleness of God too, but sometimes, God’s loving discipline is necessary (Hebrews 12:5–11).
Challenge & Application
How are you doing in walking in the power of the Holy Spirit each day, and how do you see God transforming you?
When has God lovingly disciplined you, and what did He teach you through that loving discipline?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!