Not in Word, But in Power
by: Gary J. Palmer
January 7, 2026
“This, then is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. ”
Some of the most important and useful insights in Scripture are found in this chapter and until now, I have missed them. God has given each one of us a stewardship that we must answer for one day. In verse 2 Paul writes, "Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful." That is, we must exercise great care to get the most out of what God has committed to us.
This trust is not something that we sit on; it requires our attention and demands our action. Why? So that like Paul and the Christians at Corinth whom he was addressing, we will be seen and understood to be “… servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”
This is a serious responsibility. Note that Paul writes of his own responsibilities in the context of a parent, a father, who is to lead his children, not just with words of instruction, but with his lifestyle. Thus, Paul urged the Corinthian Christians to imitate him, to follow his example.
We can talk about what we believe all we want, but what we do, how we live, how we handle things—good or bad—reveals who we really are and what we really believe. It is through our daily lives that we establish the credibility of our character and our faith.
That is what I believe Paul was trying to tell us in verse 20. He wrote, "For the Kingdom of God is not in word but in power." The power of living out what you say you believe, the power of setting an example that others can follow. No doubt we will all have our failures, but in the sum of our lives let it be said of us that our lives matched our words and reflected our faith. Let it be said of us that we are servants of Jesus Christ and faithful stewards of the mysteries of God.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
We ask that You continue to help us learn how to be good stewards of all You have entrusted to us as servants of Christ. Please help us to daily look to You, Holy Spirit, for guidance and wisdom to establish the credibility of our character and our faith for Your plans and purposes on earth as it is in Heaven, for Your glory and Your glory alone. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Worship: How Deep The Father’s Love For Us
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Some of the most important and useful insights in Scripture are found in this chapter and until now, I have missed them. God has given each one of us a stewardship that we must answer for one day. In verse 2 Paul writes, "Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful." That is, we must exercise great care to get the most out of what God has committed to us.