Spiritual Power-What Does It Mean?
#1
Posted 24 July 2014 - 10:22 AM
#2
Posted 25 July 2014 - 04:47 PM
"Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong."
Most of us do not place ourselves outside of our comfort zones into that ultimate dependence so that the power of God will work through our weaknesses. Paul really did not want to do it… we don't want to either. You are right, God is releasing and enabling His real power for His story. Humility is a key for God's work to begin. That is mighty difficult sometimes. I think that is a root issue for most of us. We just have to continually learn it over and over and over just like Paul. I wonder if those 3x's Paul prayed were all at once, or over much time and reflection? I wonder how long it took for Paul to process this concept? Dependence and humility are two things that are hard to keep current in our thinking unless we have a constant reminder of them.
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#3
Posted 26 July 2014 - 10:12 AM
Simply put, what I think it means is, something will happen. If I am not mistaken, in the passage you cite, the people marveled because there was a manifestation of power connected to Jesus' words. What He said, happened. It was as the books of Acts said, "everywhere they went, the word of God was preached, with signs following." Why we don't see much of that today might be your next point maybe?
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#4
Posted 20 August 2014 - 01:52 PM
Power usually means energy and/or ability. It sometimes means "authority." Spiritual power is usually thought of as God's energy displayed in miraculous ways. For example, think of God's power in parting the Red Sea, allowing the Hebrews to escape the pursuing Egyptian Army. Consider someone like Paul. Could Saul ever be a convert to Christ? Are you kidding me? He's about the most unlikely prospect for conversion that we could find anywhere. God's power brought him to his knees on the Damascus Road and he became a major factor in preaching Christ. It is true that God's power is dramatic at times. However, we far more often observe God's power as Divinely given authority. At the close of Jesus' teaching, in Matthew 7:28-29, Matthew records, "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine; for He taught them as One having authority, and not as the scribes." But what did Jesus teach? He preached the Word of God! Anyone of a mind to do so could preach, teach the Bible and have no results. Unless God activates the message, Spiritually, it reaches no further than the mind, if that. So, for Scripture to be effective, it must have God's authority and enabling. Why, in so many local churches, do we see little or no power in action? Over the next two or three days, God willing, I'd like to pin-point some reasons why and offer some suggestions as to how we could see more real power. Selah! I don't believe the power has been withdrawn. I believe it has been withheld! Thinker (Ron)
I have been keeping an eye out for your follow-up. Is it only here in America where we see little or no power in action?
I look forward to your insights.
Thanks.
Vicki
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#5
Posted 20 August 2014 - 07:50 PM
May this be God's agape love flowing through you...from the greatest commandment.
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#6
Posted 25 August 2014 - 08:50 AM
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Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world, and delighting in mankind. -Wisdom (Proverbs 8)
#7
Posted 25 August 2014 - 09:33 AM
Billy, I could not agree more with your analogy. Jesus, having been in the kingdom of God from eternity, know about what He was discussing with an intimacy that none before Him had ever known. As they saw Him, He was a man, but when He spoke of the Father and things in the kingdom, He spoke with the authority of one who had actually been there and was one with the Father. The day He read from the scroll the Isaiah passage that described who He was, It says the men there just sat in awe for a while after He finished. I know the silence didn`t last long, but can we just imagine what that passage sounded like when read by the Son of God? When the 70 were sent out to the towns to teach and heal, they returned so excited and just bubbling over because they actually healed people and did miracles, Jesus told them that yes, He understood because He saw satan fall from heaven.....He was there! He knew satan had been defeated and cast out. He knew who held the power and who was the pretender.
Why do all of us christians not have this authority? well, maybe we are not ready to handle it just yet. All authority comes from the Father....even Christ when here on earth said He didn`t do or say anything He didn`t hear the Father say. When we get there(not saying or doing anything but what the Father says or does), I suspect we will be given that authority. I for one, am not there yet.
In Christ,
Charlie
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#8
Posted 25 August 2014 - 10:15 AM
Well I guess if the question is why aren't we seeing the power of God, I think it's just because we're not going after it. I mean just get out there- go ahead and pray for someone's migraine to be gone in Jesus' name.
I've seen quite of few migraines go away and never come back. One woman who I thought had migraines actually had a tumor in her head! After we prayed one night, she woke up the next morning feeling great and didn't need her medicine after that! Her husband was so transformed through that experience he's gone on to a very excited Christian life!
I'd say don't wait to see someone else doing it, go ahead and test the waters yourself! You love God. He loves you. It's all good. Go after it! Tear down those works of the devil! Haha! God will laugh from heaven!
PS- Charlie, I like that name for Satan "the pretender" I have a couple other names for him: "poser" and "footstool" (that one's my favorite)
Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world, and delighting in mankind. -Wisdom (Proverbs 8)