"For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power." The Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians of his apostolic ministry and of his way of life in Christ Jesus—a way of life that was consistent with what he taught--and he admonished the Corinthians to imitate him. Apparently Paul expected a confrontation with those who were misleading the church at Corinth. So Paul told them that the Kingdom of God does not come through talk but is demonstrated by power. While that power is the power to transform lives, Paul's meaning here is that it may have to be manifested as some kind of disciplinary force or action. Still there's much to consider in Paul's declaration about the Kingdom of God. When the Kingdom of God comes to us individally or collectively, it comes in power and not as a mere intellectual or philosophical argument. When the Kingdom of God really comes, it changes things--it removes the old regime and puts new leadership in charge. The Kingdom of God comes to believers as the indwelling Holy Spirit Who enables and empowers us to proclaim the message of the Kingdom of God and to live our lives in such a way as to manifest God’s redemption to others.
