For the kingdom of God

“For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power” (1 Corinthians 4:20)

“For the kingdom of God…”

The kingdom of God, the rule and reign of Christ our Lord. Not restricted to a place, domain or territory, but rather Christ’s authority and Lordship over all space, time, matter, all things visible and invisible, over all principalities and powers.

“…is not in word..”

“He says that this kingdom does not consist in word, for how small an affair is it for any one to have skill to prate eloquently, while he has nothing but empty tinkling” (John Calvin).

The Apostle Paul made it quite clear that he was not an eloquent or refined speaker when he said, “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4)

Paul possessed no particular oratory skills. He knew the reason for the great impact of his words was due to the power within them. That power being the Holy Ghost.

 “…but in power”

Power, the cause to the effect. The force of the miracle within the word. It is the essence of the Christ and the kingdom of God. This power can manifest in many ways, materially and spiritually.

The Greek word for power is transliterated “dynamis”. It is the root word for dynamo, dynamite and dynamic. This “Power” is the dynamic and intrinsic essence of the Holy Ghost.

Bill Hitchcock