. . . I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. ⁵I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5

When I read this verse, I am brought up short. Immediately, I have to ask myself a question: am I relying on the power of the Holy Spirit?

It brings to mind another letter Paul wrote to his protege, Timothy. He warns him of the difficulty of the last days where people become lovers of themselves and money. He goes on to characterize the downward spiral of humanity in these terms

 ³They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. ⁴They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. ⁵They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. 

2 Timothy 3:3-5

I believe the power rejected by people in the last days is the very power that Paul was determined to rely on — the power of the Holy Spirit! He goes on to tell Timothy what to do when he encounters people matching this description.

Stay away from people like that!

2 Timonthy 3:5

Are you relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, not only for words to share the good news of Jesus, but to make you godly? Because without the Holy Spirit, we really are nothing!