“For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church. Now some have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant but their power. For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power. What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?”

Truth conveyed in the founding stories of Christianity—that is what the NT epistles, or letters, are all about. Written in the context of the real life of first-century believers, Paul’s letters naturally contain biographical elements that set the stage for teaching truth and doctrine. Indeed, our challenge today is to take Paul’s teachings at a specific time in history to a specific group of people concerning specific issues, and apply that teaching today to differing groups wrestling with sometimes different issues.

If we imitate Paul, then sometimes we must deal with issues in person, not just in writing. Accountability must accompany face-to-face interactions. Second, we note, Paul usually had a team working with him. In this case Timothy and Sosthenes (1 Cor. 1:1) were involved, the latter co-authoring this letter and the former being sent as Paul’s representative to prepare them for Paul’s coming visit. Clearly, he will come to face the conflict head on, and in particular, those forceful individuals trying to control things in a way that was contrary to sound teaching and the Holy Spirit’s work.

Third, we see the distinction between words and power. Fancy words may control people, but they do not change people. Paul’s background as a Pharisee and religious scholar would remind him of the eloquent but impotent oratory common among the ruling religious class. Does this not compare today to the clamor for PhDs in the pulpit? No longer is a man simply a servant; he must have a title, “Pastor,” and with it, ultimate control over the church. As the church grows, the title changes to “Senior Pastor.” Added accolades flow to the one who can append a doctoral degree to his name. But does it make him more useful for the real transformation God desires in Christians? Interesting stories and persuasive and well-crafted sermons may enthrall listeners, but only the power of the Holy Spirit will change lives. And that is what Paul wants to see.

So Paul puts it to them, it’s their choice. Like running with the wind, they can respond humbly to Paul’s writings and experience his love and gentleness, or ride against him and experience his “rod,” that is, his harsh rebuke.

Lord, help me to respond humbly to the admonition of others who love me.