KNOW THE POWER THAT WORKS IN US
The word translated power in the New Testament comes from one of two Greek words: dunamas meaning inherent might or ability residing in a person or thing by virtue of its nature; the other word is exousia meaning authority over a thing or person as in having rule over or governing power to manage or control, or permission granted or delegated by the grantor.
If you are a born-again child of God though the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, having acknowledged your sin and accepted His payment for the penalty of your sins on the cross, and believing in His resurrection, then you are a qualified child of God who is privileged to use His name to fight and defeat the devil and his tactics.
The importance of this fact is because Satan is the root source of all conflict, especially what lays ahead in these last days prior to Christ’s return. He is the instigator and motivator of all forces, human and demonic, that seek to oppose and oppress true Christians.
Ephesians 6:11-12 – Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
We can actively resist and be victorious of all the wiles of the enemy by using the weapons of warfare that the Lord provided for us. These are defensive and offensive weapons as listed:
Ephesians 6:14-17 – Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Each piece of protective armor is based on specific use and application of God’s Word. These are “spiritual” weapons that are used by “faith”, trusting in the One who issued them to us. These weapons operate in the spirit realm which effect changes in the physical or natural realm.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 – For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Jesus said that He, Himself, gives us these weapons and power:
Luke 10:19 – Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Jesus instructs us to go about in this world with His power and authority, to do His works as His servants. He therefore equips us to do so.
Matthew 28:18-19 – And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, …
Acts 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
The word power used in Mathew 28:18 is translated from exousia which literally means “authority”. Jesus has ALL the authority there is, both in heaven and on earth; and He gives it to us to represent Him! This means that Satan and those under his influence HAVE NO AUTHORITY at all to do the things they do. This also means we need to exercise the authority given to us and put it to use against the enemy. Remember that the enemy is a liar and the father of liars.
John 8: 44 - Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
This means they falsely represent themselves as being in power and having control to do their evil works. When lies are believed and submitted to, the result is bondage and control by those lying sources, be they men, governments or evil spirits.
Consider for what purpose Jesus gave us His authority….”to tread on serpents and scorpions” which represents Satan’s evil minions. This means that our Lord Jesus Christ expects us to defeat all the devil’s influences; his efforts should be under our feet and not on top of us oppressing us as is happening all too much of the time. Obviously many Christians have not learned to do this. This shows a lack of too many Christians in knowing God’s provision stated in His Word. It’s time to learn quickly!
Hosea 4:6 – My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge,
Who are those that we are given power and authority to tread on?
Ephesians 6:12 – For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
The Lord’s authority also provides us the utmost in protection, IF we know how to use it. Remember that in Luke 10:19 He said, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. By saying, “any means”, Jesus is telling us that there is nothing the enemy can employ, whether spiritual or physical, that can hurt us. Unfortunately, this is a truth from God’s Word that most Christians do not adhere to, so thus they become victims of the “wiles of the enemy”. They lack vigilance in recognizing what is caused by the enemy and proper application of God’s Word to repel such afflictions.
1 Peter 5:8-9 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world
Now you may ask, how do we use His authority and power against the wiles of the devil? Jesus tells us how, but too many believers are ignorant of it or reject it. It’s the power that is in His blood, to cleanse and protect spiritually those who are under it; it is the authority of His name that He instructed us to use; and it is the power of His Holy Spirit that equips us to represent Him, being His witnesses and giving testimony of Him. The use of the power of the blood was demonstrated in Egypt when the Israelites applied the lamb’s (Passover) blood to their door posts. This provides a spiritual principle with physical protection in obedience to God’s command. The blood of Jesus, God’s Lamb, is our protection today that also gives us the privilege of using His name and His Word.
How do you use the authority of His name?
Mark 16:17-18 – And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
You use the authority of His name in prayers of faith; in making demands on His promises by speaking HIS Word to the enemy or to your situation; and by acting on His Word by faith.
John 14:12-14 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
John 16:23-26 – And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:
How are is this authority applied, and how are the spiritual weapons and armor used? BY HIS NAME in which ALL authority is! Speak God’s Word to the situation and do it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It’s like having a divine checking account to use for His purposes; only, instead of signing your name to the check, you have been given the privilege of signing HIS name to it. Your name isn’t worth anything on these checks, but HIS name is the power behind the heavenly account.
In dealing with the enemy and his tactics, there is something that is most important to remember; THREATS DON’T HURT YOU! Threats are used by the enemy to generate fear. Fear makes you back away from your position. In our spiritual battles we are instructed NOT to back away and yield up our ground; we are instructed to STAND!
Ephesians 6:13-14 – Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore,…
One of the enemy’s most frequently used tactics against Christians is FEAR. Once a believer is given in to fear, he yields up his will to fight and fails to use his God-given defensive and offensive weapons. The enemy then has conquered and gained that person’s ground. Another weapon of the enemy is discouragement; this is a process of wearing down the saints to get them to quit fighting and resisting. How do you resist such tactics of the enemy?
James 4:7-8 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded
“But I’m scared” you may say. This is where you must be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Ephesians 6:10 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
This requires that you fully trust in God and His Word and know HIS LOVE for you.
1 John 4:18 – There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Notice that the Word of God provides our defense; it is the armor of God. This is why it is so important to know God’s Word and promises. So how do you use God’s Word to tread on serpent and scorpions and over all the power (ability) of the enemy? Speak it out loud; it must be spoken, just as God spoke it and made things happen and created all things. Speak it to the enemy just as Jesus did when the devil tempted him in the wilderness.
Luke 4:4 – And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Romans 10:8 – But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Mark 11:23-24 – For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Speak it to your situation or to the enemy’s attacks or threats against you. Do not fear, do not yield, and do not accept the lies of the enemy. Speak God’s Word – God’s Word is Truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8 32 - And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free
Now in order to help you to stand and to fight when you are under attack, or facing dire circumstances, you need to know what you, as a true Christian, have got on your side. You must know what resources you have available to you to use to help you STAND.
Romans 8:31-32 – What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered
Revelation 12: 11 - And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
The Lord did not give us this power, (ability and authority), just to protect us from the enemy; nor did He give it for us to use for our own profit or to put on shows as some have done. HE gave us HIS power to act in HIS stead and to continue doing the works that HE initiated. His command is for us to GO and DO under His authority and with His ability.
Matthew 28:18-20 – And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
John 8:12 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
This is why the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is required; it is to equip us with His divine abilities to properly represent Him on earth, testifying of His grace, mercy and power.
Acts 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 – And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Most churches neglect this provision of the Lord, in fact many even deny that it exists today. As a result the church has lost its ability to change the world as the early church did. Unfortunately some of those who embrace the Baptism in the Holy Spirit have not studied to show themselves approved and end believing and doing things that are wrong; they have been deceived by the enemy, and usually due to selfish, fleshly lusts:
2 Timothy 2:15 – Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Such people end up accepting the deceptions of the enemy by false teachers, prophets and preachers. The enemy encourages such to covertly operate within the church because he greatly fears Christians having the power of God in their lives. One of the signs of the end times is a church that denies to power of God; the power to change lives from sin to righteousness and the power to effect change in the world.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 – This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Note: where do you find a “form” of godliness? …. certainly not in the world. Paul is identifying conditions and behavior in much of the church in the last days which is the result of soulish, fleshly ministers who do not abide in TRUTH. (Ouch!)
It has been an obvious fact that those who are led by the Spirit of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit accomplish much more than believers who have to resort to their own abilities and limited knowledge. Some of what the Holy Spirit empowers believers with is listed as follows:
1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 – Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
This power is freely available to all true believers, but it must be believed, accepted and operated on in faith and obedience to Him.
Ephesians 3:20 – Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
2 Corinthians 4:7 – But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Having His power in us does mean we walk around bristling with this awesomeness of ability. This power is His and it comes into play as we submit ourselves to Him and minister as His servants to others. When we, acting on His part, seek to minister to someone in need, then His power in us begins to manifest by His Spirit working in and through us to touch the life of that person. As we act in love for another then we become a channel of God’s love to show Himself mighty to that person. Then the power, or Gift of the Spirit, begins to come forth to touch that person. When it does it is imperative that all the honor and glory goes to Him who gave it to us.
Finally it is important not to trust in your own understanding of things because your own understanding is so limited that it will prevent you from moving in the power of God. You are to look to Him whose love for you, and those you minister to, is perfect.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
In these end times, perilous though they may be, we are still to be His witnesses to all the world and carry forth the light of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, Son of God as savior and Lord at all times, regardless of circumstances, wars, crimes and godless leaders in world governments. We have His power to GO and DO what He commanded us.
The word translated power in the New Testament comes from one of two Greek words: dunamas meaning inherent might or ability residing in a person or thing by virtue of its nature; the other word is exousia meaning authority over a thing or person as in having rule over or governing power to manage or control, or permission granted or delegated by the grantor.
If you are a born-again child of God though the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, having acknowledged your sin and accepted His payment for the penalty of your sins on the cross, and believing in His resurrection, then you are a qualified child of God who is privileged to use His name to fight and defeat the devil and his tactics.
The importance of this fact is because Satan is the root source of all conflict, especially what lays ahead in these last days prior to Christ’s return. He is the instigator and motivator of all forces, human and demonic, that seek to oppose and oppress true Christians.
Ephesians 6:11-12 – Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
We can actively resist and be victorious of all the wiles of the enemy by using the weapons of warfare that the Lord provided for us. These are defensive and offensive weapons as listed:
Ephesians 6:14-17 – Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Each piece of protective armor is based on specific use and application of God’s Word. These are “spiritual” weapons that are used by “faith”, trusting in the One who issued them to us. These weapons operate in the spirit realm which effect changes in the physical or natural realm.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 – For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Jesus said that He, Himself, gives us these weapons and power:
Luke 10:19 – Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Jesus instructs us to go about in this world with His power and authority, to do His works as His servants. He therefore equips us to do so.
Matthew 28:18-19 – And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, …
Acts 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
The word power used in Mathew 28:18 is translated from exousia which literally means “authority”. Jesus has ALL the authority there is, both in heaven and on earth; and He gives it to us to represent Him! This means that Satan and those under his influence HAVE NO AUTHORITY at all to do the things they do. This also means we need to exercise the authority given to us and put it to use against the enemy. Remember that the enemy is a liar and the father of liars.
John 8: 44 - Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
This means they falsely represent themselves as being in power and having control to do their evil works. When lies are believed and submitted to, the result is bondage and control by those lying sources, be they men, governments or evil spirits.
Consider for what purpose Jesus gave us His authority….”to tread on serpents and scorpions” which represents Satan’s evil minions. This means that our Lord Jesus Christ expects us to defeat all the devil’s influences; his efforts should be under our feet and not on top of us oppressing us as is happening all too much of the time. Obviously many Christians have not learned to do this. This shows a lack of too many Christians in knowing God’s provision stated in His Word. It’s time to learn quickly!
Hosea 4:6 – My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge,
Who are those that we are given power and authority to tread on?
Ephesians 6:12 – For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
The Lord’s authority also provides us the utmost in protection, IF we know how to use it. Remember that in Luke 10:19 He said, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. By saying, “any means”, Jesus is telling us that there is nothing the enemy can employ, whether spiritual or physical, that can hurt us. Unfortunately, this is a truth from God’s Word that most Christians do not adhere to, so thus they become victims of the “wiles of the enemy”. They lack vigilance in recognizing what is caused by the enemy and proper application of God’s Word to repel such afflictions.
1 Peter 5:8-9 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world
Now you may ask, how do we use His authority and power against the wiles of the devil? Jesus tells us how, but too many believers are ignorant of it or reject it. It’s the power that is in His blood, to cleanse and protect spiritually those who are under it; it is the authority of His name that He instructed us to use; and it is the power of His Holy Spirit that equips us to represent Him, being His witnesses and giving testimony of Him. The use of the power of the blood was demonstrated in Egypt when the Israelites applied the lamb’s (Passover) blood to their door posts. This provides a spiritual principle with physical protection in obedience to God’s command. The blood of Jesus, God’s Lamb, is our protection today that also gives us the privilege of using His name and His Word.
How do you use the authority of His name?
Mark 16:17-18 – And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
You use the authority of His name in prayers of faith; in making demands on His promises by speaking HIS Word to the enemy or to your situation; and by acting on His Word by faith.
John 14:12-14 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
John 16:23-26 – And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:
How are is this authority applied, and how are the spiritual weapons and armor used? BY HIS NAME in which ALL authority is! Speak God’s Word to the situation and do it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It’s like having a divine checking account to use for His purposes; only, instead of signing your name to the check, you have been given the privilege of signing HIS name to it. Your name isn’t worth anything on these checks, but HIS name is the power behind the heavenly account.
In dealing with the enemy and his tactics, there is something that is most important to remember; THREATS DON’T HURT YOU! Threats are used by the enemy to generate fear. Fear makes you back away from your position. In our spiritual battles we are instructed NOT to back away and yield up our ground; we are instructed to STAND!
Ephesians 6:13-14 – Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore,…
One of the enemy’s most frequently used tactics against Christians is FEAR. Once a believer is given in to fear, he yields up his will to fight and fails to use his God-given defensive and offensive weapons. The enemy then has conquered and gained that person’s ground. Another weapon of the enemy is discouragement; this is a process of wearing down the saints to get them to quit fighting and resisting. How do you resist such tactics of the enemy?
James 4:7-8 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded
“But I’m scared” you may say. This is where you must be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Ephesians 6:10 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
This requires that you fully trust in God and His Word and know HIS LOVE for you.
1 John 4:18 – There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Notice that the Word of God provides our defense; it is the armor of God. This is why it is so important to know God’s Word and promises. So how do you use God’s Word to tread on serpent and scorpions and over all the power (ability) of the enemy? Speak it out loud; it must be spoken, just as God spoke it and made things happen and created all things. Speak it to the enemy just as Jesus did when the devil tempted him in the wilderness.
Luke 4:4 – And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Romans 10:8 – But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Mark 11:23-24 – For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Speak it to your situation or to the enemy’s attacks or threats against you. Do not fear, do not yield, and do not accept the lies of the enemy. Speak God’s Word – God’s Word is Truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8 32 - And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free
Now in order to help you to stand and to fight when you are under attack, or facing dire circumstances, you need to know what you, as a true Christian, have got on your side. You must know what resources you have available to you to use to help you STAND.
- God the Father - He is our fortress and refuge:
Romans 8:31-32 – What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
- Jesus, the Son – who continually makes intercession for us:
- The Holy Spirit – our comforter, the one who warns us of things to come, teaches us what we need to know; and empowers us with divine gifts which are supernatural abilities to represent Him in ministry to others.
what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered
- The Blood of Jesus – providing spiritual cleansing making us righteous Sons of God:
Revelation 12: 11 - And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
- The Name of Jesus – which is absolute authority in heaven and on earth and by which we employ in prayer and to exercise power over the enemy and our circumstances; referred to in Mark 16, John 14 & John 16 previously.
- The Word of God which becomes our testimony as well as our defensive armor and offensive weapons. Referred to in Revelation 11 and Ephesians 6 previously.
- God’s Holy Angels – who are ministering spirits on our behalf.
The Lord did not give us this power, (ability and authority), just to protect us from the enemy; nor did He give it for us to use for our own profit or to put on shows as some have done. HE gave us HIS power to act in HIS stead and to continue doing the works that HE initiated. His command is for us to GO and DO under His authority and with His ability.
Matthew 28:18-20 – And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
John 8:12 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
This is why the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is required; it is to equip us with His divine abilities to properly represent Him on earth, testifying of His grace, mercy and power.
Acts 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 – And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Most churches neglect this provision of the Lord, in fact many even deny that it exists today. As a result the church has lost its ability to change the world as the early church did. Unfortunately some of those who embrace the Baptism in the Holy Spirit have not studied to show themselves approved and end believing and doing things that are wrong; they have been deceived by the enemy, and usually due to selfish, fleshly lusts:
2 Timothy 2:15 – Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Such people end up accepting the deceptions of the enemy by false teachers, prophets and preachers. The enemy encourages such to covertly operate within the church because he greatly fears Christians having the power of God in their lives. One of the signs of the end times is a church that denies to power of God; the power to change lives from sin to righteousness and the power to effect change in the world.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 – This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Note: where do you find a “form” of godliness? …. certainly not in the world. Paul is identifying conditions and behavior in much of the church in the last days which is the result of soulish, fleshly ministers who do not abide in TRUTH. (Ouch!)
It has been an obvious fact that those who are led by the Spirit of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit accomplish much more than believers who have to resort to their own abilities and limited knowledge. Some of what the Holy Spirit empowers believers with is listed as follows:
1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 – Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
This power is freely available to all true believers, but it must be believed, accepted and operated on in faith and obedience to Him.
Ephesians 3:20 – Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
2 Corinthians 4:7 – But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Having His power in us does mean we walk around bristling with this awesomeness of ability. This power is His and it comes into play as we submit ourselves to Him and minister as His servants to others. When we, acting on His part, seek to minister to someone in need, then His power in us begins to manifest by His Spirit working in and through us to touch the life of that person. As we act in love for another then we become a channel of God’s love to show Himself mighty to that person. Then the power, or Gift of the Spirit, begins to come forth to touch that person. When it does it is imperative that all the honor and glory goes to Him who gave it to us.
Finally it is important not to trust in your own understanding of things because your own understanding is so limited that it will prevent you from moving in the power of God. You are to look to Him whose love for you, and those you minister to, is perfect.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
In these end times, perilous though they may be, we are still to be His witnesses to all the world and carry forth the light of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, Son of God as savior and Lord at all times, regardless of circumstances, wars, crimes and godless leaders in world governments. We have His power to GO and DO what He commanded us.
