Paul wrote a long letter to church members in Corinth, addressing their slide into religiosity and immorality. Members spoke arrogantly to one another, proud of their ways. Paul called them to the carpet, speaking as a father to wayward adolescents:

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 kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Many in Corinth talked too much and instead of the Living God, they worshipped a placebo, a saccharine god, rough edges sanded and polished.

Placebo worship focuses on self. The placebo worshipper believes that God primarily wants them to be happy, so avoids any complications getting in the way. The placebo allows for most any lifestyle, as long as it feels good. Selective readings from the Bible proof text the experience. Placebo worshippers drift along, fingering their handmade god.

Fortunately, the kingdom of God supersedes such drivel. The raw God of the Scriptures brings power, the Holy Spirit indwelling those who follow him. One who follows the Lord doesn’t drift, but climbs aboard to endure storms and raging seas. The living God isn’t about my happiness, but rather my holiness.

Worship the Lord in all his power and glory, humbly wrestling with the full breadth of the Scriptures. Move beyond talk into the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 4 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Michał Parzuchowski