1 Corinthians 4:20

For the Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk; it is living by God's power.

In the beginning of this chapter, Paul warns the people of Corinth not to judge other people's faith, not to brag about their 'leader', and not to boast about themselves. These warnings are pointing to the focus of the people of Corinth. The people are looking outwardly, at other people, and also boasting about themselves to others! But Paul brings these people down to earth. He describes his personal experience of being a dedicated follower of Christ in verses 10 - 13.

Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you are so wise! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are well thought of, but we are laughed at. To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, without enough clothes to keep us warm. We have endured many beatings, and we have no homes of our own. We have worked wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. We respond gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we are treated like the world's garbage, like everybody's trash--right up to the present moment.

In the real world, being a dedicated follower of Christ isn't all that good. They look like fools, they are weak, laughed at, they hunger and thirst... and so many other things! But we always have to remember why we are enduring all this suffering. Paul says he is warning the dedicated followers by recounting his experience, of what is to come for them. Also with the warning, Paul looks forward to the future kingdom of God, and reminds us of God's eternal plan. The dedicated followers of Christ, who are part of the Kingdom of God, must LIVE by God's power.... not just say they are followers, but don't act it. Maybe you will endure some pain or suffering from the world, but you must remember that you are not of the world, you are part of God's Kingdom, and you must act and live like part of God's Kingdom.