Demonstration Of Spirit And Power Series

C. His sanctification (holiness)

Ro 15:16 “sanctified by the Holy Ghost.”

1Pe 1:2 “through sanctification of the Spirit,”

Holiness is not based on what we can do. Or how good we can be but how close we draw to God and how he changes our lives for him. It is being set apart for the work of the master. It is being separated. The Holy Spirit will separate you. He knows the importance of us living the life for the people so that Jesus will be up lifted.

II. Power

Work outside of the believer

It is a common known fact that there will be signs that follow after believers.

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. (Mark 16:17-18 AV)

Signs that follow believers:

Is there signs that follow believers as we have read?

Jesus said in Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Here he is speaking of recognizing and discerning the false prophets. But I believe that we can also apply it to the one that calls him self a follower of Christ.

All these signs can be recognized as happening in the New Testament church except for drinking poison and I guess unless someone did it on purpose (which is odd) then no one would know that God protected them.

a) casting out devils (Acts 5;15-16,16:18,19:11-12)

b) speak with new tongues (Acts 2:4,10:46,19:6,1Cor 12:20,ch 14)

As a matter of fact to go along with this Paul talks of a whole list of gifts that come with the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.

c) take up serpents . . . it shall not hurt them (escaping snakebites) (Acts 28:3-5)

I don’t think this is condoning “snake handling” or “drinking poison”. We are to use common sense and make sure we don’t “Tempt the Lord our God”

d) lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover (Acts 3:1-7,8:7,9:33-34,14:8-10,28:7-8)

There are there for four purposes:

1) to bring glory and honor to God

2) to bring salvation to others as they see these signs

3) to bring healing to the body of Christ and those around

4) to show that one is truly a believer

Although believers should not follow signs, signs should follow believers.

Reason for his being so clear

Why did he make it so clear that it was not by his reasoning or his power that he came and that the signs that follow was only under the power of the Holy Spirit?

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:5 AV)

So that your faith would not rest on mans wisdom but God’s power.

Man will fail you but God will never fail you. Man can try to confuse you but God is always clear.

Conclusion

I believe what we see here in this passage we have found the answer to the question: “How do I make this church grow?” or “How do I see more souls won for the kingdom?” What can I do? The challenge has been laid, the funny part is all the work is on the part of the Holy Spirit all we have to do is be his instrument. Pray ask him for opportunities to witness and let him do the work.