Paul says that the kingdom of God does not consist in talk – it is not “in word” – but in power. As Anthony Thiselton has put it, “Power,” for Paul, “has to do with the effectiveness of the gospel in life.” (373)
That’s why Paul has sent Timothy – “to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.” (4:17). Paul is not requiring anything of the Corinthians beyond what he requires of every church.
Christianity is not a “weekend” religion. The kingdom of God is not just something we talk about in order to make us feel better. The kingdom of God has been established in the cross and resurrection of Jesus. And if Jesus is King, and you are citizens of his kingdom, then your lives should reflect his rule.
Every hour of every day is kingdom time – since your life is to reflect the humility of the cross in the way you interact with others. In your work, in your studies, in your daily life, the way that you work and interact with others is kingdom time as you reflect on what it means to love God and love others around you. Changing dirty diapers and chasing toddlers around the house (or driving teenagers all over Michiana) is kingdom time – as you deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus!
Paul’s way of life – his cross-shaped pattern of humility and suffering for Christ – is to be the pattern for our lives as well.
Discipleship – following Christ – is costly. You can no longer follow your own selfish desires. You must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus.
So what do we do when someone in the community seriously deviates from this pattern?
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