Some of you have become conceited and arrogant and pretentious, counting on my not coming to you. But I will come to you [and] shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will perceive and understand not what the talk of these puffed up and arrogant spirits amount to, but their force (the moral power and excellence of soul they really possess). For the kingdom of God consists of and is based on not talk but power (moral power and excellence of soul). Now which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of correction, or with love and in a spirit of gentleness?
1st Corinthians 4:18-21 The Amplified Bible
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. They've become quite the banty roosters - all caught up in factions and political parties and whose got what and how much of it he's got and he said-she said-they said. We've got these spiritual gifts - more than you have, etc. And thinking they're getting away with all of it. Say what they want. Act however they feel. Appointing themselves as leaders, answerable to no one for their action. You're not the boss of me... Huffing and puffing, talking it, but definitely not walking it.
The New Testament Church body. The first century church...And here we are - the TWENTY-first century church, and we can hear the same words of warning come out of the mouth of true Christian leadership in regard to Christ's return. There sure is a lot of huffing and puffing going on! And they don't want to hear the Truth and will be the first to tell you so.
Paul wrote later, in 2nd TImothy 4:2-5, to encourage Timothy and every church leader since then. Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching. For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions. As for you, be calm and cool and steady, accept and suffer unflinchingly every hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully perform all the duties of your ministry.
In other words, just because they're huffing and puffing, doesn't mean we're grieving and leaving. Scripture tells us that unless the Lord builds the house, we labor in vain. So if Christ is our foundation, our chief cornerstone, our home is secure. Huff and puff all you want - we're not moved.
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for a firm foundation and steadfast soul to serve You. Help us to lean on You and not on our own understanding in these last days. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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