I Corinthians 4:19,20 “But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.”
Paul cared much for the Corinthian church, but it was a problem church. They caused him grief because they were not very spiritual. The people had gotten puffed up (proud) about their spiritual gifts and divided as to who they should follow.
In the text verse, Paul was warning them that he did not care for what they thought or said of themselves, he wanted to see that they had the power of God in their life and work for God. That was all that really mattered – mere talk did not count.
The Bible clearly teaches that a Christian should be different after they get saved. There is a new power present in their life – the Holy Spirit – and there should be spiritual fruit (evidence or proof).
The power of God will be manifested in several ways. First, the believer will desire the things of God – reading the Bible, going to church, praying, and living a holy life. They will crave victory over sin, and they will want to tell others about their new salvation.
When these things are absent, there is reason to doubt that person’s salvation. Paul’s question about the Corinthians was correct: Where is the power of God in your life?
Worldly Christians have no power. Thank, God, though, it can be restored. Turning from worldly ways and confessing it restores the fellowship with God. Once that happens, the power of God on your life may return if you surrender to his will. Are you willing? Is it worth it to you to have power with God again?