How I Can Live by 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” (NLT).

Today’s verse comes from 1 Corinthians 4:16-20 where Paul teaches about setting an example for others. In it Paul urges me to imitate him. For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power.

Paul told the Corinthians to imitate him, to follow his example. Paul was able to make this statement because he walked close to God, spent time in God's Word and in prayer, and was aware of God's presence in his life at all times. God was Paul's example; therefore, Paul's life could be an example to others. Paul wasn't expecting others to imitate everything he did, but those aspects of his beliefs and conduct that were modeling Christ's way of living.

Some people talk a lot about faith, but that's all it is, talk. They may know the right words to say, but their lives don't reflect God's power. Paul tells me that the Kingdom of God is to be lived, not just discussed. There is a big difference between knowing the right words and living them out. I should not be content to have the right answers about Christ. I should let my life show that God's power is really working in me.

To live a fulfilled life, I have to live by God’s power.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 4:20, “For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power” (NLT).

God does not bless self-reliant people. He blesses those who are dependent upon him and have surrendered to him.

I’m reminded this morning that 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” (NLT).

God is able to do more than I can ever imagine. So how do I get God’s power in my life? Here are three ways I’ve come across this morning.

First, I get God’s power by praying.

If I don’t have any power in my life, it could mean I’m not praying. Prayer and power go together.

Secondly, I get God’s power by taking risks to obey Him.

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 his power into my life.

Lastly, I get God’s power by not giving up.

Don’t give 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. Hang on, and God will bless me.

Bottom Line:

God’s kingdom isn’t just a lot of words. It is living by his power.

What this means to me:

The Kingdom of God is not just words or talking; it is living by God’s power.

In summary, the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk, it's living by God's power. When I do, it can be an example for others to observe, become curious and to follow. To be more than just talk, I need to continue to walk close to God, spend time in His Word and in prayer and to be aware of His presence in my life. To be an example my life should show God's power is working within me. God won't bless me if I'm self-reliant. He'll bless me when I'm dependent upon him and have surrendered my life and will to him. I can get God's power in my life by a). Praying, b). by taking risks to obey him, and c). by not giving up - God is teaching me to trust him and he'll grow my faith by testing it.

This morning Father I thank you for your unending care and love for me. You are just waiting for me. I need to learn to be less self-reliant and to count on you. I want to pray more, move forward in obedience and not to give up or react badly with trials come. You are building my character and my faith. Today’s I ask again for your wisdom and guidance as I organize work and lead others. Help me react in a loving and caring manner to those around me. In Jesus name I pray, amen!