“Therefore I urge you to imitate me. That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.

Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you.But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?”

I want to come to you like Paul, in a loving and gentle spirit, to correct the wrongs. We can't have our own Christianity, but we must follow Paul in all the churches.

First, we must follow Christianity according to the Apostle’s doctrine. Paul says, “Imitate me… which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.”

It doesn't matter where you were born or who taught you. It matters that we follow the Son of God through His appointed teachers in word and deed, doctrine and precept. We must never say, "It doesn't matter what the Bible says!"

Let there be a fear of God among us and a holy reverence. Look upon scripture as mandatory.

Secondly, it takes God's power to live for Christ. Paul says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” Doctrine must be indwelling, until pride is humbled, and we realize that all is by grace always. This ends self service and human praise, and we serve Jesus.

Doctrine, however, extends to every area of life, as true power is more than talk. It is the ability to obey with joy and peace. It's real healing from bondage. Christ has obtained this power already [Heb 9:13]. Let us enter by faith. We can do all through Christ who strengthens me. Let us obey.

Thirdly, in dealing with others be patient and gentle. Paul says, “Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?”

We are not cowards, but we teach truth meekly, relying on Christ, not our fleshly exuberance.

Love is VERY IMPORTANT. People say that tone does not matter, but how you say truth glorifies God or shows the flesh. James says, “The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those that make peace.”

Let's remember that, Christ had mercy on us, when we failed. Let's remember His patience towards us - that He didn't cast us away, but patiently made us better, even sending us into long chastisement but never taking away His love.

If we have spiritual power, then we'll correct wrongs as Paul did - humbly and meekly, yet boldly and fearlessly. We'll be empowered by God.