105. Kingdom in Power
1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
The kingdom of God is not just in words, just saying the right things, but the Kingdom of God is in power; it is real and present. The power is in the Word of God when it is believed and received by faith. When the Word is mixed with faith there is power. Something really happens: sin is forgiven; salvation is assured; eternal life is received; Christ lives in us; and much morm, it actually works. The word, however, is not our word; the kingdom of God does not come by our own words or works. A human’s own words do not make it happen; only God’ Word does.
A man cannot just say, “Lord, Lord.” But Jesus may say, “I never knew you.” Faith, engendered by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel, is required: this faith actually produces works; this faith really changes lives. This is power. The Kingdom is not some theoretical construct nor is it just an idea. It is a real thing. This is power.
The Kingdom of God is in power. The Kingdom is not a matter of outward behavior without an inward change. Rites and rituals and religious correctness will not do it. Power, spiritual power, does it. “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” [Romans 14:17] The power of the Kingdom is righteousness and peace and joy. These are invisible, inward traits that visibly affect the outside world. The Kingdom within is the living and working Spirit of God that positively influences the body and the soul, which, in turn, makes a difference on the world around us.
Righteousness is declared and imputed in the spirit, who then affects the outward life to slowly conform to the inward reality. Peace is the power that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus; His peace is not as the world gives, but it is genuine, deep, abiding and effective. It is the peace that passes understanding. Joy is strength; “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” [Nehemiah 8:10] When we can be joyful, and peaceful, in the midst of negative circumstances there is power. We need this promise so that faith can see the unseen power.