Paul’s Greatest Flex

Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. 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 realm of God is not a matter of talk but of power. – 1 Corinthians 4:18-20 (NIV) 

What Paul is doing here could be referred to as a “flex.” He is writing to a group of people divided into camps by thorny theological matters, and he says in no uncertain terms that he is going to win the day. That’s a flex. 

The reason Paul is so confident comes down to power. Specifically, the power to work miracles. Paul has healed the sick, delivered the possessed, made a path back to life even at death’s door. If you want to know who is following God in a crowded room of contentious voices, Paul says to look for those binding up wounds and healing the broken.  

American Christians can get loud in our publicly waged culture wars. From positions of privilege and comfort, Christians nationwide take up these matters for debate: The dignity and worth of LGBTQ+ people, the lived experience of Black people throughout American history, who “deserves” health care and residential sanctuary and a non-toxic environment.  

But in fact, such matters are not social debate fodder. They are life and death.   

Remember Paul’s greatest flex. If you want to know who is right in a theological debate, look for those healing the wounded and welcoming back the outcast. That is divine power. The realm of God is not a matter of talk but of power.   

Prayer
God, may the needs of the vulnerable always be at the center of the Church’s witness.

About the Author
Rev. John Edgerton is Senior Minister and CEO of Old South Church in Boston. He is the 21st Senior minister in the congregation’s over 350 year history.