Justin Houtz

Job 34; 1 Corinthians 4-6

DateVersionReading Plan
November 9, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

1 Corinthians 4

Observation & Interpretation

18 Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. 21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness? (1 Cor. 4:18-21 – ESV)

Paul makes a definitive distinction between talk and power among the Corinthians. “He promises that he will come in the near future, if the Lord wills. When he does, he will expose the pride of those who can talk so freely, but have no spiritual power.” (BBC)

Application

The Christian faith and the sharing of gospel truth certainly entails speech, but this is to be bolstered with action. The saints are to be doers of the word, and not hearers only (James 1:22). Arrogance and double-mindedness is found in the presence of profession but the absence of its outward expression. Only when both are exhibited in concert with one another can there be a surety as to the earnestness of saving faith. May the Lord continue to pour out His grace on His people to bring about a unified mission of word and deed and so bring glory to Himself.

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