Celebrating Pentecost!

Jesus made an important promise to His followers regarding spiritual power in Luke 24:49:

"And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you:  but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."

The power of the Holy Spirit is essential in understanding the Biblical concept of power. Experiencing His infilling is necessary to fully receive spiritual power.  You have already learned the importance of the power of the Gospel as a believer.  But there is another vital spiritual experience which you must receive. It is the power of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus.

Jesus told His followers He would  "Pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may  abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you in John 14:16,17. 

The Spirit of which Jesus spoke is the third person of the Trinity of God, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would "endue" or literally "clothe" the Disciples in spiritual power:

Luke 24:49 "And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you:  but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."

Please note that this great spiritual power was to be experienced after receiving the Holy Spirit:

Acts 1:8 "But yet 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."

Power is a spirit according to 2 Timothy 1:7 "But God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Luke 4:14 "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about."

That "spirit of power" is the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:38 "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the  Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him."

The Holy Spirit ministers in many powerful ways in the lives of believers:

1. He dwells in him-1 Corinthians 6:19-We are actually the temple or dwelling place of the Holy Ghost.

2. He unites us in one spirit with God and other believers-1 Corinthians 6:17. There is great power in the unity of spirit-filled believers.
 
3. He intercedes for us-Romans 8:26-This powerful intercessor prays for us according to God's will.

4. He guides us-John 16:13-The Holy Spirit enables us to walk in power and not confusion.  He guides us to the place of power, the perfect will of God.

5. He imparts the love of Christ to us and through us-Romans 5:5.

Reveals Biblical truth to him:  (I Corinthians 2:10)  Powerful spiritual revelation comes through the Holy Spirit.

6. He comforts us-Acts 9:31; John 14:17, 26-He comforts us in times of grief.

7. He conforms us to the image of Christ-2 Corinthians 3:18-We are powerless to change ourselves into the image of Christ.  Self-improvement plans are doomed to failure.  But through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be conformed to the image of Jesus.

8. He teaches us-John 14:26-The greatest teacher takes up residence within us when we are endued with the power of the Holy Spirit.  Knowledge is powerful, and the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual knowledge.

9. He inspires us to true worship-John 4:24-Praise and worship are powerful spiritual strategies.  In some Old Testament battles they were the main methods used against the enemies of God.

10. He quickens us-Romans 8:11-he same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us to quicken us.  This means we are endued with resurrection-like power while yet in these mortal bodies.

11. He sanctifies us-2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14)-We do not have to try to live a holy life through self effort.  The power of the Holy Spirit sanctifies our thoughts and actions.  He enables holy living.

12. He changes us-Titus 3:5-Power is necessary to effect change and the Holy Spirit gives power for positive change.

13. He convicts us of wrong-John 16:8-11-The Holy Spirit convicts of wrong and leads us to repentance.  This enables the continued flow of God's power.

14. He gives assurance of salvation-Romans 8:16-  Knowing your position gives you power.  The Holy Spirit assures your position in God.
 
15. He gives us liberty-Romans 8:2-Liberty provides the greatest opportunity for power.  The Holy Spirit gives liberty through Jesus Christ.

16. He speaks through us-Mark 13:11-We are not limited by our own speaking ability. The Holy Spirit speaks God's Words of power and authority through us thru the unction of His Spirit. 

17, He demonstrates God's power-1 Corinthians 2:4-The Holy Spirit enables the demonstration of God's power in every area of life.

18. He strengthens us-Ephesians 3:16-When you are weak, Gods' strength is manifested.