What is True Power

Jan 17^th –

What is True Power – Acts 1:8

Intro:  The Question can be asked, what is true power?  The Webster’s dictionary says, it is the ability to act in decisiveness.  It is authority given to a person or thing by others or a place where power is generated.  In some people’s mind it is weaponry, armies, money, brawn or intellect.  President Obama is called the most powerful man on the planet. 

1.  For the Christian it is all about connection.  Jesus said in Acts 1:8 that we would receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon us.  An electric cord is useless until connected to a power source.  A garden hose is just a piece of plastic until connected to a water source.  A person is dead in their trespasses and sin until saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. 

a.     True power is allowing yourself to be a conduit or vessel through which the Lord can do His work.  Jesus made it clear here true. power comes from one source, the Holy Spirit.  It is from Him and never from you. 

b.     Jesus also made it clear in Acts 1:8 that is was to be used in witnessing.  To tell others in our immediate world and then to broaden our horizons to other spheres of influence.

c.      Frank Thompson describes this verse as the promise of the Spiritual equipment for a world wide campaign.

2.   Mark tells us Mark 16 that this power is given to drive out demons, to speak in tongues, handle dangerous situations, have divine protection and heal the sick. 

a.      Paul says in 1 Cor 12 that this power enables us to operate in gifts that allow us to discern what is happening in the material and spiritual realms.  To know things that only God could know and choose to reveal.  To be wise enough to see the motives and intentions of others and how to respond with the information that has been revealed.

b.     This power allows us walk in faith and trust that God will back up His promises and His word.  We will see with this power immediate and progressive healings from afflictions and diseases in whatever form they come and from whom or where.  Power given by God enables us to see the suspension of natural, physical laws of the universe and the supernatural intervention of God.  Talk about Jesus and Lazarus according to Carmen.

c.      The power and gifts given by the Holy Spirit described in our text today allows the believer to speak in tongues they never learned and interpret those tongues in a public setting.   Through the power of the Holy Spirit messages of prophecy come to edify, exhort and build up the church or body of Christ in love.   Talk about Larry Lea at His college getting filled with the Holy Spirit.

3.  The power described here allows you to walk in love acceptance and forgiveness.  It helps you to overcome habits, attitudes, faults failures and sins.

To say no, to the world, the flesh and the devil.  To triumph over accusation, temptation and deception no matter where it comes from or who is its instrument.           

a.      Paul reminds us this morning in Rom 8:11 that we have resurrection power in us.  It will quicken our mortal bodies.  Job says in Job 5:21 that the power of God gives us spiritual life.  John states in John 17:2, that this power gives us eternal life. 

b.     Paul again says that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

      (Phil 4:13). He also reveals that we are preserved through the power of

     God. (1 Tim 1:12)

c.       In 1 Cor 3:6-8 we learn that the power of God works in and through us.  That it is our foundation and ground of trust.  (Rom 4:21) 

d.     John says in 1 John 3:8, it is the power of God and the authority of Jesus Christ that destroys the works of the devil.  Micah stated in Mic 3:8 that through the power of God we will have courage.  You have all of heaven behind you today.  That is clapping, shouting and general noise ground amen.  You can speak with authority today as the apostles of old as described in Acts 4:55. 

3.  The last question today is how do I get this power?  First, you must be born again.  It only comes through salvation and the relationship it brings.  When you come to Christ you get connected to the source of power that runs the universe.

He is the nucleus of the atom, the creator and sustainer of all things.  Next, you must be ready to give rid of any blockages, hindrances or road blocks.  This is calls being ready to cleansed and making yourself ready to receive.  Thirdly you must want it, seek it and ask for it.  Jesus says, seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be open and ask and it shall be given.  Lastly, when given and received go and use it.  It is not given to be stored away.  It must be used to free a lost, dying, sin sick world, under the possession and oppression of the devil and those that serve with him.  Close with the result of this power.  Peter preached one sermon and 3000 got saved.  He and John laid hands on a lame man and 5000 got saved.  Paul travelled his world and saw aprons and handkerchiefs he used to heal the sick.  That is true power used in the right ways with the right motives.