1 Corinthians 4:14-21

14I’m not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children.

15For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

16Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

17This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church.

18Now some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.

19But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk, but the power of those who are arrogant.

20For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

21What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?