Consistency: Matching Lips with Life

Consistency—making sure that what we say matches how we live.  There is perhaps no better statement on this point in Scripture than when Paul uses a hapax legomena—a word utilized but once in the New Testament.  In 1 Corinthians 2:4 Paul argues that what people see in him is the same as what they hear from him.

“Demonstration” (NIV, NASB) is the Greek word apodeixis.  Philosophers of the day used the word to show proofs through rhetorical argumentation.[1] In contrast to persuasive techniques of the day, Paul declares it is The Spirit’s operation through him that attracts hearers.  “To show” (deixis) means the genuine article, clearly and without question, the exact source, much as Jesus’ mission was shown by miracles (Acts 2:22).[2] Public, not private, display is the key idea (1 Cor 4:9).[3]

Paul emphasizes with two separate, similar words (“message” and “speech”) that reasoned argument is not enough (cf. Acts 18:4).  Skillful or clever words from educated classes are not the basis for Paul’s wisdom (cf. 1 Cor 1:18-25).  Gullible people might be swayed by “fine sounding arguments” (Col 2:4).  But a veneer of intelligence while making people sound erudite is “thin thinking” to those who know.[4]

As Moffatt translated the phrase “the proof [is] supplied by the Spirit.”  In no way is there a naturalistic emphasis as a scientist might show physical proof of some experiment.  Rather, for the Christian, seeing The Spirit’s work in someone else is what Paul contends should be self-evident, obvious to all.[5] What sounds good, should also look good.

Truth should be the uniform of our lifestyle.  While “it is not good to have zeal without knowledge” (Prov 19:2) it is also wrong to be out of “step with The Spirit” (Gal 5:25).  “Our competence comes from God” (2 Co 3:5; 4:7) since “God’s testimony is greater” “because The Spirit is the truth” (1 John 5:6-9).  Consistency happens when lips and life become one.

Mark’s inconsistency is the reason he wrote on his need for consistency.


[1] Thayer’s Greek Lexicon

[2] Loux and Nida, Greek-English Lexicon Based on Semantic Domain.  United Bible Societies.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament.  Broadman, 1985.

[5] While this is true for believers, pagan people rejected such notions as “nonsense” (1 Co 1:23) and evidence of a drunken stupor (cf. Acts 2:13).  So while Paul would never reject clear thinking or reasoned argumentation in debate as important (cf. Acts 17:2-3) his point here is simply his person must correspond with his persuasion.

3 comments

  1. Dr E–thanks for this post. It resonates with me as I continually try to advance corporate consistency here in the office, whether it be PTO policies & enforcement or in the treatment of staff. As I strive to align my actions & words as well as model the Biblical truth to my colleagues and our clients the push back an criticism is humorous at times. Thanks for the encouraging insight and for helping me to continue to delve below “thin thinking”. I miss our interation & the flavorful discourse. Thanks for disrrupting my day with an opportunity to selah. God bless you my friend.

    1. Kevin, YOU are the tip-of-the-spear, taking biblical principles into your vocational pursuits, reforming thought processes and procedures. I’m pleased that the writing here is helpful; just view me as your “supply line.” Know of my support. The teaching-learning process continues through life, as does friendship. Know of my admiration and care. Peace to your house.

  2. Thanks for the insight, I have never read that deeply into this text so far but can see it in my life. Sometimes homeless people where I work know more scripture than me so i really got to show it rather than argue it. Showing them I know it in my heart, which is God making the difference not my words.

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