1 Corinthians 4:16-21

16So I urge you, be imitators of me [just as a child imitates his father].

17For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my way of life in Christ [my conduct and my precepts for godly living], just as I teach everywhere in every church.

18Now some of you have become arrogant and pretentious, as though I were not coming to see you.

19But I will come to you soon, if the Lord is willing, and I will find out not just the talk of these arrogant people, but [evaluate] their [spiritual] power [whether they live up to their own claims].

20For the kingdom of God is not based on talk but on power.

21Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod [of discipline and correction], or with love and a gentle spirit?