SUPERNATURAL EMPOWERMENT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 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.”
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 40:29–31, Luke 24:49, Ephesians 3:16, Zechariah 4:6, 2 Timothy 1:7
INTRODUCTION:
In this world of spiritual warfare, trials, and diverse challenges, human strength is insufficient to fulfil God’s will and assignment. That is why every believer needs supernatural empowerment—a divine enablement to live victoriously and serve effectively. It is not by might or by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord.
Supernatural empowerment is the divine infusion of God’s strength and ability into our natural lives. It transforms ordinary men into vessels of extraordinary impact. Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were empowered with the Holy Ghost. That empowerment turned fearful fishermen into fearless witnesses of the gospel.
The early Church thrived on this supernatural strength, and we today cannot do without it. Let us now consider how this empowerment works, why it is necessary, and how we can receive and walk in it daily.
1. THE SOURCE OF SUPERNATURAL EMPOWERMENT
Supernatural empowerment does not come from education, titles, or human efforts; it comes directly from God through His Spirit.
a) It is released by the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the channel through whom God's power flows. (Acts 10:38)
b) It comes through divine encounters.
Encounters with God, like Pentecost, release divine power. (Acts 2:1–4)
c) It is sustained by intimacy with God.
Regular fellowship with God keeps the flow of power alive. (John 15:5)
d) It is given for kingdom purpose, not personal glory:
God empowers us to serve and witness, not to boast. (Luke 10:19–20)
Biblical Example: Moses encountered God at the burning bush and was empowered to confront Pharaoh. (Exodus 3:1–10)
2. THE PURPOSE OF SUPERNATURAL EMPOWERMENT
God never empowers without a purpose; His power always aligns with His plans.
a) To witness boldly and win souls:
Empowerment enables bold and effective evangelism. (Acts 4:31)
b) To overcome sin and temptations:
God’s strength helps us live holy and victorious lives. (Romans 8:13)
c) To operate in spiritual gifts and miracles:
Power activates gifts for the edification of the Church. (1 Corinthians 12:7–11)
d) To advance God’s kingdom on earth:
Empowerment enables divine assignments to prosper. (Mark 16:20)
Biblical Example: The Apostles healed the sick and raised the dead after receiving power. (Acts 5:12–16)
3. HINDRANCES TO SUPERNATURAL EMPOWERMENT
Some attitudes and habits can block or reduce the flow of divine power.
a) Sin and disobedience:
Sin grieves the Spirit and cuts off empowerment. (Isaiah 59:1–2)
b) Unbelief and doubt:
Without faith, the power of God cannot be activated. (Hebrews 11:6)
c) Pride and self-dependence:
God resists the proud but empowers the humble. (James 4:6)
d) Lack of spiritual hunger:
Only the thirsty are filled with divine power. (Matthew 5:6)
Biblical Example: Samson lost his power due to sin and carelessness. (Judges 16:18–20)
4. HOW TO RECEIVE SUPERNATURAL EMPOWERMENT
There are biblical steps to accessing divine power in our lives.
a) Desire and thirst for more of God:
Hunger for God precedes empowerment. (Psalm 42:1–2)
b) Live a consecrated and obedient life:
God releases power to clean and willing vessels. (2 Timothy 2:21)
c) Pray earnestly and persistently:
The upper room was a place of prayer before Pentecost. (Luke 11:13)
d) Wait patiently and expectantly on the Lord:
Waiting in faith invites divine renewal. (Isaiah 40:31)
Biblical Example: Jesus fasted and prayed in the wilderness and returned in power. (Luke 4:14)
5. RESULTS OF SUPERNATURAL EMPOWERMENT
The presence of divine power produces tangible and lasting results.
a) Victory in spiritual warfare:
Empowerment helps us triumph over the enemy. (Ephesians 6:10–11)
b) Boldness and courage in ministry:
Fear is replaced by courage when empowered. (2 Timothy 1:7)
c) Fruitfulness and productivity:
Empowered lives bear much fruit for the kingdom. (John 15:8)
d) Glory and honour to God:
Miracles and exploits point people to God. (Matthew 5:16)
Biblical Example: Stephen, full of power and faith, did great wonders and signs. (Acts 6:8)
CONCLUSION:
We are not called to live or serve in our own strength. God has made available supernatural power through His Spirit to enable us fulfil His plans and purpose. The early Church received it, and so must we if we are to thrive in these last days.
Let us thirst for His empowerment daily, walk in it continually, and use it for His glory. The time of powerless Christianity is over; God is raising a generation of fire-filled, power-driven believers.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, baptise me afresh with the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. Every hindrance blocking divine empowerment in my life, be removed.
3. Fill me with boldness to witness and serve You effectively.
4. Let my life reflect the fruits and results of divine power.
5. Use me as a vessel for signs, wonders, and revival in this generation.
