Message Follow Up | Don’t Hate the Messenger: Part 2 – Elijah
By Matt Dawson
Yesterday, I closed with a verse from 1 Corinthians (even though we spent the morning talking about Elijah from the Old Testament) where Paul is talking about visiting the church and confronting some folks who have been leading the church astray, trying to act like leaders, but not following closely to Paul’s instruction.
But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then 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.
1 Corinthians 4:19-20
Tracie brought this verse to my attention a couple weeks ago when in-between our last series on the Holy Spirit and my desire to challenge ourselves to SEEK THE UNDENIABLE in our Message, rather than simply seeking the EXPLAINABLE.
Paul is adamant that anyone truly proclaiming a MESSAGE from God will have evidence of the POWER of God in their lives. Don’t miss this vital distinction. Many people in our circles will try to speak with authority about life but if there is no evidence of the POWER of God in their lives – then it is just a matter of talk!
“Anyone proclaiming a MESSAGE from God will have evidence of the POWER of God in their lives.”Click To Tweet
As I mentioned a few weeks ago in “A Dimly Lit Room” – that power is given to us because God resides in us – it shows up in spiritual gifts and is producing the fruit of the Spirit IN US as we live day by day.
So, you tell me what kind of message has more impact in our lives and the in the lives of those who don’t yet believe in God.
A marriage that is thriving in spite of a past affair OR a Christian arguing what biblical marriage looks like but their own marriage is lifeless.
A person who has packed lunches in their car to hand out to the homeless downtown whenever the opportunity presents itself OR someone talking about how we should have compassion on the less fortunate
An older man who takes time to invest in a younger employee or colleague as an unofficial mentor in life OR that same older man who complains that young men are lazy and have lost the ability to speak with conviction.
A young girl who is dating and intentionally places accountability in her life to help her make wise choices OR a group of girls gossiping about mistakes other girls have made and casting judgement for their outcomes.
The kingdom of God is not MERELY TALK, but evidence of POWER working in and through their lives! I’m all for us studying God’s Word. We should be growing in the knowledge of His Character and getting a better understanding of His Will for our lives.
However, if this does not produce THE POWER OF GOD in us through spiritual gifts that serve others and the fruit of Love, Grace, Patience, and Forgiveness expressing itself through our actions – then we are MERELY TALKING and there is no evidence of POWER!
Let’s stop asking God for the Explainable so we can keep talking… and let’s ask God to do something UNDENIABLE in OUR lives and in the lives of those we are investing in.
What kind of message of HOPE do you REALLY want to share with others? An Explainable one… or an Undeniable one!
What kind of message of HOPE do you want to share? An Explainable one or Undeniable one?!Click To Tweet