1 Corinthians 4:18-21, "Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?"
Some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you: Some Corinthian Christians were so arrogant as to think that Paul was afraid to visit them. When they thought Paul was afraid of them, it made them all the more proud in their hearts.
Not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power: Those among the Corinthian Christians who loved high sounding words and the image of success had their words, but Paul had the true power of the gospel. The final test of wisdom is power; the Word of the Cross not only has the power to mentally illumine, but also to morally save.
Essentially, Paul threatens to pop the bubble of these puffed up gas-bags.
What do you want? Paul leaves the ball in their court. Which Paul did they want to come? The Paul with the rod of correction (used by shepherds to smack disobedient sheep), or the Paul with the spirit of gentleness? There is no doubt Paul would prefer to come in gentleness, but he'll leave that decision up to the Corinthians!
Paul is facing some of the real challenges of ministry; how to confront sin without being too harsh, or implying that you are above sin; how to get people to conform their lives to the gospel when they think too highly of themselves. This is tough work in a heart to do, and only a great work by the Holy Spirit can accomplish it!
Dear God, may I rest in Your Spirit and trust in Your Power rather than anything I can create.
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