1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. These words may be — I. ABUSED. 1. When they are employed to weaken the outward institutions of piety. Some would so refine religion as to render it unsuited for human beings. We have to worship God in spirit, but we must not forget that we have bodies. There may be the form of godliness without the power, but while we are here the power cannot be manifested without the form. Even the practical duties of life are better discharged by those who wait upon God in His appointed means. It is a dangerous delusion that leads people to the neglect of those means and forms which God, who knoweth our frame, has enjoined us to use. 2. When we fail to regulate our religion by the rule of God's Word. Impulse is good, but requires guidance. Zeal may cause our good to be evil spoken of, and even produce evil. One duty must not defraud another. There are some who would even use the text to do away with social distinctions. II. IMPROVED by applying them — 1. To judging ourselves. Is religion a power in our lives? Does faith work by love? Professions or intentions do not make piety. 2. To judging others. Men differ in temperament. We often consider an individual who speaks much on religion as a zealous Christian, when, if we followed him through life, we should find him as zealous in worldly concerns. So also we meet with a man who shrinks from notice, and set him down as not "fervent in spirit," when it is only his natural timidity that restrains him from more active exertion. (J. J. S. Bird, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. |
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