Getting God’s Power

In review of 1 Corinthians 4:20 it says, “For the kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power”

Bottom Line:

His kingdom isn’t just talk. It is power.

What this means to me:

God's kingdom is not just a lot of talk; it is about me living by God's power.

Today's passage comes from the tail end of 1st Corinthians chapter 4. Paul is telling me that I shouldn't make judgments about anyone ahead of time, and before the Lord returns. For when he returns, he alone will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our true motives. God will then give to each whatever praise is due. So I am to not be too proud or haughty. I don't have the right to make judgments, for what do I have that God hasn't given me. If everything I have is from God, then why can I boast. Rather I am use my life to illustrate being different and useful for his purposes. For God's kingdom is not just a lot of talk; it's is living by God's power.

So what I’m learning is that in order to live a fulfilled life, I need to live by God’s power.

This verse in 1 Corinthians 4:20 reminds me, “For the kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power” (NLT).

I don’t believe God will bless one who is self-reliant. Rather he blesses those who are dependent upon him and surrendered to him.

God wants to use me, but I must live by his power. Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

God is able to do more than I can ever imagine. There are three ways to get God’s power in my life:

First, I get God’s power by praying. If power doesn’t seem to be coming my way, it's a good indication that I’m not praying or praying enough. Prayer and power go together.

Second, I get God’s power by taking risks to obey God. When I take a risk to do what God tells me to do, even when it’s hard or unpopular, even when it may cost me, even when it doesn’t make sense, even when nobody else is doing it; God will pour out his power into my life.

Lastly, I get God’s power by not giving up. In order for God to grow my faith, he’s got to test it. When I’m going through difficulties and delays and dead ends and despair and discouragement, God is teaching me to trust him. I am to hang on, and God will bless me in his perfect timing.