<1 Co 4>

¹⁴ I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. ¹⁵ Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. ¹⁶ Therefore I urge you to imitate me. ¹⁷ For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

¹⁸ Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. ¹⁹ But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. ²⁰ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.²¹ What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?

1. Not mere talk but power.

• <v20> For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
• <v17> …my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach…

2. Power of the gospel of the kingdom

1) Evidences of its power:

• Despite not attractive to fallen human nature, still draws many to Christ.
• Even though have to face persecutions, many still follow Christ.
• Despite many false teachers throughout church history, gospel still preserved.
• Transformation in our own lives.
• A different power from the world’s idea of power.
  • Power to make people conscious of their sins, repent and accept Christ’s salvation.
  • Power to fight sins, serve God, live for His glory.
  • Power to have transcending peace and joy, even in trials.
  • Christlikeness.

2) How can we enjoy God’s power?

• “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” <2 Co 12:10>
• Simple faith.
  • <Php 4> 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
  • v11…to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
• Think, speak, live according to God’s word.
• Reject all thoughts, emotions, perspectives that do not match God’s word.
• Cling onto the blood sacrifice of Jesus when we sin.

3. The church needs spiritual fathers.

1) To confront us when we sin.

2) To be our role models.

3) To have both sternness and gentleness; warning and love.

4) Do you prefer rod of discipline, or love and gentle spirit?

Reflection

1. Share an example (or two) of how the power of God has transformed your life, thoughts, or actions, or help you endure trials or difficult situations in your life.
2. In what ways can we practice both discipline/rebuke and love/gentleness in our relationships with others in the church?
3. If we wish that God will come to us in love and a gentle spirit instead of with a rod, what must we do and how should we respond to Him today?