Thoughts Back in the 60s a refused business arrangement inspired Ford, the American car manufacturer to challenge the Italian Ferrari in its dominance of France’s 24-hour Le Mans race. Ferrari, known for its design and manufacture of superior race cars, had won the previous 6 years in a row. Their name on the car meant that it was a powerhouse of horsepower, design, maintenance and fuel. In order for Ford to accomplish the improbable and overcome the well-established strength of Ferrari, they had to overpower them in all areas of strength. The combination of powerful financial backing, innovative design, construction and driving brought them not only to victory in 1966, but also to a greatly adjusted image of the Ford name. In each of these areas their strength over that of Ferrari enabled their triumph. We have been made to be more than overcomers in Christ, and it is as we are enabled in strength that this overcoming is experienced. Through repentance and acceptance of Christ as Savior, our enemy’s dominance of sin is crushed by the power of the blood. As the Word occupies our mouths with declarations of identity with Christ, faith rises to live out that identity. With complete immersion in the power of the Holy Ghost, demonstrations of mountain moving power are enabled to destroy every yoke of bondage. Overcoming is assured in every arena where our power in Christ is activated and the enemy’s strength is overwhelmed. Notes Where there is greater strength, the opposition is overcome Mark 3:27 (NIV) 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man's house. With immersion in a life dedicated to holiness – preparation for power Luke 3:4-6 (NIV) “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’” 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NLT) 9 The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war.” With acceptance of God’s Word – activation of His power. Luke 1:37-38 (NKJV) 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” … As a new creation – the identity of an overcomer 1 John 5:4 (Weymouth) 4 For every child of God overcomes the world; and the victorious principle which has overcome the world is our faith. Promise – power to overcome with the Holy Spirit upon Acts 1:8 (NLT) 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” It was the Holy Spirit that empowered Him to overcome – fasting and temptation. Luke 4:1-2 (NIV) 1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. plērēs (full) Thayer Definition: full, i.e. filled up (as opposed to empty) 1a) of hollow vessels 1b) of a surface, covered in every part 1c) of the soul, thoroughly permeated with full, i.e. complete 2a) lacking nothing, perfect Repentance precedes empowerment, but does not replace it. Acts 2:38 (NLT) 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 19:4-7 (NIV) 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. With new life – unrestrained power Ephesians 4:30 (NIV) 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 1 Thessalonians 5:19,23-24 (NLT) 19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. Anointing overpowers every opposition Isaiah 10:27 (NKJV) 27 It shall come to pass in that day That his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, And his yoke from your neck, And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil. Acts 10:38 (NLT) 38 And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Receive power into and upon a prepared vessel Acts 8:17 (NLT) 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 10:47 (NLT) 47 “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?”