Daily Devotion with Pastor Tong Liu: Today's Passage

1 Corinthians 4:17-21

For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. ...I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

In this passage, Paul stressed on one thing: Words don't matter as much as power in the Kingdom of God. It doesn't mean that words are not important; we need to preach the way of the Kingdom of God, but we also need to have power. When power of the Holy Spirit is manifested, people will have to submit to it. What kind of power was Paul talking about?

First, the power to overcome sin and make sinners repent. Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit comes, "He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." Each time I lead evangelistic meetings, I am always amazed how hearts of people submit to God and repent when God's word is preached. Those who were walking in the darkness or trapped in sin are now turning back to the Lord because of the power of the Gospel. One time when I preached in Africa, I went to a Muslim tribe that was dangerous for us to go and no one has preached there yet. Coworkers nervously told me that the policemen responsible for security didn't show up either, but I told them that I'll preach anyways. While I was preaching, I could feel that the hearts of people were closed and all my words were bounced back. I preached and prayed by faith at the same time, and so did my coworkers. After preaching, I made an altar call by faith, and amazingly more than 50 villagers came forward to accept Jesus as their savior! Hallelujah! God's word and His Kingdom indeed has power to make sinner repent.

Second, the power to overcome death. Jesus came to the world and was nailed to the cross for you and me. He resurrected from death and completely destroyed all the authority of death. Those of us living in the world and fearing death can now overcome it because of Jesus. We also no longer have fear in our daily life because God's Kingdom can deliver us from all fears. When people see God's power manifested, their hearts will turn back to Him!

Pray with Pastor Tong

Lord, I thank you and praise you. You Kingdom is not only words, but also power. We ask that you make us humble so that we may become channels for your Kingdom through which you will release your power. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!