#7 - Talk is Cheap - Confronting Arrogance (1 Corinthians 4:18-21)

In this episode of Navigate The Way, Gabe Langston and Dave Brooks dive into one of the Apostle Paul's most pointed messages from First Corinthians 4:18-21. With a bold challenge to the arrogance brewing in the Corinthian church, Paul pulls no punches—reminding his audience that talk is cheap, and true spiritual authority lies in power, not empty words. But how does Paul balance this confrontation with pastoral care? And what does this mean for the modern church, especially when it comes to influence, power, and the often-overlooked topic of church discipline?

Join us as we explore the depths of Paul’s warning and the implications it holds for anyone grappling with pride, leadership, and the necessity of discipline in the body of Christ. Don’t miss the chance to wrestle with these challenging truths and see how they apply to the life of the church today.

Tune in, share with friends, and as always, submit your favorite Scripture passages for future episodes!

This show is named after Navigate The Way ✝️, a Christian AI assistant for navigating the depths of Scripture and theology with clarity and conviction. This show is named after Navigate The Way ✝️, a Christian AI assistant for navigating the depths of Scripture and theology with clarity and conviction. To check out the tool, visit: https://www.navtheway.com/.

Also, don't forget to follow us on social media 😉:
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566125041701
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/102618283

Transcript

### Gabe Langston: 
G’day, listeners! Welcome back to Navigate The Way, the podcast where we dig deep into Scripture and uncover the timeless truths that guide our faith. I’m Gabe Langston, and I’m thrilled to have you join us for another episode. Before we jump into today’s passage, I’d like to encourage you to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with others who are eager to explore the depths of God’s Word.

Also, I want to thank John Goodwill for providing the scriptural fuel to power this episode. John suggested today’s passage, and we’re grateful for his contribution. If you’d like to be part of the conversation, we encourage you to submit your own candidate Scripture verses or passages that could be the focal point for future episodes. We’d love to hear from you!

Now, today’s passage is one that brings a strong, even confrontational, tone from the Apostle Paul: First Corinthians chapter 4, verses 18 through 21. In this section, Paul addresses the arrogance of some in the Corinthian church, issuing a sharp warning about his upcoming visit. But it’s not just the warning that we’ll focus on; there’s something deeply pastoral and even Christ-centered in how Paul handles this issue of spiritual authority and correction. Before I get ahead of myself, let me go ahead and read the passage for us from First Corinthians chapter 4, verses 18 through 21:

“Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?”

It’s a weighty passage, no doubt. So, Dave, to kick things off, what stands out to you in these verses?

### Dave Brooks: 
Thanks for asking, Gabe. I’m Dave Brooks, and I’m eager to dive into this passage with you. What strikes me right away is the way Paul contrasts two very different modes of interaction: arrogance versus power. He’s addressing a serious issue within the Corinthian church, where certain individuals had become puffed up, likely questioning Paul’s authority or assuming that because he hadn’t visited in a while, they could operate without his input. The phrase “as though I were not coming to you” reveals that these arrogant people were living as if Paul—and by extension, his apostolic authority—was irrelevant.

But what really hits hard is Paul’s focus on power over words. He doesn’t care about their lofty talk, their eloquence, or their self-assured speeches. He cares about real spiritual power. And this distinction is so relevant for today. We live in an age where talk is cheap, especially in a digital world where anyone can say anything and claim to have spiritual authority. But Paul brings the Corinthians back to the truth that God’s kingdom is about power—not worldly influence, but the power of transformed lives and the work of the Holy Spirit.

### Gabe Langston: 
That’s right, Dave. Paul’s emphasis on power over talk is so significant, especially considering the context. The Corinthian church was known for its divisions and infatuation with human wisdom and eloquence, as is evident in First Corinthians chapter 1, verses 10 through 12. The church was drawn to these things, likely because of the influence of the surrounding Greek culture, which prized rhetoric and philosophical debate. But Paul cuts right through that with a reminder of what truly matters in the kingdom of God.

It’s worth noting that when Paul talks about “power” here, he’s not talking about miracles, at least not exclusively. This is about the power of the gospel to change lives, the power of God’s Spirit at work within the church, and the power of true spiritual authority. Paul himself exemplified this power through his humble service, his suffering for the gospel, and his unwavering commitment to Christ.

But there’s also something pastoral in Paul’s words, isn’t there? He’s stern, yes, but he’s not being authoritarian for the sake of it. He’s genuinely concerned for their spiritual health. His question, “Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?” is revealing. It shows that he would much prefer to come in gentleness, but he won’t shy away from using discipline if necessary. How do you see that dynamic playing out, Dave?

### Dave Brooks: 
You’ve nailed it, Gabe. Paul is certainly prepared to use discipline if needed, but that’s not his first desire. What I appreciate about Paul here is how his approach reflects the character of a good shepherd. He understands that discipline is sometimes necessary to correct and protect the flock, but he would much rather bring them to repentance and growth through gentleness and love. There’s a balance here between authority and affection, between correction and care.

And this balance points us directly to a Christocentric perspective, doesn’t it? Paul is embodying the same kind of leadership we see in Jesus Himself. In Matthew chapter 11, verses 28 through 30, Jesus invites the weary to come to Him, describing Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart.” Yet, we also know that Jesus didn’t shy away from confronting hypocrisy and sin when necessary, especially among the religious leaders. Paul, in this passage, is walking in the footsteps of Christ, offering both the rod and the spirit of gentleness, depending on what the situation demands.

I think this also ties into the broader canonical context. Throughout Scripture, we see this dynamic in how God deals with His people. There are times when God brings discipline—think of Israel’s exile as a prime example—but His ultimate aim is always restoration and repentance. Paul is working within this same redemptive framework. His authority is not self-serving; it’s for the good of the church, to bring them back into alignment with God’s purposes.

### Gabe Langston: 
Exactly, Dave. And this theme of authority for the sake of restoration brings us to an important theological point. The concept of church discipline, which Paul alludes to here, is not about punishment for punishment’s sake. It’s about correction that leads to growth and healing. In fact, if we jump forward a bit, we see Paul address this issue more directly in First Corinthians chapter 5, where he talks about disciplining a member of the church caught in serious sin. But even there, the goal is repentance and restoration.

The Westminster Confession of Faith captures this well when it speaks of the church’s authority to administer discipline. It’s always for the purpose of building up the body of Christ, never for tearing it down. Paul’s willingness to confront the arrogance in the Corinthian church is an act of love, even if it’s tough love. He knows that allowing this arrogance to fester would be far more destructive in the long run than addressing it head-on.

From a pastoral care perspective, this passage offers a model for how we, as the church, should approach discipline today. We can’t ignore sin or arrogance within the body of Christ, but neither should we be quick to wield the rod. There’s a time for discipline, yes, but there’s also a time for gentleness, and we must discern which is appropriate in each situation.

### Dave Brooks: 
And that’s where spiritual discernment comes into play. What I love about Paul’s approach is that he’s clearly listening to the Lord. He says, “I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills.” Paul isn’t charging in with his own agenda; he’s operating under the authority and guidance of Christ. That’s something we can easily overlook, but it’s crucial. Spiritual leadership, whether in the local church or in broader ministry contexts, must be rooted in a dependence on God’s will and His timing.

This brings us to another layer of application for today’s church. How often do we find ourselves reacting impulsively, either in confrontation or avoidance? Paul models a more measured approach—he’s willing to confront the arrogance, but he does so in a way that leaves space for God to work in His timing. He’s firm, but he’s not rash.

From a contemporary cultural perspective, this passage also speaks to the dangers of pride and arrogance in the church. We live in a time when image, influence, and authority can be easily conflated with true spiritual power. Social media platforms and public recognition can give the illusion of authority, but as Paul says, the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. The real test of leadership and spiritual authority isn’t how eloquent or influential someone is; it’s whether their ministry is marked by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is a timely word for our generation, where so much value is placed on outward appearance and social standing.

### Gabe Langston: 
Spot on, Dave. And this brings us to one final angle to consider—the apologetic context. Paul’s words here are a direct challenge to any false or superficial sense of authority. In the same way that Paul was dealing with false teachers or leaders within the Corinthian church, we face similar challenges today. Whether it’s individuals claiming spiritual authority based on their following or influence, or entire movements that prioritize charisma over character, this passage calls us to measure everything by the standard of true spiritual power. That power, as Paul would remind us, is rooted in the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, not in human ability or persuasion.

We need to be bold, like Paul, in confronting these issues when they arise in our churches and communities. But at the same time, we need to do so with the spirit of gentleness and love that Paul exemplifies. This is an opportunity for the church to stand out in a world that often confuses influence with power. True spiritual authority doesn’t come from eloquence or charisma; it comes from a life that is yielded to Christ and empowered by His Spirit.

### Dave Brooks: 
Exactly, Gabe. And as we wrap up this episode, I think it’s important for our listeners to reflect on how this passage might apply to their own lives and their churches. Are we guilty of prioritizing talk over power? Have we allowed arrogance or pride to creep into our hearts? Are we living as though spiritual authority is something we can achieve through our own efforts, or are we humbly submitting to the true power of God at work in us?

This passage challenges all of us to examine our hearts and to align ourselves with the humility and power of Christ. So, listeners, I encourage you to take some time this week to meditate on this passage and ask the Lord to reveal any areas where you might need correction or growth. Remember, Paul’s goal wasn’t just to confront but to restore. That’s the heart of this call to action.

And with that, be sure to like and subscribe to the podcast so you won’t miss any future episodes. This show is named after Navigate The Way ✝️, a Christian AI assistant for navigating the depths of Scripture and theology with clarity and conviction. The personas for both Gabe and I, as well as the content of this episode, were all AI-generated using Navigate The Way ✝️. A special thanks to ElevenLabs for our AI-generated voices.