Category: God’s Kingdom

1 Corinthians 4:20 (NKJV) 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

Sometimes, the meaning of simple verses, like the one above, can get lost in certain translations.

The way we speak has changed over time, so translations from past centuries or decades might not carry well today.

With 1 Corinthians 4:20 above, we may not fully understand what was being said due to the way it was translated.

As we have mentioned in past devotionals, sometimes it is good to compare translations to get a clearer picture of what is being said. In doing so, we gain a stronger understanding.

So, let us look at various translations today to piece together what is being said in 1 Corinthians 4:20.

The New Living Translation states it this way:

1 Corinthians 4:20 (NLT) 20 For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.

The Amplified Bible, Classic Edition says this:

1 Corinthians 4:20 (AMPC) 20 For the kingdom of God consists of and is based on not talk but power (moral power and excellence of soul).

And the Common English Bible states this:

1 Corinthians 4:20 (CEB) 20 God’s kingdom isn’t about words but about power.

As we compare these translations, we can see the pieces of the puzzle begin to come together, giving us a clearer understanding.

The kingdom of God is not about (built or based on) words (spoken or written).

It is built on power; the power of God.

It is this incredible foundation (the power and sovereignty of God) that guarantees the kingdom of God will never fail.

Ultimate victory is guaranteed against the powers of darkness.

So it should also be in the lives of believers. We should never believe that we were created to live impotent lives of weakness and failure.

The power of God gives us victory if we choose to follow Him and the path He lays out before us.

Will that victory always look the way we want it to or believe it should be?

No, it won’t. God’s ways are higher than our ways. And His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

But know this. As we learn of Him, and grow in Him, our understanding of Him will grow, allowing us to no longer see only through our human eyes, but through eyes powered by the Holy Spirit.

And it is in this that we will find our victory, as we learn that the kingdom of God is not just about words, but about power.

We hope this will strengthen your faith and trust in God, and it has shown you the importance and value of comparing various translations to gain understanding.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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