Spiritual Power

Introduction:

When Jesus Christ was on earth, He was responsible for all the needs (including spiritual) of His disciples. When He was about to ascend to heaven, He recognized that they would need power. He therefore promised and reminded them on the day of ascension that they would receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon them.

At one time or the other in our lives we felt need for spiritual power, may be to fight our enemies or to use it for other beneficial purposes. Therefore in today’s message we shall look at this power and how we can receive and benefit from it.

What is Spiritual Power?

Power is the ability to do things, whether by strength, skill, resources, or because of authorization by someone. It is also the strength to do something that ordinarily could not be done. Thus there are different kinds of power, mechanical power to drive vehicles, electrical power, chemical power, financial power, political power, etc,

1. Every other power can be created by man,

2. Spiritual power comes only from God.

3. It is a power that is above every other power.

4. It is a power that works wonders;

5. It is beyond the understanding and imagination of man.

6. It is the power that raised Jesus Christ from the grave.

Why we need Spiritual Power.

While Jesus Christ was on earth, His disciples depended so much on him for every of their need including the need for power; He was responsible for their needs including spiritual. But as He ascended to heaven, they need to have power resident in them.

1. Jesus Christ can no longer be with us physically,

Mk 9:17 A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.

Mk 9:18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."

9:19 "O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."

9:25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."

9:26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He’s dead."

Lk 9:1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,

Lk10:19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

2. We need the power to fight our battles,

Job 1:7The Lord said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the Lord, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."

1Pet 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Eph 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

The enemy move to and fro the earth looking for who he will devour, we need to be prepare for his attacks.

3. To be able to help people solve their problem,

Math. 9:35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness

Math. 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Lk. 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,

As He helped people solved their problems while He was on earth, He also wants us to help the harrased of our time.

4. To be a true witness for Him,

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

He wants us to use the power to win more souls for His kingdom.

5. To be able to take the kingdom of God,

Math 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.