Power Prepping

Degree of Power

The power we receive when believing exceeds any other.

Ephesians 1:19-21 (TLB) 19 I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe him. It is that same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in heaven, 21 far, far above any other king or ruler or dictator or leader. Yes, his honor is far more glorious than that of anyone else either in this world or in the world to come.

Ability corresponds to working power within

Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV) 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

It’s purpose/Motive

Power for a Purpose

Acts 1:8 (NIV) 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."

Communicating the Gospel requires power from Him.

Ephesians 3:7 (TLB) 7 God has given me the wonderful privilege of telling everyone about this plan of his; and he has given me his power and special ability to do it well.

Because we are sent by Jesus, we go in His power with His mission

Matthew 28:18-20 (TLB) 18 He told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and earth. 19 Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this—that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.”

When power is asserted apart from proven identity – vulnerable to personal attack

Acts 19:13-16 (NLT) 13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.

Preparation

Knowing where you’re from is critical

John 7:28-29 (TLB) 28 So Jesus, in a sermon in the Temple, called out, “Yes, you know me and where I was born and raised, but I am the representative of one you don’t know, and he is Truth. 29 I know him because I was with him, and he sent me to you.”

As His Spirit breathed agents - power to even forgive

John 20:21-23 (NLT) 21 Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Key to power is not focusing on power, but on the source in kingdom identity.

Luke 10:19-20 (NLT) 19 Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. 20 But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”

Power requires belief only acquired by prayer and separation from flesh influence.

Matthew 17:21 (NKJV) 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

Following the voice of the Spirit brings confidence in power

1 John 3:21-22 (NKJV) 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

As there is a collateral corruption of strong drink, so there is a collateral power in Spirit drink

Ephesians 5:18 (TLB) 18 Don’t drink too much wine, for many evils lie along that path; be filled instead with the Holy Spirit and controlled by him.

Can’t have power over what is participated in.

Mark 3:25 (NKJV) 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 1 John 4:4 (NLT) 4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

Greater – needs activation

1 John 4:4 (NLT) 4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.