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Power Principles
HARVESTIME INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE
This course is part of the Harvestime International Institute, a program designed to equip believers for effective spiritual harvest.
The basic theme of the training is to teach what Jesus taught, that which took men who were fishermen, tax collectors, etc., and changed them into reproductive Christians who reached their world with the Gospel in a demonstration of power.
This manual is a single course in one of several modules of curriculum which moves believers from visualizing through deputizing, multiplying, organizing, and mobilizing to achieve the goal of evangelizing.
8 Harvestime International Institute
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
How To Use This Manual . . . . . . . . 2
Suggestions For Group Study. . . . . . . . 3
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . 4
Course Objectives . . . . . . . . . 6
1. Life After Religion . . . . . . . . 7
2. The Source Of Power . . . . . . . . 19
3. The Challenging Counterfeit . . . . . . . 30
4. "Never A Man Spoke As He" . . . . . . . 43
5. Delegated Authority . . . . . . . . 51
6. The Purposes Of Power . . . . . . . . 59
7. Power Principle One: The Power Of The Gospel . . . . 73
8. Power Principle Two: The Power Of The Holy Spirit. . . . 81
9. Power Principle Three: The Power Of Love . . . . . 92
10. Power Principle Four: The Anointing Of Power . . . . 102
11. Power Principle Five: Power, Faith, And Works . . . . 115
12. Power Principle Six: Power In The Name Of Jesus . . . 123
13. Power Principle Seven: The Power Of Prayer . . . . . 141
14. Power Principle Eight: The Power Of The Word. . . . . 163
15. Power Principle Nine: Power Of Authority. . . . . 173
16. Power Principle Ten: The Power Of His Resurrection. . . . 184
17. Power Principle Eleven: The Power Of Suffering . . . . 192
18. How To Experience The Power Of God . . . . . 210
19. Power Failure . . . . . . . . . 216
20. Facing The Opposition . . . . . . . . 225
Answers To Self-Tests. . . . . . . . . 233
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HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
MANUAL FORMAT
Each lesson consists of:
Objectives: These are the goals you should achieve by studying the chapter. Read them before starting the lesson.
Key Verse: This verse emphasizes the main concept of the chapter. Memorize it.
Chapter Content: Study each section. Use your Bible to look up any references not printed in the manual.
Self-Test: Take this test after you finish studying the chapter. Try to answer the questions without using your Bible or this manual. When you have concluded the Self-Test, check your answers in the answer section provided at the end of the book.
For Further Study: This section will help you continue your study of the Word of God, improve your study skills, and apply what you have learned to your life and ministry.
Final Examination: If you are enrolled in this course for credit, you received a final examination along with this course. Upon conclusion of this course, you should complete this examination and return it for grading as instructed.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS NEEDED
You will need a King James version of the Bible.
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SUGGESTIONS FOR GROUP STUDY
FIRST MEETING
Opening: Open with prayer and introductions. Get acquainted and register the students.
Establish Group Procedures: Determine who will lead the meetings, the time, place, and dates for the sessions.
Praise And Worship: Invite the presence of the Holy Spirit into your training session.
Distribute Manuals To Students: Introduce the manual title, format, and course objectives provided in the first few pages of the manual.
Make The First Assignment: Students will read the chapters assigned and take the Self-Tests prior to the next meeting. The number of chapters you cover per meeting will depend on chapter length, content, and the abilities of your group.
SECOND AND FOLLOWING MEETINGS
Opening: Pray. Welcome and register any new students and give them a manual. Take attendance. Have a time of praise and worship.
Review: Present a brief summary of what you studied at the last meeting.
Lesson: Discuss each section of the chapter using the HEADINGS IN CAPITAL BOLD FACED LETTERS as a teaching outline. Ask students for questions or comments on what they have studied. Apply the lesson to the lives and ministries of your students.
Self-Test: Review the Self-Tests students have completed. (Note: If you do not want the students to have access to the answers to the Self-Tests, you may remove the answer pages from the back of each manual.)
Working It Out: You may do this section on a group or individual basis.
Final Examination: If your group is enrolled in this course for credit, you received a final examination with this course. Reproduce a copy for each student and administer the exam upon conclusion of this course.
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MODULE: Multiplying
COURSE: Power Principles
INTRODUCTION
Jesus told the religious leaders of New Testament times. . .
Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.
(Matthew 22:29)
The truth of the Gospel is two-fold. First, it is the Word of God as revealed in the Holy Bible. To know the Scriptures you must study, understand, and apply them.
But the truth of the Gospel is more than the Scriptures. It is also the power of God. To know the power of God you must understand and apply power principles. The power of God must become a reality in your life through experience.
The early church was born in a demonstration of the power of God, not through great public speakers or theological debate. Paul wrote:
And my speech, and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (I Corinthians 2:4-5)
Paul recognized that. . .
. . . the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (I Corinthians 4:20)
Jesus left believers with a great mission of reaching the world with the Gospel of the Kingdom. This task will not be accomplished by words alone. As in the early church, there also must be a demonstration of the power of God.
Many people know the Word of God but have not experienced the power of God. They do not really understand the power of the Gospel. Many ministers today are well educated. They preach with enticing words of man's wisdom, but there is no demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power.
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In some churches the miraculous has been replaced with human reasoning that demands a logical explanation for everything that happens. Power has been replaced by theological debate over whether the miraculous is for today or was only for the early church. When reason and debate take the place of the miraculous, the life flow of God is replaced by man-made religion. People have had their fill of religion and its accompanying ritual. They want to experience reality. They need to witness the visible manifestation of God's power.
If your faith is to stand in the power of God instead of the wisdom of man, you must experience the same flow of power as did the early church. Believers in the early church. . .
. . . went forth and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. (Mark 16:20)
We have talked of working for God. We plan our ministry and ask God to bless it. But the Biblical method of effective ministry is the Lord working with us, confirming His Word with miraculous signs.
The world is not interested in what you have done for God. The world is attracted to Jesus when they see visible results of the power of the Gospel which has changed your life. The world is attracted by the demonstration of spiritual power as the Lord works with you to confirm His Word with miraculous signs.
Power principles taught in this course will enable you to experience the spiritual power taught in the Bible. This course answers the heart cry of those who have hungered for reality instead of religion. It will move you from being a spectator to a demonstrator of the power of God.
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COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
ƒ³ Identify the source of true spiritual power.
ƒ³ Recognize the counterfeit power of the enemy.
ƒ³ Summarize the powers delegated by God to Jesus Christ.
ƒ³ Receive the authority delegated by Jesus to believers.
ƒ³ Identify Biblical purposes for spiritual power.
ƒ³ Explain and apply the following power principles:
ƒ³ Power of the Gospel
ƒ³ Power of the Holy Spirit
ƒ³ Power of love
ƒ³ Anointing of power
ƒ³ Power, faith, works
ƒ³ The name of Jesus
ƒ³ Power of prayer
ƒ³ Power of the Word
ƒ³ Being in authority while under authority
ƒ³ Power of His resurrection
ƒ³ Fellowship of His suffering
ƒ³ Explain how to have the power of God in your life and ministry.
ƒ³ Identify reasons for power failures.
ƒ³ Face the opposition and overcome Satan when he challenges your spiritual authority.
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CHAPTER ONE
LIFE AFTER RELIGION
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verses from memory.
ƒ³ Explain the difference between religion and the true demonstration of God's power.
ƒ³ Identify worldly power structures.
ƒ³ Give a Biblical reference which explains the difference between worldly and Biblical power.
ƒ³ Define Biblical power.
ƒ³ Define Biblical authority.
ƒ³ Identify the supernatural forces which are the sources of spiritual power.
ƒ³ Identify the two parts of every Biblical promise.
ƒ³ List steps for possessing the promises of God.
KEY VERSES:
O God, thou art my God: early will I seek thee; my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. (Psalms 63:1-2)
INTRODUCTION
Just as there is a deceiving sleep and warmth which comes upon a man who is dying from cold by freezing to death, so it is in the spirit world. There is a stupor and an unconcerned attitude when people are dying spiritually.
Religion is the attempt of man to know God. It is ritual and regulations, works and words without power. Religion brings spiritual death.
The power of God is the visible demonstration of His desire to reveal Himself to man. Spiritual power is God's Kingdom in action. It brings spiritual life.
Many have experienced religion. They have joined various cults and denominations. These
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organizations have lulled them into an unconcerned spiritual attitude. They have not experienced the power of the Gospel which can change their lives. They are defeated and discouraged, sick and wounded. They are dying spiritually. Their heart cry is as that of the Psalmist David who wrote. . .
O God, thou art my God: early will I seek thee; my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. (Psalms 63:1-2)
These people need to experience life after religion.
TYPES OF POWER
There are many types of power in the world today:
Political power is held by those in control of organizations, tribes, villages, cities, states, provinces and entire nations.
Intellectual power results in new inventions, literary and musical creations, and the establishing of educational institutions.
Physical power is possessed by strong men, many of whom become professional athletes.
Financial power is held by the bankers and businessmen who head corporations and great financial empires.
Military power held by great armies is used to defend and gain new territories.
The power of energy serves men in many ways ranging from a simple fire for warmth to electricity serving an entire city.
Religious power results in great denominations and religious cultures.
All of these are great powers at work in our world today. But the call from Jesus is not to worldly power. It is to spiritual power. It is a power that asks not "How can I be master?," but rather "How can I serve?"
THE DIFFERENCE IN STRUCTURE
Jesus explained the difference between the power structure of the world and that of the Kingdom of God. He said:
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. . . Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
But it shall not be so among you; but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant;
Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:25-28)
The call from Jesus is to relinquish worldly power for spiritual power which is given for the purpose of serving a suffering, lost, and dying world.
SPIRITUAL POWER
When we speak of power in this course we are not talking about man-made religious denominations or religious organizations. We are not speaking of authority delegated through a vote by the majority. It is not authority given by a title or office. It is not power based on education or ability.
When we speak of power in this course, we are referring to the Biblical concept of spiritual power. The Biblical meaning of the word "power" is spiritual might, ability, force, and strength. It is a supernatural dominion which results in mighty works and miracles.
A similar word, "authority," is also used in this course. As in the Bible, it is closely related to and has similar meaning to the word "power." Authority refers to legal and rightful power to act on behalf of another. Taking authority is the action of demonstrating power. It is possessing the right to exercise delegated power within defined boundaries.
FORCES OF SPIRITUAL POWER
There are several supernatural forces operative in spiritual power. The Biblical source of spiritual power is the true and living God who is revealed in the Holy Bible. God is a triune person composed of God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit. God the Father is the source of power:
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God. (Romans 13:1)
God has delegated power to His Son, Jesus Christ:
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And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)
Jesus has delegated spiritual power to believers through the Holy Spirit:
But ye 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. (Acts 1:8)
There is another force of spiritual power, but it is a negative force. It is the source of evil spiritual power and responsible for witchcraft, voodoo, and all other evil practices. That force is Satan. Satan is a spiritual power, but his power is evil, not good:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)
You will learn more about this "challenging counterfeit" of God's power in Chapter Three of this course.
THE DEMONSTRATION OF POWER
When Jesus began His public ministry, it was a ministry of miracles. His ministry did not succeed because of its great organization. He started with twelve disciples and ended with eleven. It did not succeed because of popularity. In the end, everyone turned against Him including His own followers. His ministry touched the multitudes because of the demonstration of power:
And they were astonished at His doctrine, for His word was with power. (Luke 4:32)
And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! For with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits and they come out. (Luke 4:36)
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. (Acts 10:38)
The early church was birthed in a demonstration of power. It was said of them:
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. . . These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.
(Acts 17:6)
The early church affected entire cities and nations, but they did not do it by just preaching alone. People listened and lives were changed because they witnessed the demonstration of God's power:
. . . the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them; and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
And there was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:6-8)
When Peter came to Lydda, he found a man named Aeneas who had been bedfast for eight years.
And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole; arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
(Acts 9:34-35)
In Joppa, Peter raised a woman named Dorcas from the dead. When this miracle took place. . .
. . . it was known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
(Acts 9:42)
Each miraculous demonstration of God's power focused attention on the Lord Jesus Christ. Each power encounter resulted in multiplication of the church.
Political influence is not what we need to reach the world with the Gospel. The early church did not have enough influence to keep Peter out of prison, but they had enough power to pray him out.
More preaching is not what will reach the world. The early church prayed for days, preached a few minutes, and 3,000 souls were saved (Acts l-2). Today we pray ten minutes, preach a ten day revival, and see only thirty saved.
More money for ministry does not assure reaching the world with the Gospel message. While it is true that finances are important to the work of the ministry, they are not the most necessary essential.
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When Peter and John passed by the temple gate at Jerusalem, a lame beggar asked for a few coins. Peter and John did not even have this small amount of funds, but they gave what they had:
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up; and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
And he, leaping up, stood and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. (Acts 3:6-8)
What they had was power and authority in the name of Jesus. They had no advertising budget to reach the city of Jerusalem. They had no printed tracts or Bibles, no television networks. But they had power. Through the demonstration of God's power, the entire city was affected by the Gospel message (Acts 3-4).
The early Church realized that the Gospel of the Kingdom was not only of word but of power:
For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (I Corinthians 4:20)
THE POWER OF CHOICE
When God created the world, He made many different kinds of creatures. He made animals, fish, insects, and birds (Genesis l). But God's greatest creation was man who was created in His own image. Man is unique among all creatures because he has a body, soul, and spirit. He was created to worship and fellowship with the true and living God (Genesis 2-3).
Man, by creation, is the companion of a miracle-working Father, the true and living God. Man, endued with the breath of God and made in His image, has a capacity for power unlike any other created being. The miracle-working realm should be man's natural realm.
Man has the most powerful, intelligent mind of all of God's creatures. Man has the power of choice. Man can choose to do good or evil. He can choose to obey God or Satan. The first temptation of man by Satan in the Garden of Eden focused on this power of choice (Genesis 3). Because of a wrong choice to sin, a basic sin nature has been passed from Adam and Eve to all mankind.
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THE BASIS OF SPIRITUAL POWER
If man is to experience true spiritual power, he must choose to serve God. Since all are sinners, all are in need of forgiveness:
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
Forgiveness comes through repenting and believing on Jesus Christ:
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:8-9)
Repentance from sin is the basis for spiritual power. You cannot experience the power of God if you remain in the spiritual death of sin.
When the disciples were preaching in one city, a man named Simon witnessed the power of God in action. He offered money to Peter and said:
. . . Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8:19)
Peter answered:
. . . Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Thou has neither part nor lot in this matter; for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. (Acts 8:20-23)
Repentance is the basis of all true spiritual power. You will never experience God's power unless you have first experienced repentance. Salvation from sin is the greatest demonstration of the power of God.
God does not pour His power through sinful vessels. He does not work through people who try
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to improve their lives through self effort (Matthew 9:16-17). God demonstrates His power through holy vessels who have repented and are serving Him.
POSSESSING THE PROMISES
Believers have been promised spiritual power, but there are two parts to every promise of God:
The promise: The content, the actual words and meaning of the promise.
The possession of that promise: You cannot use that which you do not possess. You must claim the promises of God in order for them to become reality in your life.
How do you claim the promises of God? Here are the steps:
1. YOU MUST CHOOSE TO DO SO:
You have the power to accept the promise of God, reject it, or ignore it. Many people have rejected the promise of spiritual power. They believe it was only for the early Church. Others have ignored it. They read the promises in the Bible, but do not act upon them. These people do not have the demonstration of God's power in their lives because they have exercised their own power of choice and failed to claim the promise.
Whenever there is a promise in God's Word that is not fulfilled in your life it does not mean it is not true or not for you. Do not interpret the Bible on the basis of your own experience. Just because you have not experienced a promise of God does not mean it is not a true and valid promise. The promise of power is a gift from God, but you must choose to accept that gift.
2. YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THE PRINCIPLES:
To possess any Biblical promise, you must understand the principles upon which it is based. Promises of God are always based on certain principles which always involve a response from man.
For example, many promises of God are based on the "if/then" principle. God says "If you will do this certain thing, then you will receive the promise." (See Deuteronomy 28 for an example of this principle).
To experience the promise of spiritual power, you must understand the Biblical principles of power. In the natural world, it is similar to reading the instructions that come with a product to learn how to operate it properly or like using a recipe to learn how to prepare a certain food.
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3. YOU MUST APPLY THE PRINCIPLES:
Someone can give you a lovely gift in the natural world. You can choose to accept it. It comes with instructions. You can read the instructions and understand them thoroughly. But unless you use the instructions to operate the gift, the product is still useless to you.
Mere understanding of the Biblical power principles taught in this course is not enough. You must apply these principles to your own life and ministry.
BEYOND BLESSING TO POWER
Many believers do not experience power because they never get beyond the point of spiritual blessing. The Holy Spirit begins to move upon them and they feel great joy. They may express it in singing, shouting, dancing, or crying. They are blessed by God and respond emotionally.
There is nothing wrong with this. The Bible is filled with such spiritual experiences. But God wants to move His people beyond the point of blessing into the realm of spiritual power, beyond emotion to demonstration.
There is a story in the Old Testament which illustrates this truth. It also illustrates the link between a promise and the possessing of that promise. The nation of Israel traveled for many months from Egypt through the desert to the land God promised them. When they reached the edge of this promised land, Moses sent in spies to check out the land. Ten of the spies brought back a negative report. They said there were giants in the land and there was no way Israel could go in to possess the land. Only two spies urged the people to enter the land and possess it as God had promised.
Israel chose to listen to the negative report. Because of this, although it was only an eleven day journey from where they were camped to the Promised Land, it took Israel forty years to make the journey (Deuteronomy 1:2).
God brought Israel to the point of blessing. They were at the edge of the Promised Land. God's power was available to conquer the enemy. But Israel refused to move forward in God's power. There was nothing wrong with the promise. The problem was Israel's refusal to possess it.
You must not stop when you get to a point of blessing in your life. You must break through into the spiritual realm of power. If you do not do so, you will continue to wander in a spiritual wilderness of dry, powerless existence.
You must move beyond the point of blessing into the realm of power. You must become a demonstrator instead of a spectator; a doer instead of only a hearer. When you do so, you will experience the true flow of God's power. You will experience a life force and anointing within you which you have never before known. You will experience life after religion.
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ORDINARY PEOPLE
You may think you cannot experience this power because you lack education. Perhaps you do not hold ministerial credentials with any denomination. You may live in a village far away from a Christian college and you are unable to obtain a Bible school education. None of these things need stand in the way of your receiving spiritual power. The Word of God is filled with examples of ordinary men and women who were used of God in mighty ways:
Abraham. . . lied about Sarah being his wife because of fear, yet he was used of God to found the great nation of Israel.
Moses. . . was not a good speaker and killed an Egyptian in anger, yet God used him to lead an entire nation of over two million people to the promised land.
Peter. . . sank while walking on water, always said the wrong thing at the wrong time, and in the end denied he knew Jesus. . . yet this ordinary fisherman stood and gave a powerful witness on the day of Pentecost which resulted in the salvation of 3,000 souls.
Gideon. . . a young man hiding in fear to thresh the harvest grain was called to deliver an entire nation from oppressive captors.
King David. . . committed adultery, took another man's wife and had the man murdered, yet he was the greatest King of Israel and called a man after God's own heart.
Peter and John. . . both were poor fishermen and had no money or education, but the healing power of God flowed through them to stir entire cities.
The Apostle Paul. . . it was said of him that his letters were powerful, but his bodily presence weak and his speech poor (II Corinthians 10:10).
Jacob. . . was a deceiver, liar, and schemer. But when God touched him, he became a "prince with power with God and man."
If men such as these can be entrusted with spiritual power with God and men, you can also, despite your human failures! God calls ordinary men and women and makes them extraordinary. He does not see you as you see yourself. He does not see you as others see you. God sees you as you can become when you are endued with spiritual power. God uses ordinary people, what the Bible calls "earthen vessels" so that...@the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us@ (II Corinthians 4:7).
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verses from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the difference between religion and the demonstration of God's power?
________________________________________________________________________
3. Name some worldly power structures listed in this lesson.
________________________________________________________________________
4. What reference explains the difference between worldly and Biblical power structures?
________________________________________________________________________
5. Give the Biblical definitions for power and authority.
________________________________________________________________________
6. Identify the supernatural forces which are the source of spiritual power.
________________________________________________________________________
7. What are the two parts of every Biblical promise?
_______________________________and______________________________
8. List three steps given in this lesson, for possessing the promises of God.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
9. The basis of spiritual power is___________________________.
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. The first Biblical record of a man being endued with spiritual power is Jacob. It was said of him that he had power with God and men. Study the record of this experience in Genesis 32 and Hosea 12:3-4. Write a summary of what you learn in these passages:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Jesus rejected worldly power. See Luke 4:1-13, John 6:15, and John 7:2-6. Write a summary of what you learn in these passages:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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CHAPTER TWO
THE SOURCE OF POWER
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Identify the source of power.
ƒ³ List eight ways God reveals His power on earth.
ƒ³ Give a Scriptural reference which explains why God reveals His power on earth.
KEY VERSE:
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. (Psalms 62:11)
INTRODUCTION
To properly understand power principles we must start at the very beginning. We must discover the source of power. The source of something is its beginning or place of origin. This chapter presents the true and living God revealed in the Holy Bible as the source of all power. David wrote:
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. (Psalms 62:11)
When God repeats something it is because it is very important.
THE SOURCE OF POWER
Before anything else existed, there was God. Genesis l-2 records the beginning of the world and all living beings. God made the earth by His power:
He hath made the earth by His power; He hath established the world by His wisdom and hath stretched out the heavens by His discretion.
(Jeremiah 10:12)
I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me. (Jeremiah 27:5)
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For by Him were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were create by Him, and for Him. (Colossians 1:16)
Since God created all things, there is nothing beyond the scope of His power:
Ah Lord God! Behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.
(Jeremiah 32:17)
God is the source of power behind all things in their present state:
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11)
For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things; to whom be glory for ever. (Romans 11:36)
Who being in the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power . . .
(Hebrews 1:3)
God has the times and seasons in His power:
And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. (Acts 1:7)
The earth and all it contains belong to the Lord:
The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. (Psalms 24:1)
In Genesis 14:22, God is called the possessor of Heaven and earth. To possess something is to have power over it.
There are many kingdoms and governments in this world. But God's Kingdom is sovereign. This means He rules over all:
The Lord hath prepared His throne in the Heavens; and His kingdom ruleth over all. (Psalms 103:19)
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Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the Kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.
Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. (I Chronicles 29:11-12)
Since God created man, only He has power over the spirit of man:
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death . . .(Ecclesiastes 8:8)
God has power to preserve those appointed to die:
Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die. (Psalms 79:11)
God is the one who gives power to the faint:
He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. (Isaiah 40:29)
. . . The God of Israel is He that giveth strength and power unto His people. (Psalms 68:35)
God's power is not affected by the power or lack of power of man:
. . . Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power . . . (II Chronicles 14:11)
God has the power to deliver. The Bible is filled with records of how God supernaturally delivered people in times of need. Two good examples are found in the book of Daniel. Read how God delivered His servants from the furnace of fire in Daniel 3 and from the lions in Daniel 6.
His power is unlimited:
The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power...(Nahum 1:3)
His power is excellent:
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Touching the Almighty, we cannot find Him out; He is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice . . . (Job 37:23)
God's power is everlasting. Paul wrote that God...
. . . hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. (I Timothy 6:16)
In the final book of the Bible we read of a future event in Heaven when . . .
. . . the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from His power . . . (Revelation 15:8)
And the hosts of Heaven cried . . . Saying Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power and might be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 7:12)
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in Heaven, saying, Alleluia: Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power unto the Lord our God. (Revelation 19:1)
Repeatedly, from beginning to end, the Bible stresses that God is the source of power.
HOW GOD REVEALS HIS POWER
The Bible is a record of how God reveals His power in the earth. Here are the various ways God reveals His power:
NATURE:
God has revealed Himself in nature. The plants and animals, valleys and mountains, waters and deserts, and even the skies above are all visible signs of His creative power:
Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the firmament of His power. (Psalms 150:1
Which by His strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power;
Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves . . .
(Psalms 65:6-7)
God is in the wind, sea, and mountains:
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He caused an east wind to blow in the Heaven; and by His power He brought in the south wind. (Psalms 78:26)
. . . the Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.
He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers . . .
The mountains quake at Him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at His presence . . .(Nahum 1:3-5)
He controls all the elements of nature:
When He uttereth His voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; He maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of His treasures. (Jeremiah 10:13)
Job chapters 38-40 provide a detailed record of how God is revealed in the world of nature. God has revealed His power so clearly in nature that men have no excuse for not believing in Him:
For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)
HIS WRITTEN WORD:
From beginning to end, God's written Word reveals His power. It opens with His power to create. It closes with His power to destroy, judge, and recreate. Between Genesis and Revelation, God's Word records His power constantly at work in the world and in the lives of men and women.
Not only do the stories recorded in God's Word reflect His power, but the words in which they are told are powerful:
For the Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
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JUDGMENT:
Acts of judgment by God reveal His power. His power was first demonstrated in judgment when He judged Adam and Eve after their sin (Genesis 3).
It was revealed at a greater level when God destroyed the entire world with a flood in the days of Noah (Genesis 6-9).
The Bible is a continual record of the power of God revealed through judgment of sin. He sent judgment upon His people when they sinned. He also sent judgment upon evil nations. You can read about this in the book of Judges and the books written by the prophets.
Each time God sent judgment, He clearly indicated its purpose was that people would come to know His power (for an example, see Exodus 7:17).
REDEMPTION:
Throughout history, God revealed His power in miraculous acts of redemption.
Although God judged Adam and Eve, He provided a way of salvation for them (Genesis 3:15). Although He destroyed the wicked earth with a flood, He provided an ark of safety (Genesis 6-9).
God redeemed Israel from bondage in Egypt through His power:
And because He loved thy fathers, therefore He chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in His sight with His mighty power out of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 4:37)
God raised up judges, kings, and prophets whom He used to redeem His people out of the hand of the enemy. Nehemiah said of Israel:
Now these are thy servants and thy people whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. (Nehemiah 1:10)
Each time God redeemed His people, He had a purpose. That purpose was to reveal His power:
Nevertheless He saved them for His name's sake, that He might make His mighty power to be known. (Psalms 106:8)
JESUS CHRIST:
God's greatest plan of redemption was revealed in Jesus Christ through whom all men could be redeemed from sin once and for all.
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God's power was revealed through the prophecies about the birth of Jesus and in His miraculous birth. It was evident in the life, teaching, and ministry of the Lord as well as in His death and resurrection.
The greatest revelation of God's power was in Jesus Christ:
And I heard a loud voice saying in Heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the Kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10)
In Chapter Four of this course you will study in detail how the power of God was revealed in Jesus Christ.
THE HOLY SPIRIT:
Jesus promised His followers:
But ye 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. (Acts 1:8)
Acts 2 is the record of the coming of the Holy Ghost, sent from God as Jesus had promised. Through the Holy Ghost God continues to reveal His power. You will learn how as you study the power of the Holy Spirit later in this course.
SUPERNATURAL SIGNS:
You have already learned that God revealed His power through judgment and redemption of His people. But God also reveals His power in other supernatural ways. "Supernatural" means beyond the power of the natural world. It is something that cannot be done by the power of man.
God's power has been revealed through miraculous healings, deliverance from demonic powers, the dead being restored to life--even through fire falling from Heaven. The entire Bible is a record of supernatural signs of God revealing His power. God's power is still revealed through such signs today.
BELIEVERS:
Jesus said such powerful signs would be done by God through believers:
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And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
(Mark 16:17-18)
From the beginning of His written Word, God worked on this earth through men and women. Man has a capacity for power unlike any other created being. God's judgment came through evil men and women. Redemption came through godly judges, prophets, kings, and finally through Jesus Christ.
When Jesus came to earth to manifest God's power He was born of a woman in human form. The greatest redemption of all times, redemption from sin, came through one made in the form of man.
After Jesus returned to Heaven, God continued to demonstrate His power on earth through men and women. The book of Acts is the record of the power of God at work through believers.
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following . . . (Mark 16:20)
God's power was demonstrated through the power of the Gospel that changes lives of men and women. It was demonstrated in miracles of healing and deliverance. His power was shown in spite of suffering and persecution.
Whenever God raises up a man or ministry it is for the purpose of showing His power. God said to Moses:
And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.
(Exodus 9:16)
God continues to reveal His power today through believers who are part of the true Church. He demonstrates His power through special leaders He sets in the Church and through spiritual gifts given to believers. You will study more about this in Chapter Five on "Delegated Authority."
WHY GOD REVEALS HIS POWER
Why does God reveal His power on earth? Why does He show miraculous signs to mankind? There are many purposes for God's power at work in the world. You will study these in Chapter Six on "The Purposes Of Power."
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But the many purposes of God's power can be summed up in one major purpose. This purpose, from the beginning of time, was to redeem sinful mankind through Jesus Christ. The purpose of the revelation of His power is to draw all men to Himself through Jesus:
Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself;
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him. (Ephesians 1:9-10)
According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:11)
OTHER LEVELS OF AUTHORITY
God is the source of all power. He is the supreme and highest authority in the universe.
God has established other levels of authority in the world. He gave authority to His Son, Jesus Christ. He gives believers authority through the Holy Spirit. God has established levels of authority in society, government, business, the home, and the church. These levels of authority are all important. To properly understand principles of spiritual power, you must recognize the structure of authority established by God. You will study each of these later in this course.
But first, attention must be focused on an important truth which is revealed in the Bible. Although God is the source of power, His authority does not go unchallenged. The levels of authority He has established in the world also do not go unchallenged. There are evil forces challenging God's authority. They are not a threat to His authority in any way, but they constantly wage warfare against it nevertheless. If you incorporate Biblical "Power Principles" into your life then you will be challenged by these same forces. The following chapter, "The Challenging Counterfeit," deals with this subject.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
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2. What is the "source" of something?
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3. Who is the source of all power?
________________________________________________________________________
4. List eight ways God reveals His power on earth.
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
5. Is this statement True or False? "God is the only power in the universe. There are no other levels of power." The statement is______________.
6. Give a Scripture reference which explains God's main purpose in revealing His power on earth.
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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. David was the greatest King to ever rule the nation of Israel. He recognized God as the source of all power. Summarize what you learn from these Scriptures:
II Samuel 22:33; Psalms 59:11,16; 62:11; 63:2; 65:6; 68:35; 78:26; 79:11; 90:11; 106:8; 110:3; 111:6; 145:11; 150:1
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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2. David expressed a personal desire related to God's power. What was the desire he expressed in Psalms 71:18?
________________________________________________________________________
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3. As you study the Bible, keep a record of how God reveals His power through:
Nature Jesus Christ
Judgment The Holy Spirit
Redemption Supernatural Signs
His Written Word Believers
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CHAPTER THREE
THE CHALLENGING COUNTERFEIT
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verses from memory.
ƒ³ Identify Satan as the challenging counterfeit of the true power of God.
ƒ³ Explain what is meant by "spiritual wickedness in high places."
ƒ³ Summarize how Satan imitates God's power through spiritual wickedness in high places.
KEY VERSES:
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness: whose end shall be according to their works.
(II Corinthians 11:14-15)
INTRODUCTION
In the last chapter you learned that God is the source of power and of the ways He reveals His power on earth. But God's great power does not go unchallenged. There is a power struggle going on in the world today. It is not a war of flesh and blood. It is the struggle of a very challenging counterfeit rebelling against God.
THE CHALLENGING COUNTERFEIT
Satan constantly is challenging God's power in the universe. He is the challenging counterfeit because he actually poses no threat to God. Satan was originally created by God as a beautiful angel named Lucifer. Read about his original state and position in Ezekiel 28:12-17. But Satan rebelled against the power and authority of God. He wanted to be as God Himself. You can read the story of his rebellion in Ezekiel 28:17 and Isaiah 14:12-15. God could have struck Satan down and killed him for such rebellion. But if He had brought down the first enemy in this way, there would have been the possibility of another rebellion and the history of Heaven would have been clouded with similar disasters.
Instead, God cast Satan out of Heaven and allowed his claims to power to have complete trial on earth. God also cast out other angels who participated in Satan's rebellions. They are now evil angels known as "demons" or "devils" at work in the world today.
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Shortly after God created the first man and woman, the battle began on earth. You can read of the first challenge in Genesis chapter 3. The fall of Adam and Eve into sin was rooted in rebellion against the authority and power of God. Adam and Eve sought knowledge equal to that of God. With such knowledge would come power.
From this time on, Satan has challenged the authority of God on earth. Through sin, Satan seeks to draw men and women to allegiance to himself instead of God. The Harvestime Institute course, "Spiritual Strategies: A Manual Of Spiritual Warfare," deals with the subject of Satan in detail. If you are taking the Institute courses in their suggested order, you have already studied this course. If not, we suggest you obtain it to assist in understanding this enemy and specific spiritual strategies to overcome his power.
One of the chief methods of Satan in challenging God's power is to counterfeit it. A counterfeit is an imitation of something and is designed to deceive. For example, counterfeit money is made to look like real money. Criminals pass it off to others as real money to deceive them.
Satan counterfeits the power of God. He imitates God's power to deceive people. He uses his angels (demons) to help him accomplish this goal. Satan and his demons sometimes appear as good instead of evil. We are warned:
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness: whose end shall be according to their works.
(II Corinthians 11:14-15)
In the final days of time on earth, this imitation of God's power by Satan will increase. Through signs and wonders, he will deceive many:
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders.
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish: because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. (II Thessalonians 2:9-11)
This Scripture reveals how Satan works. He counterfeits the power of God with "all power and signs and lying wonders." The only way you can detect his deception is by the truth of the Word of God.
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PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)
Man is caught in this conflict of Satan rebelling against the power of God. We are engaged in a power struggle with the invisible powers of Satan. But the power of God is greater than "thrones, dominions, principalities and powers" (Colossians 1:16) and greater than all "principalities and powers in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). But you need to be alert to the deceptive power of Satan which counterfeits the power of God. You must be aware of . . .
SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES
When Paul speaks of "spiritual wickedness in high places,@ he is referring to wicked spirits who have infiltrated the religious systems of the world. Satan has organized his evil forces to imitate the organization of the true Church of God. In some cases he actually has congregations known as "The Church of Satan" or "Spiritualists." He has set up a form of worship in the spiritual "high places" of organized religion.
Satan has also established his system right in the true Church through evil people who have "crept in unawares" (Jude 4). Satan has right in the Church who demonstrate power, but it is not God's power. The structure Satan has established in the high places of religion is based on imitation and deception.
SATAN HAS HIS OWN TRINITY:
God is a trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The trinity of Satan includes Satan himself, the beast, and a false prophet.
SATAN HAS HIS OWN CHURCH:
God established the true Church which is known as the "Body of Christ" of which Jesus is the head:
Now ye are the Body of Christ, and members in particular.
(I Corinthians 12:27)
Satan has his own church which is called "a synagogue of Satan":
. . . I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. (Revelation 2:9)
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The name "synagogue of Satan" is not always openly used, but his synagogue is established any place the true Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is not preached.
SATAN HAS A DOCTRINE:
God has a doctrine which is revealed in His holy Word, the Bible:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine...
(II Timothy 3:16)
The doctrine of Satan is called the "doctrine of devils":
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.
(I Timothy 4:1)
The doctrine of devils is any teaching presented as truth which does not agree with the written Word of God.
SATAN HAS A SYSTEM OF SACRIFICE:
In Romans 12:1, we are told to present ourselves to God as a living sacrifice. This means we are to surrender in total allegiance to God. Satan demands sacrifices also:
But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. (I Corinthians 10:20)
Satan demands total allegiance of body, soul, and spirit. There are actually services of sacrifice conducted where men and women dedicate themselves to the service of Satan. The blood sacrifice of humans and animals is also practiced.
SATAN HAS HIS OWN COMMUNION:
The sharing of the communion bread and wine was started by Jesus as a way of remembering His sacrifice for the sins of all mankind on the cross (I Corinthians 11:23-34). Satan counterfeits this with his own communion service:
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils; ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
(I Corinthians 10:21)
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SATAN HAS MINISTERS:
God calls some believers to serve as pastors and minister to His Church by proclaiming the Gospel (I Corinthians 12:28). Satan also has ministers:
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
(II Corinthians 11:14-15)
Satan's ministers proclaim his Agospel@ which is contrary to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto
you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:7-8)
Just because a message is delivered with a powerful style of presentation does not mean it is a message of the true Gospel.
SATAN HAS A THRONE:
God has a throne in Heaven. Satan also has a throne, although we are not told its exact location:
And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon (Satan) gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. (Revelation 13:2)
SATAN HAS WORSHIPERS:
There are many who worship the true God. Satan also has worshipers:
. . . and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? (Revelation 13:4)
Some worshipers of Satan pretend to be followers of Jesus:
The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
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The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. (Matthew 13:38-39)
Satan mixes the bad "seed" in with the good "seed" (true believers).
SATAN HAS PROPHETS:
God has set prophets in the church, men who are especially anointed to bring a direct message from Him to the church (I Corinthians 12:28). Satan also has false prophets:
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
(Matthew 24:11)
SATAN HAS TEACHERS:
God has anointed some people as teachers to explain His Word to others (I Corinthians 12:28). But all teachers are not from God. Satan has false teachers who spread his evil doctrine:
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you . . . (II Peter 2:1-3)
Satan's teachers bring in "damnable heresies," teachings which are false and cause division. They speak lies and are experts at mixing truth and error in a way that makes error acceptable.
SATAN HAS APOSTLES:
An apostle is a person who spreads the Gospel and establishes churches (I Corinthians 12:28). Satan also has apostles doing his work throughout the world. They deceive people by imitating the true apostles:
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. (II Corinthians 11:13)
Satan's apostles become leaders of false cults and infiltrate churches and even become leaders in the churches.
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SATAN RAISES UP FALSE CHRISTS:
Satan has even imitated the Lord Jesus Christ by raising up false Christs. Jesus warned:
. . . Take heed that no man deceive you.
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (Matthew 24:4-5)
These false Christs may use the name of Jesus. They may do many signs and wonders. But they are imitators of the power of God.
SATAN HAS A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM:
The Bible is a record of how God spoke to man in times past. God continues to speak to men today. Satan also speaks to man. His first words to humans resulted in their fall into sin (Genesis chapter 3).
Believers pray to God regarding their needs. God responds to the prayer of the righteous (James 5:16). Satan's followers pray to him and communicate with evil spirits. Sometimes Satan responds with supernatural events such as voices, the moving of objects, noises, etc. Satan does have real power and can demonstrate this power visually in our world.
God has communicated to man through His written Word, the Bible. Satan's message is also being communicated through the written word by evil magazines, books, motion pictures, and music. Communication from God through His written and spoken Word provides guidance for man in the affairs of life.
Satan has a system of false guidance accomplished through methods such as the following:
Astrology and horoscope: Which use stars to predict events and give guidance.
Readings of tea leaves, pictures, bumps on the head, palm of the hand and crystal balls: The formation of the tea leaves, lines in the human hand, crystal balls, and pictures are claimed
to give guidance.
Witchcraft: Using spells, potions, charms, rituals, seances, divinations, methods of chance, visions, drawings, and similar unscriptural methods to receive guidance.
SATAN HAS SUPERNATURAL POWER:
Jesus promised supernatural power to his followers after they received the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Satan also gives supernatural power and authority (Revelation 13:2). His
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demons create supernatural strength and energy. Satan gives both power and authority (Revelation 13:2), as did Jesus. Satan can perform many supernatural signs and miracles:
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles...(Revelation 16:14)
Jesus said:
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:22-23)
Note that Jesus said "I never knew you.@ These people with their impressive demonstrations of power were never of God. They were deceiving counterfeits.
THE GREATER POWER
Satan is truly a challenging imitator. He has a powerful organization. His followers can do powerful acts. Jesus warned of his power:
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
(Luke 12:5)
But God has greater power. Jesus said:
. . . Greater is He (Jesus) that is in you than he (Satan) that is in the world.
(I John 4:4)
You will learn in the next chapter how Jesus came with great power and authority to destroy the evil works of Satan. You will learn in later chapters how Jesus delegated power over all the power of the enemy to believers.
FACING THE CHALLENGING COUNTERFEIT
Here are some Biblical guidelines for facing the power of the challenging counterfeit:
RECOGNIZE SATAN IS AN IMITATOR:
The first step in overcoming the power of Satan is to recognize that Satan imitates God's power.
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USE DISCERNMENT:
There is a special gift of the Holy Spirit called discerning of spirits. It is an unusual ability given by God to immediately discern another person's spirit and know if they are good or evil. If you have this spiritual gift, use it to determine whether people's spirits are of God or Satan.
If you do not have this gift, God has provided other methods of detection. II Peter 2 and the book of Jude list the characteristics of people with seducing spirits to help you identify them. No matter how spiritual or powerful a person may appear, evaluate him on the basis of God's Word.
EVALUATE THE SUPERNATURAL BY THE FRUIT:
Because Satan imitates the power of God through supernatural manifestations of miracles, signs, and wonders, God has provided a way to evaluate ministries. Jesus compared men to fruit trees:
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them. (Matthew 7:18, 20)
Satan can imitate spiritual gifts and God's power, but he has no imitation for a holy life exhibiting the fruit of the Holy Spirit which includes . . .
. . . love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance . . . (Galatians 5:22-23)
Evaluate ministries by spiritual fruit instead of supernatural manifestations of power.
STUDY THE WORD OF GOD:
In order to recognize false doctrines of Satan's teachers, apostles, prophets, and ministers, you must know what is taught in the Word of God. Paul told Timothy:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
Even though Paul was a great spiritual leader in the early church, the believers at the city of Berea checked everything he said by God's written Word:
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11)
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To avoid being deceived by Satan's power, examine everything that is taught in light of God's Word. Evaluate the lives of those who are teaching powerful doctrines or performing signs and wonders.
Do not accept any teaching, doctrine, revelation, or miracle that is not in harmony with God's Word. The power of Satan often attracts believers through so-called "special revelation of new truth." People claim special dreams, appearances by angels, visions, voices, or other supernatural events. But Paul warned:
. . . but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from Heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
(Galatians 1:7-8)
Do not accept any so-called prophecy that is not in right relation to the faith (Romans 12:6) and which does not come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:22). Do not accept any revelation that leads you away from God and the truth of His Word (Deuteronomy 13:1-5):
The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. (Proverbs 21:16)
AVOID EVERY SATANIC INFLUENCE:
God warned Israel to avoid every type of Satanic influence:
. . . destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places. (Numbers 33:52)
Read the additional instructions God gave in Deuteronomy 18:9-14. Israel was to have no contact with the work of Satan in any form. Destroy anything you own that has to do with witchcraft or the work of the devil. This includes idols, lucky charms, potions, amulets, crystal balls, games, divining devices, and other similar items. Destroy any evil literature and music that does not glorify God. This is what people did in the New Testament when they became believers:
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men, and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. (Acts 19:19)
Do not spend time in places where there is evil influence. The Bible records that God manifested Himself in special places such as the Old Testament temple and the upper room of a house on the Day of Pentecost. It is equally true that Satanic power can be manifested in special places dedicated to evil. This includes places where evil pictures are shown, drinking and riotous
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behavior is occurring, seances are being held, worship of Satan is occurring--anywhere sinful practices are going on. Avoid such environments, because Satan's power is especially strong there. You cannot pray, "Lead me not into temptation," and then put yourself in such a place:
. . . and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
(I Corinthians 10:20)
Do not associate with false leaders, teachers, prophets, ministers or apostles: Abstain from all appearance of evil. (I Thessalonians 5:22)
RECOGNIZE GOD'S POWER IS GREATER THAN SATAN:
God's organization, the true church, is more powerful than that of Satan:
(God) hath put all things under His (Jesus) feet, and gave Him (Jesus) to be
the head over all things to the church. Which is His body . . .
(Ephesians 1:22-23)
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.
(Ephesians 3:10)
Jesus is the head of the Church. Believers are the body. If all things (including Satan and his religious structure) are under the feet of Jesus, then they are also under our feet because we are the body. "Under the feet" means they are under the power and authority which God has delegated to us. Jesus said we have power over "all the power of the enemy" (Luke 10:19). This includes spiritual wickedness in high places. Satan and his hosts challenge God's power, but they certainly are not a threat to Him or His people. The Church is actually to demonstrate God's power to these evil principalities and powers!
LEARN BIBLICAL POWER PRINCIPLES:
You will study Biblical principles in this course. If you understand the principles of God's power, you will not be deceived by the counterfeit works of Satan.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verses from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What is meant by "spiritual wickedness in high places"?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Summarize all you remember about the counterfeiting of God's power by Satan through spiritual wickedness in high places.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. List eight Biblical strategies given in this chapter for overcoming the power of the challenging imitator.
________________________________ __________________________________
________________________________ __________________________________
________________________________ ___________________________________
________________________________ ___________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Study II Peter chapter 2 and the book of Jude. These chapters will help you detect Satan's imitators in the church.
2. Obtain the Harvestime International Institute course "Spiritual Strategies: A Manual Of Spiritual Warfare.@ It will help you learn more about the challenging counterfeit and provide specific strategies for overcoming his power.
3. As an imitator of the power of God, Satan seeks to deceive in the world today. To Adeceive" is to mislead or cause someone to believe something that is not true.
-Satan deceives not only individuals but nations: Revelation 20:8-10
-Satan works with "all deceivableness of unrighteousness": II Thessalonians 2:10 -We are warned that deception will increase: II Timothy 3:13
-Because deception will increase, we are instructed to be aware of the events
indicating Christ=s return: Matthew 24; Mark 13; II Thessalonians 2:3
-We are warned about those used by Satan to deceive: II Corinthians 11:13; Titus
1:10; II Peter 2:13; II John 7
-Man's heart is deceptive: Jeremiah 17:9
-Every unsaved man is deceived: II Corinthians 4:4; Hebrews 3:13
-Do not accept deceptive "fair speeches" which do not agree with God's Word:
Romans 16:18; II Corinthians 4:2
You are deceived if . . .
-You listen to vain philosophies: Colossians 2:8
-You trust in riches and permit the lusts of the flesh: Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19;
Ephesians 4:22
-You are a hearer and not a doer of the Word of God: James 1:22
-You say you have no sin: I John 1:8
-You listen to evil men: II Timothy 3:13
-You think you are important when actually you are nothing: Galatians 6:3
-You think you will not reap what you sow: Galatians 6:7
-You think the unrighteous will inherit the Kingdom of God: I Corinthians 6:9
-You think you are wise because you have the wisdom of this world: I Corinthians
3:18
-You think you are spiritual but an unconquered tongue reveals your true
condition: James 1:26
-You do not believe Jesus Christ came in the flesh: II John 7
-You think contact with sin will have no effect on you: I Corinthians 15:33
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CHAPTER FOUR
"NEVER A MAN SPOKE AS HE"
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Identify the source of Jesus' power.
ƒ³ Summarize what the Bible teaches regarding the power and authority of Jesus.
KEY VERSE:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)
INTRODUCTION
God is a triune personality made up of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The source of power is God the Father. God delegated power to His Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit later endued believers with power delegated by the Son.
In this chapter you will learn of the power and authority of Jesus. It was so great that the religious leaders of His time commented, "Never a man spake as He" (John 7:46).
BORN IN POWER
Jesus was born in the power of the Holy Ghost:
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
(Luke 1:35)
Jesus was the visible manifestation of God's power:
But unto them which are called. . . Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (I Corinthians 1:24)
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BAPTIZED IN POWER
John recognized the power of Jesus. He said:
. . . There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
I indeed have baptized you with water; but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. (Mark 1:7-8)
When Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove:
And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him. (John 1:31)
God had told John . . .
. . . Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. (John 1:33)
This was confirmed when the Holy Ghost rested on Jesus in the form of the dove. Jesus was not only filled with Holy Ghost power, He was to baptize with power.
A PROVEN POWER
Immediately after His baptism, Jesus went into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan:
And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost, returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. (Luke 4:1)
You can read of this experience in Luke 4:1-13.
Power is proven by testing. Each temptation by Satan challenged the power and authority of Jesus. Jesus successfully overcame each one and. . .
. . . returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about. (Luke 4:14)
HIS SOURCE OF POWER
God the Father was the source of Jesus' power and authority. Jesus said:
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The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
(Luke 4:18-19)
Jesus did not exercise power independently of God the Father. Continually, throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus credited God as the source of His power:
Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father. (John 10:32)
UNLIMITED POWER
There were no limits to Christ=s power. He was given all power in Heaven and earth:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)
Jesus has power. . .
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
And (God) hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all things to the Church. ( Ephesians 1:21-22)
Jesus is the head of all other powers:
And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:10)
Jesus had unlimited power. He was given:
POWER TO TEACH WITH AUTHORITY:
The scribes based their authority on the Old Testament scriptures. Jesus based His authority on God Himself:
And they were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. (Mark 1:22)
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And they were astonished at His doctrine: for His word was with power. (Luke 4:32)
POWER OVER SIN:
Jesus had power to forgive sin:
But that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins. (Matthew 9:6)
POWER OVER SICKNESS:
When the even was come, they brought unto Him many that were possessed with devils: and He cast out the spirits with His word. . . and healed all that were sick. (Matthew 8:16)
POWER OVER NATURE:
And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39)
POWER OVER ALL FLESH:
As thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given Him. (John 17:2)
POWER OVER HIS ENEMIES:
Then saith Pilate unto Him, Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above. . . (John 19:10-11)
POWER OVER DEATH:
Jesus said:
I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. (John 11:25)
Through His own death and resurrection, Jesus. . .
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. . . having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:15)
POWER OVER HIS OWN LIFE:
Jesus explained regarding His life:
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. . . (John 10:18)
POWER TO EXECUTE JUDGMENT:
God has given Jesus power to execute judgment:
And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. (John 5:27)
POWER OVER DEMONS:
Jesus had power and authority over demonic forces:
And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a
word is this! for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. (Luke 4:36)
And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth He even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him. (Mark 1:27)
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. (Acts 10:38)
POWER OVER ALL THE WORKS OF THE ENEMY:
The purpose for which Jesus came into the world was to destroy all the works of the Devil:
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the Devil. (I John 3:8)
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PRESENT POWER
After His death and resurrection, Jesus returned to Heaven. There He continues to minister in power and authority at the right hand of God:
Hereafter shall the Son of Man sit on the right hand of the power of God. (Luke 22:69)
And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. (Acts 7:56)
Jesus also continues to minister through the power delegated to believers. Before Jesus returned to Heaven, He delegated power and authority to His followers. They were to do the works He had done, and even greater works (John 14:12). You will study about this delegated power in the next chapter.
FUTURE POWER
Someday, Jesus will return to earth in great power and glory:
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in Heaven: and then all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30)
At that time all the powers of Heaven and earth will be delivered up to Jesus:
Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. (I Corinthians 15:24)
All the universe will acknowledge the power of God the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ:
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
And every creature which is in Heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. (Revelation 5:12-13)
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What were the limitations of Jesus' power?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Who was the source of Jesus' power and authority?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Summarize what you learned in this chapter concerning the power and authority of Jesus.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter of this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
Continue to learn about the power and authority of Jesus by studying His life and ministry in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Keep a record of how many times Jesus attributes His power to God the Father. What is the total number?
________________________________________________________________________
Keep a record of the demonstrations of His power in teaching, healing, casting out demons, miracles, control of nature, etc. Use this chart:
Reference How Power Was Demonstrated Results
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CHAPTER FIVE
DELEGATED AUTHORITY
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Identify the source from whom we receive spiritual authority.
ƒ³ Explain the relationship between responsibility and authority.
ƒ³ Explain the responsibility Jesus delegated to His followers.
ƒ³ Define two Greek words for power.
KEY VERSE:
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
(Luke 10:19)
INTRODUCTION
God is the source of power. He delegated "all power" to His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus then delegated spiritual power to His followers. This power enabled them to fulfill a great responsibility assigned to them.
RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY
When Jesus concluded His earthly ministry and returned to Heaven, He left His followers with a great responsibility. He said:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
(Matthew 28:19-20)
The responsibility Jesus gave His followers was to reach the entire world with the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
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There is a definite relationship between responsibility and authority. When someone is given a responsibility to do something, he must also be given the authority to do it. That authority must be delegated by someone greater than he.
For example, a policeman is given the responsibility to maintain order in a village or city. He is also given authority by the government to fulfill that responsibility. He is given authority to carry a weapon to give him power to fulfill his task. The policeman does not have authority in himself. His authority is delegated (given) to him by his superiors. He is a man working with power delegated to him by a higher authority. He represents the government.
Jesus gave His followers the responsibility of reaching the world with the Gospel. He also gave them the authority to accomplish the task. You cannot give someone responsibility without giving them authority to carry out that responsibility. What was this authority? It was spiritual power. Jesus said:
. . . All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)
Then He said,
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
(Matthew 28:19-20)
THE AUTHORITY TO DELEGATE
When Jesus came to this earth, He came with power and authority. Jesus had "all power" delegated from God. Because of this, He (Jesus) had the authority to delegate both power and responsibility to His followers:
And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (Matthew 10:1)
And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach,
And to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out devils.
(Mark 3:14-15)
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And He called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits. (Mark 6:7)
Then He called His twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. (Luke 9:1)
It was not emotionalism or material blessings which Jesus delegated to His disciples. He did not establish an organized base of operations in Jerusalem. He knew these alone would not accomplish the task. He delegated power.
In Chapter Three you learned about the power of Satan. The power which Jesus delegated to His followers is greater than the power of the enemy:
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
(Luke 10:19)
Satan is not afraid of you. He will not respect you, but he fears your God-given authority.
Authority is based on relationship. For example, the policeman has authority because of his relationship with the government. Your authority is based on your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Behind you stands Jesus with "all power." When you realize this truth, your life will change. Jesus told the disciples:
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. (Luke 24:49)
When the Disciples were endued with this power they were changed from fearful, unbelieving, doubting men to men of authority:
. . . they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. (Mark 16:20)
The book of Acts records how the promise of spiritual power was fulfilled in the lives of believers. The miracles, signs, and wonders described in this book are impressive. Each manifestation of God's power contributed towards the fulfillment of the great responsibility of reaching the world with the Gospel.
TWO WORDS FOR POWER
In the New Testament, two different Greek words are translated by the one word, power. The two meanings are illustrated in this verse:
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Behold, I give unto you power (exousia) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power (dunamis) of the enemy. . . (Luke 10:19)
The Greek word "exousia" means delegated power or authority. The word "dunamis" refers to inherent power. "Inherent" power is derived from the mind and self. Inherent power (dunamis) is used in this verse to describe the power of Satan. Delegated power (exouisa) is used to describe the power of Jesus which was delegated by God. It is this power, delegated from God, which is greater than the power of the enemy. It is this delegated power that is passed on to believers. You are not born with this power. You do not inherit it from your parents. It is delegated to you by Jesus Christ.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POWER
The power Jesus gave His followers carried with it a specific responsibility: It was to be used to extend the Gospel to the nations of the world:
But ye 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. (Acts 1:8)
This power is for the purpose of extending the Gospel to the nations of the world.
Jesus told a parable illustrating this truth in Mark 13. He said:
For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to His servants, and to every man His work, and commanded the porter to watch. (Mark 13:34)
The authority was given to accomplish a work. That work is the extension of the Gospel to the nations of the world.
IS IT PAST?
Some people claim this great endument of spiritual power was only for the early church. They say it was only for the disciples. They claim the day of miracles is past.
But consider this question: Has the entire world been reached with the Gospel? The task Jesus left to His followers is not yet finished. We still have the responsibility of reaching the world with the Gospel of the Kingdom. Jesus would not withdraw the authority before the responsibility was fulfilled.
Read the story of the death and resurrection of Lazarus in John 11. When Jesus arrived after Lazarus had already died, Martha met Him and said:
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. . . Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. (John 11:21)
Jesus said to her. . .
. . . Thy brother shall rise again. (John 11:23)
Martha said:
. . . I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
(John 11:24)
Then Jesus said to her:
. . . I AM the resurrection, and the life; He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. (John 11:25)
Martha believed Jesus could have raised Lazarus in the past (". . . if thou hadst been here"). She believed Jesus could raise him in the future ("in the last day"). But Jesus shared a very important truth with her. He said "I Am" the resurrection and life. "I am" is speaking in the present tense. Then He raised Lazarus from the dead.
There is no such thing as a past day of miracles. There is no such thing as future day of miracles. In every age there is power to work miracles to meet the needs of people. In every day and age, God is manifesting His power. He says to you, "I Am"--present tense.
LIFE FROM THE VINE
I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.
(John 15:5)
In the natural world, life comes from the vine. The vine sends a life flow into the branches of a plant to produce fruit. The branch does not bear fruit of its own. If it is separated from the main vine, it ceases to bear and eventually dies.
This is the example Jesus used to illustrate the flow of God's power in the spiritual world. We are the branches that bear the fruit. Jesus is the vine. You do not produce the fruit, you just bear it (see John 15).
The powerful miracles of New Testament times were not Peter's miracles. They were not the work of Paul's hands. They were a result of the life of God flowing through them as spiritual branches bringing forth spiritual fruit.
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These men did what God had commanded them. They preached the Word. They laid hands on the sick. They commanded demons to loose their hold on the lives of men and women. They obeyed and left the results to God.
Obey God and leave the results in His hands. You are not the miracle worker. God is the source of power. When you are obedient to God and act on His Word, then it is up to Him. He produces the power through you.
When the disciples asked "What shall we do that we might work the works of God?,@ Jesus answered. . .
. . . This is the work of God: that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent. (John 6:29)
Jesus is the One who works through you. He is the One who has delegated the authority. You do not have to work up the power by emotionalism. You do not have to "pray it down.@ It is the power of God working in and through you:
. . . they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. (Mark 16:20)
Often in ministry this pattern is switched. Many try to work for God. But the method that brings powerful results is "The Lord working with them."
Jesus told the disciples:
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.
(Luke 24:49)
Many ministries fail because they go forth before receiving the endument of spiritual power. If we are to meet the challenges of the great responsibility Jesus gave us, we must do so in the authority and power of God.
THE PURPOSES
People do not delegate power to others unless they have a reason for doing so. There is always a purpose when authority is delegated.
You learned in this chapter that the main purpose for spiritual power is the extension of the Gospel. But there are many other important purposes for this delegated authority. You will learn these purposes for power in the following chapter.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. From whom does the believer receive spiritual authority?
________________________________________________________________________
3. What is the relationship between responsibility and authority?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. What was the great responsibility Jesus delegated to His followers?
________________________________________________________________________
5. There are two Greek words used for power.
What does the word "dunamis" mean?______________________
What does the word "exousia" mean?______________________
6. Is this statement True or False?
"The day of miracles is past. We no longer have the manifestations of power experienced by the disciples."
The statement is _______________.
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter of this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
Read the book of Acts to see how the Disciples fulfilled their responsibility with the authority delegated by Jesus.
List the reference of each demonstration of God's supernatural power in column one below. Briefly summarize what happened in the second column. In the third column, explain the results of God's power. An example is provided for you to follow.
You will see how the authority Jesus delegated enabled the Disciples to fulfill the responsibility He had given them of reaching the world with the Gospel.
Acts How God's Power Results
Reference Was Demonstrated
Acts 2 The Holy Ghost is given. Peter, formerly a fearful man,
gives a powerful witness which
results in the salvation of 3,000
people.
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CHAPTER SIX
THE PURPOSES OF POWER
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Explain how spiritual power differs from worldly power.
ƒ³ Give a Biblical reference which confirms that the principles of the world are opposite of those of the Kingdom of God.
ƒ³ Identify purposes for spiritual power.
KEY VERSE:
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. (Mark 16:20)
INTRODUCTION
Undirected power can be dangerous. The power of a mighty river can be channeled for good purposes. It can bring water to farmers. Great ships can sail upon its waters. In some societies it is used to produce powerful energy in a form called "electricity."
But the same river, if undirected, can flood its banks and cause great damage. It can ruin crops and land, destroy homes, and take lives. It is the same river. It is the same power. The river is a positive force when directed for proper purposes, and destructive when it is not.
Spiritual power used for wrong purposes is as dangerous as a mighty river flooding out of control. For this reason it is important to understand the Scriptural purposes for spiritual power.
WORLDLY PURPOSES
As you learned in the introduction of this course, there are many types of power operative in the world today. People use this power for various purposes:
Political power is used to take leadership of organizations, tribes, villages, cities, states, provinces and entire nations.
Intellectual power is used to make great inventions, literary and musical creations, and to establish educational institutions.
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Physical power results in great fame in the world of athletic competition.
Financial power creates profitable businesses, corporations, and great financial empires.
Military power is used both to defend and gain territories.
The power of energy serves man in many ways ranging from a simple fire for warmth to electricity serving an entire city.
Religious power creates great denominations and religious cults.
But none of these are Biblical purposes for power.
NOT AS THE GENTILES
On one occasion when Jesus was teaching His disciples about leadership, He said:
. . . Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister:
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.
(Matthew 20:25-27)
Jesus was teaching His followers an important principle which can be applied to many other areas of life besides leadership. The word "Gentiles" is used to identify people and nations apart from God. Jesus explained that the Kingdom of God operates on principles completely different from those of the world.
This same principle is true in relation to the subject of power. Worldly purposes for power are not the purposes for power in the Kingdom of God. Power is used for selfish purposes in the world. In the Kingdom of God, it is to be used for unselfish purposes to advance the Kingdom.
Some people abuse spiritual power and use it to create great religious and denominational movements. They use it to create financial kingdoms and gain personal popularity. But these are not Scriptural purposes for spiritual power. They are abuses of the true purposes for which Jesus delegated authority to believers. The Scribes and Pharisees of New Testament times are examples of the abuse of spiritual power. Jesus said:
Woe unto you, Pharisees! For you love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
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Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.
(Luke 11:43-44)
The scribes and Pharisees were powerful religious leaders. They used this power for personal gain. They took the best seats in the synagogues. They commanded special greetings in the marketplace. They also used their power to control people:
But woe unto you scribes, and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for ye neither go in yourselves neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. (Matthew 23:13)
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of Hell than yourselves. (Matthew 23:15)
The Pharisees made a great show of outward religious power, but used it for personal gain:
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayer; therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. (Matthew 23:14)
They had religious power, but they did not have true spiritual power. Jesus said they were like unmarked graves, so dead and powerless that people walked over them unawares.
BIBLICAL PURPOSES FOR POWER
Here are Biblical purposes for spiritual power:
SALVATION:
A primary purpose of spiritual power is salvation:
But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. (John 1:12)
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (I Corinthians 1:18)
The demonstration of God's power results in salvation. The villages of Lydda and Sharon were converted when Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bed ridden for eight years, was healed
(Acts 9).
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WITNESSING:
A major purpose of the spiritual power delegated to believers was given when Jesus first promised this power:
But ye 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. (Acts 1:8)
You will learn more about the power of the Holy Ghost later in this course.
The power Jesus delegated to His followers was to come upon them after the coming of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of the power was to extend a mighty Gospel witness, starting in Jerusalem and spreading to the ends of the earth.
The first demonstration of this spiritual power was seen in the Apostle Peter. After receiving the Holy Spirit, he gave powerful witness to the Gospel which resulted in salvation for 3,000 people. This was the same Peter who fled at the time of Jesus' arrest. This was the same Peter who denied even knowing the Lord. What had happened?
Peter had been endued with spiritual power. He remembered the purpose of that power as stated by Jesus, "Ye shall be my witnesses." When he received the power he began to use it for a proper purpose--extending the Gospel to unsaved men and women.
In a court of law, "witness" consists of two factors; verbal testimony and evidence. The same is true in the spiritual realm. Our witness of the Gospel must include both testimony and evidence. Evidence is the demonstration of God's power:
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:33)
Paul wrote:
For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power. . .
(I Thessalonians 1:5)
Jesus promised to work with those who fulfill the command to go into the world as witnesses to every creature. Some people seek powerful signs in their ministry, but they are not fulfilling the command to go. The power Jesus promised is to those who fulfill this command.
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BOLDNESS:
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7)
In the early Church the Gospel went forth in boldness because of the endument of spiritual power:
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31)
But Barnabas took him (Paul) and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them. . . how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:27)
And He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. . . (Acts 18:26)
And He went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three
months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the Kingdom of God. (Acts 19:8)
. . . we were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God. . .
(I Thessalonians 2:2)
WORKING THE WORKS OF GOD:
The disciples were amazed at the powerful works of Jesus:
And He (Jesus) went out from thence, and came into His own country; and His disciples follow Him.
And when the sabbath day was come, He began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing Him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? And what wisdom is this which is given unto Him, that even such mighty works are wrought by His hands? (Mark 6:1-2)
Jesus said:
I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work. (John 9:4)
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Jesus had a definite purpose: He must work the works of God. This was His motivation. After witnessing these works for a time, the Disciples came to Jesus with this question:
. . . What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? (John 6:28)
Jesus answered:
. . . This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.
(John 6:29)
The greatest work of God was manifested in Jesus. The Lord focused the attention of His Disciples upon this fact rather than the visible demonstration of signs and wonders. True miracles always exalt Jesus. This is the work of God.
Later, Jesus told His followers:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father. (John 14:12)
His followers were to do the same works He had done. The past had not exhausted the possibilities for power. They would do greater works. These works would be greater in quantity, not quality--because Jesus must return to Heaven.
His promise came true. Throughout the book of Acts, we witness believers doing the works of God. The sick are healed, demons are cast out, prison doors are opened, and the dead are raised again to life.
REVEALING GOD:
You learned that one reason God demonstrates His power on earth is to reveal Himself to man. Spiritual power delegated to believers is also for this purpose:
But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men. (Matthew 9:8)
Through a powerful Church, God desires to reveal Himself to the entire universe:
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.
(Ephesians 3:10)
The purpose of this revelation through power is to:
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. . . open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and
inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
(Acts 26:18)
REVEALING THE KINGDOM OF GOD:
Jesus combined the proclamation of the Kingdom of God with its demonstration. When Jesus was questioned "are you the one who was to come?" (Luke 7:19), He did not reply with argument or logic. He said:
. . . Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised, to the poor the Gospel is preached. (Luke 7:22)
Power demonstrates the Kingdom of God in action. The miracles of Jesus demonstrated that the Kingdom of God was at hand. They were illustrations of what the Kingdom will be like in its visible form when the New Heaven and New Earth are created:
-Casting out demons signals God's invasion of the realm of Satan and his final destruction: Matthew 12:29; Mark 3:27; Luke 11:21; John 12:31; Revelation 20:1
-Healing the sick looks forward to the day when all suffering will end: Revelation 21:4
-Miraculous provision of food tells us of a day when all human need will end:
Revelation 7:1
-Stilling the storms looks forward to victory over the powers using nature to threaten the earth: Revelation 21:1
-Raising the dead announces that death will be forever done away with:
I Corinthians 15:26
CONFIRMING THE WORD:
Powerful signs and wonders confirm the Word of God:
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (Acts 14:3)
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And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.
By stretching forth thine hand to heal: and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. (Acts 4:29-30)
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. (Mark 16:20)
MINISTRY TO OTHERS:
The power of God rested on Jesus to equip Him for ministry:
And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2)
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. (Isaiah 61:1)
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. (Acts 10:38)
And they were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. (Mark 1:22)
This same power was evident in the ministries of believers in the early church. Paul said:
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power. (Ephesians 3:7)
The effectual working of God's power within you results in ministry. Your ministry comes into being and develops into maturity through the power of God at work in you. Paul said:
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (I Corinthians 2:4-5)
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The early Church was born in a demonstration of God=s power, not through great orators or theological debate. This permitted their faith to be in God instead of the skillful speaking abilities of men.
God's power enables all areas of spiritual ministry: Spreading of the Gospel, ministering to the sick, oppressed, and those bound with demonic powers:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations. . .
(Matthew 28:18-19)
And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
(Mark 16:17-18)
And when He had called them unto Him, His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (Matthew 10:1)
You are approved as a minister of God by the power of God:
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God. . . by the Word of truth by the power of God. (II Corinthians 6:4,7)
FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE:
As you fulfill the purpose of power to extend the Gospel, you will encounter the opposition of Satan. Jesus has delegated power to you for spiritual warfare. He has given you power over all the power of the enemy:
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
(Luke 10:19)
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
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For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
PREVENTING SPIRITUAL ERROR:
People fall into spiritual error for two reasons:
Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. (Matthew 22:29)
Spiritual error results if you do not know the Word of God because you are open to deceptive doctrines and false teaching. Spiritual error also results when you do not know the power of God. You are open to the deceptive power of the enemy. You fall victim to his powers operating against you when you have no spiritual power with which to resist his forces.
Some have a form of godliness and even know the Scriptures, but they deny God's power. The Bible warns that these people have. . .
. . . a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (II Timothy 3:5)
VICTORY OVER SIN:
Spiritual power conquers sin:
For sin shall not have dominion over you. . . (Romans 6:14)
EDIFICATION:
Paul wrote the Corinthians:
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction.
(II Corinthians 10:8)
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. (II Corinthians 13:10)
Paul knew his authority was not to be used to control people or destroy them at will. He apparently had a tendency to speak sharply, so he wrote the Corinthians concerning difficult matters. He did not want to abuse the spiritual power God had given him. The power from God
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was given to Paul to edify others, not to destroy them. To "edify" means to build up and promote spiritual growth.
This does not mean we do not have power to properly discipline within the church. Spiritual authority is given to leaders to discipline according to the instructions given in God's Word. A powerless church will result in the absence of such discipline.
CREATING WILLINGNESS:
Each person has a will of their own. That will is the power of choice. The demonstration of power creates willingness or openness to God:
Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power. . . (Psalms 110:3)
ENABLING GOD TO WORK:
God acts in proportion to the measure you permit His power to work in you:
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. (Ephesians 3:20)
All you ask God for--all that you think concerning spiritual truths--is affected by the power of God at work in you.
SPIRITUAL STRENGTH:
The power of God is not only a force working through you, but the strength maintaining you. Paul said we are. . .
Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. . . (Colossians 1:11)
God's power strengthens you in difficult times when you need patience in suffering. You can face difficult situations with joy because of His glorious power at work in you. It is not just a measure of (limited) strength. You are strengthened with "all might"--all the power and strength flowing from God are the inner resources available to you in time of need. It is an important purpose of His power at work in you.
And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (II Corinthians 12:9)
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PRESERVATION:
You are kept, or preserved through God's power, until the end of time:
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (I Peter 1:5)
RESURRECTION:
You live in a mortal body which will die unless Jesus returns to earth first. It is spiritual power that will raise your mortal body in resurrection:
It (the body) is sown in dishonor: it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. (I Corinthians 15:43)
And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by His own power. (I Corinthians 6:14)
ETERNAL LIFE:
God's power enables endless life:
Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. (Hebrews 7:16)
FOR ALL THINGS:
All things that pertain unto life and godliness are given to you through the power of God:
According to His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue. (II Peter 1:3)
Think of the many things involved in life. Think of the many virtues involved in godliness. The purpose of His divine power is to give you these thingsBall things.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. How does spiritual power differ from worldly power?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Give a Biblical reference which teaches that the principles of the world are opposite of those of the Kingdom of God.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. You studied many purposes for spiritual power in this lesson. Write a brief paragraph summarizing what you learned about three of these purposes.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to test are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter of this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Jesus said believers would do the works which He had done. Read through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Make a list of all the works Jesus did. These are the same works you can do through God's power.
2. Below is a list of the purposes of power discussed in this chapter. Evaluate your own spiritual level. Which of these purposes are now manifested in your life and ministry? Place a plus mark (+) by those you now manifest in your life. Place a minus (-) by those which need to be manifested.
Salvation Victory over sin
Witnessing Edification
Boldness Creating willingness
Working the works of God Enabling God to work in you
Revealing God Spiritual strength
Revealing the Kingdom of God Preservation
Confirming the Word of God Resurrection
Ministry to others Eternal life
Spiritual warfare All things pertaining to life
Preventing spiritual error
3. David speaks often of the works of God in the book of Psalms. Study the following references:
8:6; 9:1; 14:1; 26:7; 28:5; 33:4,15; 40:5; 46:8; 66:3,5; 71:17; 73:28; 75:1; 77:11; 78:4,7,11,32; 86:8; 92:4,5; 103:22; 104:13,24,31; 105:2,5; 106:13,22,35,39; 107:8,15,21,22,24,31; 111:2,4,6,7; 118:17; 119:27; 138:8; 139:14; 141:4; 143:5; 145:4,5,9,10,17
Summarize what you learned from these passages:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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CHAPTER SEVEN
POWER PRINCIPLE ONE: THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Define "Gospel.@
ƒ³ Identify a Scriptural reference which summarizes basic elements of the Gospel.
ƒ³ Explain why the Gospel is powerful.
ƒ³ Identify benefits of the power in the blood of Jesus.
ƒ³ Identify faith as necessary for claiming the power of the Gospel.
ƒ³ Experience the power of the Gospel.
KEY VERSE:
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)
INTRODUCTION
You have learned the importance of power in your life. You discovered the source of power in God and studied about the power delegated to Jesus Christ. In the last chapter you learned how spiritual power was delegated to believers. But how do you receive this power? How can you claim it for your own life and ministry? What are the spiritual principles by which it operates? This chapter begins a series of studies entitled "Power Principles." Each lesson examines a different principle necessary in order for you to receive and maintain spiritual power. The first principle is "The Power Of The Gospel."
THE GOSPEL
The word "Gospel" actually means "good news." When we speak of the Gospel in a Biblical sense, it refers to the good news of the Kingdom of God and of salvation through Jesus Christ. The basic elements of the Gospel are summarized by the Apostle Paul:
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures;
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And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. (I Corinthians 15:3-4)
The basic elements of the Gospel focus on the life and ministry of Jesus. It includes His death for the sins of all mankind, His burial, and His resurrection from the dead according to the written record of God's Word. There is great power in the Gospel message. Paul said:
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (Romans 1:16-19)
These verses reveal why the Gospel is powerful. It is powerful because:
-It is the revelation of God's power to man.
-It brings salvation to all men, regardless of race, color, or creed.
-It reveals that which may be known by men about God.
-It reveals the judgment and wrath of God against sin.
-It reveals the righteousness of God.
-It shows how to be justified by faith.
-It is the basis of the faith by which we live.
POWER IN THE BLOOD
The cross is the instrument of death, the wooden construction upon which Jesus died. The power of the Gospel is inseparable from the power of the cross and the blood shed upon it.
The power of the cross is not in the wooden structure itself. The power is not in any symbol of the cross which we wear or put on our church buildings. The power of the cross is in what happened on that cross. It is in the blood of Jesus which was shed on the cross for the sins of all mankind.
The Bible teaches that the life of man and beasts is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11,14). Because the penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23), and since life is in the blood, God established the principle that forgiveness of sins comes only through the shedding of blood:
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And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission (from sin). (Hebrews 9:22)
In the Old Testament, the blood of animals was offered as sacrifice for sin. The blood sacrifices were made over and over again whenever man sinned. But in the New Testament, God sent Jesus to shed His blood for sin once and for all. It is no longer necessary that the blood of animals be offered as sacrifice for sin:
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:12)
The power of the cross is in the blood of Jesus. What spiritual power is in that blood? The blood:
-Was shed for the remission (forgiveness) of sins for many: Matthew 26:28
-Brought redemption from sin: Ephesians 1:7; 2:13; I Peter 1:2,18-19;
Revelation 5:6-9
-Is precious, because it redeemed us: I Peter 1:18-19
-Cleanses us from sin: I John 1:7
-Purges our conscience from sin: Hebrews 9:14
-Speaks for us: Jesus is our intercessor and His blood cries or speaks for us:
Hebrews 12:24
-Gives access to God's presence so we can approach Him: Hebrews 9:12;
10:19-22; Ephesians 2:13
-Made Jesus the mediator between God and man: Hebrews 12:24
-Sanctifies us: Hebrews 13:12-13
-Is the means of justification: Romans 3:24-25
-Is the cup of spiritual blessings: I Corinthians 10:16
-Redeems us from sin and sickness: Isaiah 53:4
-Backs Christ's promises: When Jesus took the cup of wine and said "This cup is
the new covenant in My blood" he was saying "Every promise that is part of that
covenant will be kept at the cost of My own lifeblood": Luke 22:20
-Is the power behind the resurrection of Jesus: Hebrews 13:20
-Brings life: John 6:53-57
-Enables us to do God's will: Hebrews 13:20-21
-Enables us to overcome all the power of the enemy: Revelation 12:11
-Provides protection: When the blood of the Passover lamb was placed on the doors of
the Israelites in Egypt, evil could not enter: Exodus 12:21-23
These are the reasons Paul said:
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For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (I Corinthians 1:18)
A MATTER OF CHOICE
When Jesus was crucified on the cross, did this mean His enemies had greater power than He did because they caused Him great suffering and in the end put Him to death? Read what the Bible records about this:
Then saith Pilate unto Him, Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore He that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. (John 19:10-11)
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. (John 10:18)
The enemies of Jesus did not have greater power. Jesus chose to give His life for the sins of all mankind according to God's plan. Jesus did not have to do it. He had the power to deliver Himself from the cross. He willingly laid down his life.
THE RESURRECTION
The death of Jesus on the cross was not the end of the story. The power of the Gospel does not conclude here. Three days after His death, Jesus was resurrected from the dead. You can read about this in Luke 24:1-12.
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it. (Acts 2:24)
The greatest illustration of God's power was in the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. (II Corinthians 13:4)
The resurrection of Jesus is a vital part of the power of the Gospel because through it. . .
. . . ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power.
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And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:10,15)
Through His resurrection, Jesus triumphed over the power of the enemy. Because of it, we have power over all the power of the enemy. We even have power over death, because our mortal bodies will also experience resurrection. There is great power in the resurrection. Paul spoke of knowing Jesus in the power of the resurrection (Philippians 3:10). You will learn more about this principle in Chapter Sixteen, "The Power Of His Resurrection."
THE FAITH FACTOR
There is one factor necessary to experience the powerful benefits of the blood of Jesus Christ. You must have faith in the blood:
Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.
To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of Him which believeth in Jesus. . .
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (Romans 3:24-26,28)
It is not enough that there is power in the Gospel. You must apply that power to your own life. You do this through faith. Basically, faith is believing. You must believe in the power of the Gospel in order to experience it. You will learn more about the relation between faith and power later in this course.
EXPERIENCING THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL
If you have not received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and been forgiven of your sins, then you cannot experience the power of the Gospel. To experience the power of the Gospel you must:
1. ADMIT YOU HAVE SINNED:
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
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2. BELIEVE THAT JESUS DIED FOR YOUR SINS:
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)
3. CONFESS YOUR SINS TO GOD AND ASK HIM TO FORGIVE YOU:
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:8-9)
4. EXPERIENCE A CHANGED LIFE:
Let the power of the Gospel work in you to change your old life-style, your sinful actions, attitudes, and thoughts:
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (II Corinthians 5:17)
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Define the word "Gospel."
________________________________________________________________________
3. Which Scripture reference best summarizes the basic elements of the Gospel?
________________________________________________________________________
4. Why is the Gospel so powerful?
________________________________________________________________________
5. Summarize what you learned about the power in the blood of Jesus.
________________________________________________________________________
6. What is necessary for claiming the power of the Gospel?
________________________________________________________________________
7. How can you experience the power of the Gospel?
________________________________________________________________________
8. Is this statement True or False? "The enemies of Jesus had greater power than He did because they were able to kill Him.@ The statement is________________.
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
Study further about the Gospel. Summarize what the following Scriptures teach:
Matthew 4:23; 9:35; 24:14
Mark 1:14
Acts 20:24
Romans 1:1-3,9; 15:16,19
II Corinthians 4:4
Ephesians 1:13; 6:15
I Thessalonians 2:2,9
II Thessalonians 1:8
I Timothy 1:11
I Peter 4:17
Revelation 14:6
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CHAPTER EIGHT
POWER PRINCIPLE TWO: THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Give a Biblical reference which reveals the relation of the Holy Spirit to power.
ƒ³ Identify the main purpose of the power of the Holy Spirit.
ƒ³ Identify the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
ƒ³ Give a Biblical reference which lists the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
ƒ³ List Scriptural guidelines for receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
KEY VERSE:
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. (Luke 24:49)
INTRODUCTION
Jesus made an important promise to His followers regarding spiritual power:
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. (Luke 24:49)
The power of the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit are two key principles in understanding the Biblical concept of power. Experiencing both is necessary to receive spiritual power. You have already learned the importance of the power of the Gospel. But there is another vital spiritual experience which you must receive. It is the power of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus. This chapter discusses this important principle. This chapter is only an introduction to the Holy Spirit. To study this subject in depth, obtain the Harvestime International Institute course, "Ministry Of The Holy Spirit."
THE PROMISE OF POWER
Jesus told His followers He would. . .
. . . pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may
abide with you for ever;
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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. (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:
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. (Luke 24:49)
THE RELATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO POWER
Note that this great spiritual power was to be experienced after receiving the Holy Spirit:
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. (Acts 1:8)
Power is a spirit:
But God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7)
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. (Luke 4:14)
That "spirit of power" is the Holy Spirit:
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. (Acts 10:38)
PURPOSES OF THIS POWER
The Holy Spirit ministers in many powerful ways in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit:
Dwells in him: (I Corinthians 6:19) We are actually the temple or dwelling place of the Holy Ghost.
Unites him in one spirit with God and other believers: (I Corinthians 6:17) There is great power in unity as demonstrated in the story of the tower of Babel (See Genesis 11; especially note verse 6).
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Intercedes for him: (Romans 8:26) This powerful intercessor prays for us according to God's will.
Guides him: (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.
Imparts the love of Christ to him and through him: (Romans 5:5) You will learn more about the power of love in the next chapter.
Reveals Biblical truth to him: (I Corinthians 2:10) Powerful spiritual revelation comes through the Holy Spirit.
Comforts him: (Acts 9:31 and John 14:17, 26) He comforts us in times of grief.
Conforms him to the image of Christ: (II 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.
Teaches him: (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.
Inspires him 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.
Quickens him: (Romans 8:11) The 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.
Sanctifies him: (II 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.
Changes him: (Titus 3:5) Power is necessary to effect change and the Holy Spirit gives power for positive change.
Convicts him of wrong: (John 16:8-11) You will learn later in this course that sin results in spiritual power failure. The Holy Spirit convicts of wrong and leads us to repentance. This enables the continued flow of God's power.
Gives assurance of salvation: (Romans 8:16) Knowing your position gives you power. The Holy Spirit assures your position in God.
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Gives him liberty: (Romans 8:2) Liberty provides the greatest opportunity for power. The Holy Spirit gives liberty through Jesus Christ.
Speaks through him: (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.
Demonstrates God's power: (I Corinthians 2:4) The Holy Spirit enables the demonstration of God's power in every area of life.
Strengthens him: (Ephesians 3:16) When you are weak, God=s strength is manifested.
THE GREATEST PURPOSE
These are all important purposes, but there is one main purpose for the power of the Holy Spirit. All the purposes of the Holy Spirit are targeted to accomplish this greater purpose. The greatest purpose of the Holy Spirit is revealed in the promise by Jesus:
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. (Acts 1:8)
The power to become witnesses for Jesus is the true evidence of the Holy Spirit. It was present immediately in the life of the Apostle Peter. Before the Holy Spirit experience, Peter fearfully denied he knew Jesus. After receiving the endument of power of the Holy Spirit, Peter stood and gave a powerful witness to the Gospel that resulted in the salvation of 3,000 people.
It was the power of the Holy Spirit in the early church that resulted in the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. The book of Acts is a record of the powerful witness which was evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit.
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
This endument of power comes through an experience called "the baptism of the Holy Spirit." Jesus spoke of this baptism:
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (Acts 1:5)
Peter spoke of this baptism:
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that He said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 11:16)
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THE PHYSICAL SIGN
The true evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is spiritual power, but this experience is also accompanied by a physical sign. There are three places in the New Testament where we are told what happened when people were baptized in the Holy Spirit. These include the first giving of the Holy Spirit recorded in Acts 2:2-4; at the house of Cornelius in Acts 10:44-45; and when the converts at Ephesus received the Holy Spirit as recorded in Acts 19:6.
In comparing these passages, one physical sign is common to all three: Those who received the Holy Spirit spoke in languages other than their native tongue. These were not languages they had learned. They were languages given through the power of the Holy Spirit. The "tongues" of the Holy Spirit can be in actual languages used on earth:
And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
(Acts 2:7-8)
The tongues can also be in a language not known to man. This is called an "unknown tongue":
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. (I Corinthians 14:2)
PURPOSES FOR TONGUES
The tongues given by the Holy Spirit serve powerful purposes in the lives of believers. Some of the purposes for tongues found in I Corinthians 14 are:
-Prayer to God: Verse 2
-Self-edification: Edification is not exalting self, but means encouragement, improvement, and development. Verse 4.
-When interpreted, they edify the Church: Verse 12
-Intercession: Verse 14. See also Romans 8:26-27
-Praise: Verses 15,17
-Fulfillment of prophecy: Verse 21. See also Isaiah 28:11-12
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-Sign to unbelievers: Verse 22. See also Acts 2
GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Jesus left His followers with a responsibility to extend the Gospel to the ends of the earth:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and
lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. (Matthew 28:19-20)
The power of the Holy Spirit was given to help the Disciples fulfill this task (Acts 1:8).
Part of this power of the Holy Spirit is spiritual gifts which the Holy Spirit gives believers to equip them to minister effectively. The task is too great to be accomplished with natural abilities.
These spiritual gifts are not the same as natural talents. Natural talents and abilities are given at the time of physical birth and/or developed by natural efforts. They may also be used in ministry, but they are not the same as spiritual gifts.
Spiritual gifts are powerful abilities given by the Holy Spirit to enable the task of ministry. Gifts of the Holy Spirit are God-given abilities. . .
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ;
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ;
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine. . .
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. (Ephesians 4:12-15)
The main passages listing the spiritual gifts available to believers through the Holy Spirit are: Romans 12:1-8; I Corinthians 12:1-31; Ephesians 4:1-16; I Peter 4:7-11.
Here is a list of the spiritual gifts. (The Bible does not list them by categories given here. This grouping is done for study purposes only.)
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Special Gifts Speaking Gifts
Apostles Prophecy
Prophets Teaching
Evangelists Exhortation
Pastors Word of wisdom
Teachers Word of knowledge
Serving Gifts Sign Gifts
Discerning Spirits Giving Miracles
Leadership Helps Healing
Administration Serving Tongues
Faith Hospitality Mercy Interpretation of tongues
The Harvestime International Institute course, "The Ministry of the Holy Spirit," explains each of these gifts in detail. It will help you discover your spiritual gifts. Proper use of spiritual gifts is a real key to effective spiritual power. Without them, it is like trying to do a job in the natural world without the proper tools.
FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The endument of power of the Holy Spirit also enables you to live a Christ-like life. This is accomplished through qualities the Holy Spirit develops in your life. These qualities are called spiritual fruit. The fruit of the Holy Spirit refers to the nature of the Holy Spirit being evident in the life of a believer. God desires that all the fruit be evident in your life. Here is a list of the fruit of the Holy Spirit:
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.
Meekness, temperance; against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
The fruit of the Holy Spirit is discussed in detail in the course, "The Ministry Of The Holy Spirit." These qualities give you the spiritual power to be like Jesus.
RECEIVING THE ENDUMENT OF POWER
As Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit was given by the Father as the disciples waited in Jerusalem (Acts 2). The Holy Spirit has already been given, but each believer needs to receive this power through the personal experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Here are Biblical guidelines for receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit:
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REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED:
You must first experience the power of the Gospel by repenting from sin and receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. It is also suggested that you be baptized in water:
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
BELIEVE IT IS FOR YOU:
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Acts 2:39)
DESIRE IT:
. . . Jesus stood and cried, saying, if any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
(But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (John 7:37-39)
REALIZE IT IS A GIFT:
The Holy Spirit has already been given. It was given to the Church on the Day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2. Because it is a gift, you can do nothing to earn it. Begin to praise and thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
YIELD TO GOD:
As you praise God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, speak your praises audibly as they did on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. As you praise God audibly you may first experience stammering lips. Yield your tongue to the Holy Spirit and He will speak through you words foreign to your understanding. The stammering lips will soon develop into a language as you continue to praise God:
For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. (Isaiah 28:11)
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And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4)
REQUEST THE PRAYERS OF OTHER BELIEVERS:
The Holy Spirit can also be received through the laying on of hands by believers. Acts 8, 9, and 19 show how Spirit-filled believers can help you experience baptism in the Holy Spirit.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Give a Biblical reference which reveals the relation of the Holy Spirit to power.
________________________________________________________________________
3. What is the main purpose of the power of the Holy Spirit?
________________________________________________________________________
4. Give a Biblical reference which lists the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
________________________________________________________________________
5. List six Biblical guidelines given in this chapter for receiving the power of the Holy Spirit:
_____________________________ ______________________________
_____________________________ ______________________________
_____________________________ ______________________________
6. Use the following references to list the gifts of the Holy Spirit which are available to believers: Romans 12:1-8; I Corinthians 12:1-31; Ephesians 4:1-16; I Peter 4:7-11.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter of this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Read Acts 8:14-17. The people of Samaria received salvation through the ministry of Philip. They received the baptism of the Holy Spirit through the ministry of Peter and John.
Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit was a separate experience from receiving salvation. This demonstrates the power of the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit working together in ministry.
See also Acts 19:1-6. Note Paul's question: "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?"
2. Obtain the Harvestime International Institute Course entitled "Ministry Of The Holy Spirit." This is a detailed study of the powerful ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. A real key to spiritual power is identifying your spiritual gifts and developing spiritual fruit in your life. This course will assist you in these matters.
If you are taking the Institute courses in their suggested order, you have already studied "Ministry Of The Holy Spirit." Review it again with the purpose of identifying the ways the Holy Spirit equips believers for powerful ministry.
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CHAPTER NINE
POWER PRINCIPLE THREE: THE POWER OF LOVE
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Define "love."
ƒ³ Define the word "charity."
ƒ³ Identify love as the greatest principle of spiritual power.
ƒ³ Identify the first and second greatest commandments.
ƒ³ Explain how the world will know we are believers.
KEY VERSE:
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (I Corinthians 13:13)
INTRODUCTION
In the last chapter you studied about the power of the Holy Spirit. You learned that spiritual fruit was one manifestation of power produced by the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. One of these spiritual fruits is the Christ-like quality of love. It is the first fruit in the listing in Galatians 5:22-23:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love. . . (Galatians 5:22)
THE GREATEST POWER
Read I Corinthians 13:1-13 before proceeding with this lesson. The word "charity" in this passage means love. This chapter focuses on one of the greatest principles of spiritual power, the power of love. The power of love is greater than:
Tongues given by the Holy Spirit: Someday these tongues will cease. Whether you speak in tongues known or unknown to men, it is a powerless message without love. (Verses l and 8)
Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge is powerful, but someday human knowledge will vanish. Love will remain. (Verses 2 and 8)
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The gift of prophecy: What a powerful gift prophecy is--to be able to speak a direct message from God and foretell future events. But prophecies will some day cease. (Verses 2, 8-12)
Faith: Even if you have enough faith to move mountains it is nothing if you do not have love. (Verse 2)
Giving: No matter how much you give to others, it is of no benefit unless given in love.
(Verse 3)
Martyrdom: Even if you were to die for the cause of the Gospel, it is a worthless sacrifice unless done in love. (Verse 3)
Hope: Hope is important because without it life is full of despair. But love is more important than hope. (Verse 13)
You have learned and will learn much more about spiritual power in this course. But remember this: All other principles of spiritual power, all spiritual gifts, all ministry must operate through the power of love, or they are useless. When everything else fails, the power of love will succeed.
THE DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF LOVE
Love is an emotion of deep affection, care, and concern developed in your life through the Holy Spirit. It is not a type of love you can develop yourself. It is a Godly type of love that can only be developed by the power of the Holy Spirit:
. . . the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5)
Note the characteristics of this Godly love given in I Corinthians 13:
VERSE 4:
Love suffers long.
Love is kind.
Love does not envy others.
Love is not prideful, lifting up self.
VERSE 5:
Love does not behave unseemly (bad conduct towards others).
Love does not seek for itself (is not selfish).
Love is not easily provoked (made angry).
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Love does not think evil of others or think of evil in general.
VERSE 6:
Love does not rejoice in iniquity (does not take pleasure in doing wrong or hearing about wrong done to others).
Love rejoices in truth (not lies and gossip).
VERSE 7:
Love bears all things (even hard things).
Love believes all things (believes in others).
Love hopes all things (does not give up hope in God or others, despite the circumstances).
Love endures all things.
VERSE 8:
Love never fails (regardless of the circumstances).
WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT LOVE
To understand the power of love, you must know what the Bible teaches on the subject. The spiritual fruit of love, this powerful force, is not the type of sexual or carnal love depicted by the world. It is Aunfeigned@ love, which means it is a holy love. Unfeigned love is the type of love you are to show to others:
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. (I Peter 1:22)
The first and greatest commandment is that you are to love God:
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength; this is the first commandment. (Mark 12:30)
(See also Deuteronomy 6:5; Luke 10:27; I John 2:5,15; 3:11-17; 4:7-20; 5:2; II John 1:5-6)
Your love for God is tested by your obedience to Him:
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:23)
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But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. (I John 2:5)
The second greatest commandment is love of others:
And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:31)
Jesus wants you to love others as much as He loves you:
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34)
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (John 15:9,12)
And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
(John 17:26)
It is by love that you are recognized as a believer:
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:35)
We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. (I John 3:14)
If you do not love other believers, God's love is not in you:
He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. (I John 2:9-10)
(This is a very important truth. Study it further in John 13:34; 14:15,21,23,31; 15:9-17; 17:26; 21:15-17).
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Love of other believers results in spiritual unity which is a powerful force. When they were united in prayer, Pentecost happened (Acts 2). They were of "one heart and mind" and with power continued to testify (Acts 4:32-33). They devoted themselves to the unity of fellowship and many signs and wonders were done (Acts 2:42-43).
You are to love your enemies:
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.
Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? For sinners also do even the same.
But love ye your enemies, and do good. . . (Luke 6:27,28,33,35)
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. (Matthew 5:43-44)
Your love is to abound, which means it is to continually increase:
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment. (Philippians 1:9)
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men. . . (I Thessalonians 3:12)
You are to be rooted and grounded in love:
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)
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If you are to be filled with the fulness of God and His power, you must have love. It is important to power because it eliminates fear:
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (I John 4:18)
You are to walk in love:
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.
(Ephesians 5:2)
You are to "forbear" or relate to others in love:
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
You are to keep yourself in love:
Keep yourselves in the love of God. . . (Jude 21)
. . . follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
(I Timothy 6:11)
Faith, which is so important to power, works by love:
. . . but faith which worketh by love. (Galatians 5:6)
Your work for the Lord is to be a labor of love:
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love. . .
(I Thessalonians 1:3)
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. (Hebrews 6:10)
As we near the end of time here on earth, the love of many will not endure. It will "wax cold," which means people will become uncaring:
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
(Matthew 24:12)
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But we are given the assurance that nothing can separate us from God's love:
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8:35, 38-39)
THE GREATEST LOVE
The greatest love is the love God had for the sinful world. He showed that love by sending Jesus to die:
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(John 3:16)
Jesus demonstrated this great love as He willingly gave His life on the cross:
Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:7-8)
It is this powerful force of love--the love of God--that the Holy Spirit desires to develop in your life:
. . . the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5)
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What is love?
________________________________________________________________________
3. What are the first and second greatest commandments?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. How will the world know we are believers?
________________________________________________________________________
5. Complete this sentence:
"All other principles of spiritual power, all spiritual gifts, all ministry must operate through the power of __________ or they are useless."
6. What is the greatest principle of spiritual power?
________________________________________________________________________
7. What does the word "charity" mean in I Corinthians 13?
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter of this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. David wrote much about love. See Psalms 18:1; 31:23; 40:16; 97:10; 116:1; 119:97, 113, 119, 127, 132, 159,163, 165, 167; 122:6; 145:20.
2. Study the book of I John. The major theme of this book is love.
3. Here is I Corinthians 13 in the Amplified Version of the Bible which gives additional meaning to the words used in the text:
If I (can) speak in the tongues of men and (even) of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such a is inspired by God's love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
And if I have prophetic powers--that is, that gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose; and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have (sufficient) faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing--a useless nobody.
Even if I dole out all that I have (to the poor in providing) food, and if I surrender my body to be burned (or in order that I may glory), but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing.
Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy; is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.
It is not conceited--arrogant and inflated with pride; it is not rude (unmannerly), and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self- seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it--pays no attention to a suffered wrong.
It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.
Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances and it endures everything (without weakening).
Love never fails--never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end. As for prophecy (that is, the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for
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knowledge, it will pass away (that is, it will lose its value and be superseded by truth).
For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).
But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away--become antiquated, void and superseded.
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.
For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection (of reality as in a riddle or enigma), but then (when perfection comes) we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly); but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood (by God).
And so faith, hope, love abide; (faith, conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope, joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love, true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us), these three, but the greatest of these is love.
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CHAPTER TEN
POWER PRINCIPLE FOUR: THE ANOINTING OF POWER
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Explain the purpose of sacred anointing in the Old Testament.
ƒ³ Give examples of how sacred anointing was used in the Old Testament.
ƒ³ Give the meaning of the name "Christ."
ƒ³ Summarize purposes of the anointing of power.
ƒ³ Explain the importance of discovering your specific anointing in ministry.
ƒ³ Explain how to receive the anointing of power.
ƒ³ Identify the source of spiritual anointing.
KEY VERSE:
But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. (I John 2:27)
INTRODUCTION
This chapter concerns the anointing of God which empowers men and women for effective ministry. It also provides guidelines for receiving this anointing of power.
THE PRACTICE OF ANOINTING
To "anoint" actually means to apply oil to a person or thing. It was a practice instituted in Old Testament times. Anointing was originally of three kinds: Ordinary, medical, and sacred.
Ordinary anointing was associated with personal grooming to make one smell good. You can read of its use in Ruth 3:3, Psalms 104:15, and Proverbs 27:9. Guests were anointed as a mark of respect (Luke 7:46) and the dead were prepared for burial by anointing (Mark 14:8; 16:1).
Medical anointing was used to help the sick and wounded. For an example, see Luke 10:34.
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Sacred anointing: The third kind of anointing is the subject of this chapter. It is anointing for sacred or spiritual purposes. It was used to dedicate things or persons to God.
OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLES
The first occasion of anointing for spiritual purposes recorded in the Old Testament is found in Genesis 28:18. After Jacob had seen a great vision from God, he. . .
. . . rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
And he called the name of that place Bethel (the house of God).
(Genesis 28:18-19)
God later spoke of this event and said:
I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me. . . (Genesis 31:13)
Later, God gave instructions concerning anointing priests, kings, and prophets to set them aside for spiritual purposes. Contents of the Tabernacle of worship were also to be anointed. You can study more about this in the "For Further Study" section of this chapter.
The purpose for anointing these people and things was to set them aside in special dedication to the service of God. Holy oil was used for these spiritual purposes:
And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary (perfumer); it shall be an holy anointing oil.
And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This shall be an holy anointing oil unto me throughout your generations.
(Exodus 30:25,31)
THE ANOINTING OF JESUS
Following the pattern instituted by God, Jesus was anointed for service. Jesus said:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted; to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. (Luke 4:18-19)
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This was a fulfillment of the prophecy given in Isaiah 61:1.
It was recognized by the Disciples that. . .
. . . 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. (Acts 10:38)
THE SOURCE OF ANOINTING
The power in spiritual anointing is not in the oil itself. The power does not rest in the person doing the anointing or the abilities of the recipient. The power of the anointing flows from the source, God the Father. Note that Jesus said "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me for He hath anointed me."
Paul said:
Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God. (II Corinthians 1:21)
God was the source of Christ's anointing. He is still the source of the anointing. Oil is only a natural symbol used to represent this anointing. Jesus used the practice of anointing, but not always with oil. A blind man healed by Jesus reported:
He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eye, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. (John 9:11)
This verse confirms it is not the substance used but rather the power behind the practice of anointing that is effective. Although men and women were symbolically anointed with oil by man, the true anointing of power was from God. God said of King David:
I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him.
(Psalms 89:20)
Years before he was ever anointed by man, David had been anointed by God:
And Nathan said to David. . . Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel. . . (II Samuel 12:7)
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THE PURPOSES OF THE ANOINTING
The anointing of the spirit of God is very important in the life and ministry of the believer. Here are some purposes of the anointing:
SERVICE:
When the anointing of God came upon Saul, he was changed into a new man to serve Israel as king:
Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him and said, Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?
And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. (I Samuel 10:1,6)
Jesus was anointed by God for service:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted; to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. (Luke 4:18-19)
. . . 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. (Acts 10:38)
These verses provide a list of the purposes of the anointing for service. The anointing enables you to:
-Preach the Gospel.
-Minister to the poor.
-Heal the brokenhearted.
-Heal the physically ill. (See also James 5:14-15 and Mark 6:13).
-Preach deliverance to those in spiritual bondage.
-Open the eyes of those in spiritual blindness.
-Set free those bruised, wounded by the enemy.
-Preach the acceptable year of the Lord. (See II Corinthians 6:2).
-Go about doing good.
-Heal all those oppressed by the Devil.
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RESPONSIBILITY:
God anoints believers with spiritual responsibilities. Whatever He entrusts to you, whether great or small, it is not because of your own abilities. It is not because of your education, personality, or social position. You receive spiritual responsibility by the anointing:
And the Lord spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given these the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel: unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance forever. (Numbers 18:8)
INSTRUCTION:
The anointing teaches you:
But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. (I John 2:27)
This does not mean you should not receive Scriptural teaching from others. God has set in the Church teachers for this purpose (Ephesians 4:11). The Holy Spirit anoints them to teach God's Word. But if you do not have the opportunity to receive the ministry of such men chosen by God, the anointing of the Holy Spirit will still teach you.
This anointing helps you evaluate the truth of teachings you hear from others. It also reveals to you truths you do not understand and clearly opens up the revelation of God's written Word to you. Note that the anointing teaches us of "all things." There is such power in the anointing that it instructs you in every area of life and ministry.
ABIDING:
The anointing of God enables you to abide in Jesus. Note this portion of the verse just studied:
But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you. . . and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. (I John 2:27)
It is one thing to accept Jesus as Savior. It is another to learn how to abide in Him and walk in obedience to His Word and His will. The anointing teaches you how to do this.
LIBERTY:
The yoke of bondage is destroyed by the anointing. Yokes were used all over the ancient world
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to unite animals together to labor in the fields. They are still used for the same purpose in many nations today. Jesus spoke of the yoke when He said:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
We are all under a yoke of some type. You are either under the yoke of Satan or of God. The yoke of Satan's bondage is three-fold:
1. The yoke of sin:
I am the Lord your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright. (Leviticus 26:13)
The "yoke of Egypt" means the yoke of sin. This yoke must be broken if you are to come under the yoke with Jesus.
2. The yoke of self:
Paul struggled with the yoke of self:
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that I do not; but what I hate, that do I. (Romans 7:15)
3. The yoke of man:
The yoke of man is bondage put on you by others:
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. (Matthew 23:4)
The yoke of man can include the bondage of guilt, tradition, denominationalism, or impossible standards of behavior imposed by others. How can these strongholds be broken in your life and in the lives of those to whom you minister? They are broken by the anointing:
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And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, the yoke shall be
destroyed because of the anointing. (Isaiah 10:27)
You cannot break the yoke of Satan in your own power. You cannot do it by your own words of wisdom. Every yoke, every bondage of man, is broken by the anointing.
JOY:
Jesus was anointed with the oil of gladness:
But unto the Son He saith. . . Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. (Hebrews 1:8-9)
Those who love righteousness and hate wickedness will be anointed with this same joy. The anointing of God brings great joy in your life. The joy of the Lord is the strength that empowers your service for God.
SPECIFIC ANOINTINGS
The purposes of anointing you just studied are for all believers. But God also anoints people for specific ministries and special tasks. Some are anointed as evangelists, others as teachers. Some are pastors while others are prophets. There are many different anointings God gives to believers.
Jesus had a specific anointing from God to die for the sins of the people. The name "Christ" means "the anointed one." The name Jesus means "Savior." When the name "Jesus Christ" is used together, it means He is the one anointed of God to be the Savior of the World. Prior to His death, a woman anointed Jesus with precious oil. Jesus said:
For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. (Matthew 26:12)
Jesus knew He was anointed of God to die for the sins of the people. No one else ever had this specific anointing.
Throughout the Biblical record, God anointed people for specific ministries (See II Chronicles 22:7). When people tried to assume a specific ministry without the anointing of God to do so, problems resulted. Read the story of Miriam and Aaron in Numbers 12 for an example of this. Miriam and Aaron thought they had the same anointing as Moses and could lead Israel just as well. They found out differently. Another example is found in Numbers 16 in the story of Korah who tried to claim the same anointing as Moses.
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Much of the disharmony in the Body of Christ comes from people trying to move into areas of ministry for which they have not received the anointing. One person is anointed of God in a special way and soon everyone is imitating his ministry. But the imitators do not have the same powerful results. They wonder what is wrong. They are doing everything just like someone else, but without the same results. The answer is found in the anointing of power. The anointing of God is upon one man for the specific task, but not the other. Because of this, one succeeds while the other fails.
One of the sins of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:20 is called "emulations." Emulations is a form of envy demonstrated by imitating others. God cannot bless emulations. God seeks those who will move out of the sin of emulations into revelation through the anointing of power.
HOW TO RECEIVE THE ANOINTING
How do you receive this anointing of power?
RECOGNIZE THE SOURCE:
As you learned in this lesson, the source of the anointing of spiritual power is God. You cannot trust in your education, personality, or social standing. You do not receive your anointing from someone else.
There is nothing you can do to earn the anointing. You cannot work it up by emotionalism. God is the only source of spiritual anointing. To receive such anointing, you must first recognize the source from which it flows.
EXPERIENCE THE NEW BIRTH:
Because this is spiritual power that flows from the source of God, you must be born again spiritually to receive it. The reason for this is:
. . . The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (I Corinthians 2:14)
This anointing of power flows from the Spirit of God. The carnal (sinful) man cannot receive it. You cannot receive it unless you are a spiritual man.
READ GOD'S WORD AND PRAY:
Since God is the source of the anointing, you must stay in contact with Him through prayer (in which you talk to Him) and the Word of God (through which He speaks to you). The more you abide in His Word, and it abides in you, the more the anointing will flow into your life.
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BREAK THE YOKE:
You learned in this chapter that one of the purposes of the anointing is to break yokes of bondage. Ask God to break every yoke of sin, self, or those imposed by man. You must experience the anointing that breaks the yoke in your own life before it can flow through you to others.
RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST:
. . . 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. (Acts 10:38)
This verse illustrates how the anointing of God is related to the powerful work of the Holy Ghost in your life. To experience the anointing of power, you must receive the Holy Ghost. You already studied about this in Chapter Eight on "The Power Of The Holy Spirit."
DO NOT FOCUS ON YOUR INABILITIES:
Many people dwell on their own inabilities instead of the abilities available to them through the anointing of power. King David once said:
And I am this day weak, though anointed king. . . (II Samuel 3:39)
David recognized that in himself he was weak, even though He was king. The power he experienced was through the anointing. It turned his weakness into strength. He did not focus on his inabilities, but on his abilities through the anointing of power. This is why he was able to say:
For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. (Psalms 18:29)
The disciples were men who originally were fearful and unbelieving. They all deserted Jesus in His time of need. One even denied knowing Him. It was this same group that Jesus entrusted the mission of reaching the world with the Gospel. Jesus did not focus on their inabilities. He did not focus on their lack of education or social standing. He did not look at the record of their past failures. He saw what they would become when they allowed the anointing of power to change their lives. He saw them as they would be after receiving the Holy Ghost.
Stop focusing on yourself. Recognize that the Spirit of God is within you. It is His work, His ministry, His miracles, His anointing. Ask Him to let the anointing flow through you. Begin to reach out to others in ministry, and you will begin to feel that flow of power through you.
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God does not anoint you to sit inactive on the back seat of the church. The anointing of power is given for the specific purposes which you studied in Chapter Six. The more you direct your energies towards these purposes, the more the anointing of power will flow through you.
DISCOVER YOUR SPECIFIC ANOINTING:
To determine your specific anointing in ministry, you must discover the spiritual gifts God has given you. Consult the Harvestime International Institute course, "Ministry Of The Holy Spirit," for direction in this area.
THE POSITION OF THE ANOINTED
Being anointed by God places you in the front lines of spiritual warfare. The Bible reveals that those who are anointed with power by God will experience opposition from the enemy:
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, and against the Lord, and against His anointed, saying,
Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
(Psalms 2:2-3)
David said:
Wherewith thine enemies have reproached O Lord; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed. (Psalms 89:51)
But God has said of those who oppose His anointed that:
. . . He that sitteth in the Heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision,
Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure. (Psalms 2:4-5)
God is your strength when faced with such opposition:
The Lord is their strength, and He is the saving strength of His anointed. (Psalms 28:8)
Now know I that the Lord saveth His anointed; He will hear him from His holy Heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.
(Psalms 20:6)
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Be careful what you say about other anointed believers. Treat those anointed who are over you with respect. God takes the anointing of power very seriously. He warns:
. . . Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
(I Chronicles 16:22)
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What was the purpose of sacred anointing in the Old Testament?
________________________________________________________________________
3. Give some examples of how sacred anointing was used in the Old Testament.
________________________________________________________________________
4. What is the meaning of the name "Christ"?
________________________________________________________________________
5. Summarize what you learned about the purposes of the anointing of power.
________________________________________________________________________
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6. Why is it important to discover your specific anointing in ministry?
________________________________________________________________________
7. How can you receive the anointing of power?
________________________________________________________________________
8. Who is the source of spiritual anointing?
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter of this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Study more about anointing for spiritual purposes in the Old Testament:
-Anointing of priests: Leviticus 8:12,30; Exodus 28:41; 29:7; 30:30
-Anointing of the tabernacle and its furnishings: Exodus 30:22-29; 40:9-11
-Anointing of kings: There are many records of this. For examples see I Samuel 9:16; 10:1; 16:1,12,13; II Samuel 2:7; I Kings 1:33-34
-Anointing of the prophets: I Kings 19:16; I Chronicles 16:22
2. Satan was once anointed by God. Read about it in Ezekiel 28:14.
3. Just because you are anointed of God does not mean you are exempt from chastisement for sin. See Psalms 89:38.
4. God looks upon the face of His anointed and is mindful of them (Psalms 84:9). He shows mercy to them (Psalms 18:50).
5. King David understood the importance of not harming God's anointed. See I Samuel 24 and 26 and II Samuel 1:16,21.
6. This chapter listed the purposes of anointing as it empowers believers for ministry. Evaluate your own ministry in relation to these purposes. How many are evident in your ministry?
-Preach the Gospel.
-Minister to the poor.
-Heal the physically ill.
-Heal the brokenhearted.
-Preach deliverance to those in spiritual bondage.
-Open the eyes of those in spiritual blindness.
-Set free those bruised, wounded by the enemy.
-Preach the acceptable year of the Lord
(See II Corinthians 6:2. This refers to the message of salvation.)
-Go about doing good.
-Heal all those oppressed by the Devil.
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CHAPTER ELEVEN
POWER PRINCIPLE FIVE: POWER, FAITH, AND WORKS
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Define faith.
ƒ³ Identify levels of faith.
ƒ³ Identify types of faith.
ƒ³ Explain how faith can be increased.
ƒ³ Summarize the relationship between power, faith, and works.
KEY VERSE:
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. (Acts 6:8)
INTRODUCTION
In Matthew 17, the disciples tried to cast a demon out of a child, but failed. When they brought him to Jesus, He was able to heal him.
The disciples asked Jesus, "Why could not we cast him out?" Jesus answered. . .
. . . Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. (Matthew 17:20)
In this incident Jesus shared an important principle of spiritual power: Power must operate in faith in order to work the works of God. Faith is man's response to God's power:
. . . All things are possible to him that believeth. (Mark 9:23)
This chapter deals with the relationship between power, faith, and works.
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DEFINITION
Faith means to believe and have assurance of something. To believe means to have trust. The words "faith, believe, and trust" all mean the same thing in Scripture.
The Bible defines faith as:
. . . the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
The Amplified Bible adds to this definition:
Now faith is the assurance, the confirmation, the title deed of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality--faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses. (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith gives assurance that things promised in the future are true and that unseen things are real.
Faith is not the same as "mind over matter" which is taught by some religions. "Mind over matter" teaches that man can overcome all problems in the real world (the world of matter) by using his mind, reason, or will. These teachings are man-centered. They rely on self and not on God. "Mind over matter" is not based on the Word of God. Faith is God-centered, not man-centered. Faith is not something man produces through the self-effort of his own mind.
The faith of which the Bible speaks is not natural faith which is trust in things in the natural world which you have learned by experience are usually dependable. For example, faith that the chair on which you are sitting will support you.
BIBLICAL TYPES OF FAITH
There are different types of faith described in Scriptures:
SAVING FAITH:
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)
Saving faith involves true repentance from sin. You must hear, believe, and personally accept the message of the Gospel. Saving faith requires a personal response toward God.
Faith is a gift of God to men to enable them to be saved:
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For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. . . (Ephesians 2:8)
You cannot be saved without faith:
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:16)
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
SANCTIFYING FAITH:
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Sanctifying faith enables you to live a holy life after receiving Jesus as Savior. You must experience saving faith in order to receive sanctifying faith.
DEFENSIVE FAITH:
Faith is one of the weapons for defense against your spiritual enemy, Satan:
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (Ephesians 6:16)
Satan will attack your faith by sending darts of unbelief into your mind. Faith in God provides a spiritual defense to these attacks.
THE GIFT OF FAITH:
There is a spiritual gift of faith given by the Holy Spirit:
For to one is given by the Spirit. . . faith. (I Corinthians 12:8-9)
A person with the spiritual gift of faith has a special ability to believe God. He knows God is going to do the impossible. He exercises this faith even when others around him do not believe.
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THE FRUIT OF FAITH:
Faith is not something you can develop yourself. It is a spiritual fruit developed in your life by the Holy Spirit:
For the fruit of the spirit is. . . faith. (Galatians 5:22)
Faith as a fruit is character. It is an attitude of faith towards God. It is developed through the process of His life within you bringing spiritual growth.
While everyone does not have the spiritual gift of faith, the fruit of faith should be evident in the lives of all believers. It is a necessary quality in order to experience spiritual power.
LEVELS OF FAITH
The Bible reveals there are various levels of faith. Jesus spoke of people who did not use their faith as being faithless (Matthew 17:17). He spoke of those with little faith (Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; Luke 12:28) and of those with great faith (Matthew 8:10; 15:28; Luke 7:9).
The Bible teaches that each person has a certain amount of faith which is given to him as a gift from God:
. . . according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
(Romans 12:3)
But how do you increase this measure of faith to the level that will permit the flow of God's power?
HOW TO INCREASE FAITH
The Bible tells how to increase faith:
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
(Romans 10:17)
You increase your faith through hearing the Word of God. Saving faith comes by hearing God's Word. You must first hear the Word of God in order to repent of sin and receive Jesus as Savior. You cannot experience spiritual power unless you have experienced saving faith.
After you are saved, Biblical teaching and preaching continues to increase your faith. The more you hear the Word of God, the more your faith will increase. This faith will continue to conform you to the image of Jesus by the process of sanctification.
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Sanctification is living a holy life. You must live righteously in order to experience spiritual power. Continuing in known sin will prevent the flow of God's power in your life.
The more faith increases, the easier it will be to live a holy life and defend against the spiritual attacks of the enemy. Powerless Christians are defeated Christians.
Just a small amount of faith is very powerful:
And Jesus said unto them. . . For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. (Matthew 17:20)
FAITH, WORKS, AND POWER
It is easy to see how faith affects the flow of God's power in your life. Without faith, you are in danger of having merely listened to words without experiencing their power:
For unto us was the Gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (Hebrews 4:2)
But there is also a vital relationship between faith, works, and power. To experience power, you must have faith. To demonstrate power you must have faith. For faith and power to be effective in the spread of the Gospel, they must be demonstrated by works. James wrote:
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith and have not works? Can faith save him?
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. ( James 2:14,17-18,26)
Faith and works are related as closely as the spirit and the body.
Stephen was full of faith and power which enabled him to do great works:
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. (Acts 6:8)
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The works of faith are done with power:
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power. (II Thessalonians 1:11)
God wants to do works of faith with power in you and through you. When you exercise faith, it links God's power with your works. "All things are possible," Jesus said, "to him that believeth!"
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
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2. Give the Biblical definition of faith.
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3. Identify the levels of faith of which Jesus spoke.
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4. List the Biblical types of faith discussed in this lesson.
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5. How can faith be increased?
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6. Summarize what you learned in this chapter about the relationship between power, faith, and works.
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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Study further on the power of faith by reading Hebrews 11 which is called "The Faith Chapter" of the Bible. Summarize what you learn about the power of faith from these examples:
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2. One of the greatest examples of faith in the Bible is Abraham.
-Abraham was justified because of faith: James 2:23
-His faith gave him full assurance of God's promises: Romans 4:18-21
-God found Abraham's heart faithful: Nehemiah 9:8
-Believers who follow his example are also people of faith: Romans 4:11-12
Summarize what you learn about Abraham from these verses:
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CHAPTER TWELVE
POWER PRINCIPLE SIX: POWER IN THE NAME OF JESUS
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verses from memory.
ƒ³ Explain the importance of names in Bible times.
ƒ³ Identify the greatest name which is above all others.
ƒ³ Identify the meaning of the name "Jesus."
ƒ³ Explain how Jesus got His name.
ƒ³ Identify Biblical guidelines for using the name of Jesus.
KEY VERSES:
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
INTRODUCTION
You have learned of the power and authority given by God to Jesus Christ and how Jesus delegated this same power and authority to believers. One of these powerful spiritual principles is the use of His own name. This chapter focuses on power in the name of Jesus.
THE IMPORTANCE OF NAMES
In Bible times names had an importance they do not have today. In many modern cultures, a name is often used only as a personal label. In Bible times, great significance was attached to a person's name. The name given was often determined by some circumstance at the time of birth (Genesis 19:22). Sometimes the name expressed a hope or a prophecy (Isaiah 8:1-4; Hosea 1:4).
Because of the importance of names in Bible times, God changed the name of several people. He changed the name of Abram to Abraham in view of his destiny:
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Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. (Genesis 17:5)
The name Abraham meant "father of a great multitude." God also changed in the name of Sarai to Sara and Jacob to Israel for similar reasons. In the New Testament this same pattern continues. Simon is called "Peter" and Saul becomes "Paul." Their names reflected their destinies in God's plan.
Because of the importance of the meaning of names, God selected a very special name for His only Son.
THE NAME OF JESUS
The name of Jesus was given to the Son of God when He came to earth in human form. It was given in obedience to the command of an angel to Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus:
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)
The name "Jesus" means "Savior." Jesus had other names too. He is commonly called Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, Lord Jesus, and Lord. These are also combined into the title the "Lord Jesus Christ." "Christ" means "anointed One."
Jesus is once called "Emmanuel," which means "God with us." Jesus called Himself "The Son of Man" and He is often called "The Son of God" in New Testament writings. John calls Him "the Word" and "the Lamb of God."
There are many other titles given to Jesus, such as the "bread of life," the "light of the world," etc. A complete listing of these names and titles is given in the Harvestime International Institute course, "Spiritual Strategies: A Manual Of Spiritual Warfare." Each of the names given Jesus is important in understanding His position and ministry.
But our Lord is most commonly spoken of by the name of "Jesus" throughout the New Testament. It is this name to which we refer in this chapter on power in the name. It is the name of Jesus, sometimes combined with His other names, that is used in the demonstration of God's power through believers in the book of Acts.
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HOW NAMES ARE OBTAINED
There are three ways great men obtain their names:
BY BIRTH:
Some people are born with a great name. They are born as a prince, princess, or child of a great tribal leader. They may be born into a family with a name known for great wealth or political power. They inherit their great name through their parents.
BY ACHIEVEMENT:
Some people make a great name by their personal achievements. They become great writers, inventors, politicians, and leaders.
BY CONFERRING:
Other people receive a great name because it is conferred upon them. They are given a great name by another person. For example, a poor woman may receive the name of a rich politician when she marries him. A king or tribal leader may give a title of importance to one of the people in his kingdom or tribe.
HOW JESUS GOT HIS NAME
Jesus received His name in all three ways that great men receive their names on earth:
BY BIRTH:
Jesus received His name by birth, through inheritance from His Father:
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets.
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;
Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on High;
Being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (Hebrews 1:1-4)
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Jesus inherited a name greater than any other being in the universe. His name is greater than any king, president, or tribal leader. It is greater than the name of any angel in Heaven.
BY ACHIEVEMENT:
Jesus also received His name by achievement because he conquered all the power of the enemy:
And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:15)
BY CONFERRING:
Jesus also received His name by having it conferred upon Him:
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
THE GREATEST NAME
The name of Jesus is the most powerful name in the universe. It is above every other name:
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name. . . (Philippians 2:9)
. . . Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. (Ephesians 1:21)
POWER IN THE NAME
Jesus left His followers with the great mission of reaching the world with the Gospel message. He also left them with a special power to enable them to fulfill the mission. He gave them authority to use His own name:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth.
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Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
(Matthew 28:18-20)
When a person gave his own name to another, it meant that the two of them were joined together in close unity. An example is when God gave His name to Israel:
The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto Himself, as He hath
sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in His ways.
And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee. (Deuteronomy 28:9-10)
To be sent or speak in someone's name is to have his authority:
Therefore thus saith the Lord of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the Lord, that thou die not by our hand; Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, Behold, I will punish them. . . (Jeremiah 11:21-22)
Evil men sought to kill Jeremiah because he prophesied in the name of the Lord and they knew his prophecy had God=s authority behind it.
One of the greatest keys to spiritual power is the name of Jesus. We often fail in ministry because we depend on our own ability to deliver someone. It is not our name, position, or authority that carries the power. Our power is in the name of Jesus.
Mere chanting of the name over and over can be little more than a ritual. It becomes vain repetition similar to that practiced by the Pharisees and scribes in Bible times. The name of Jesus is not some magical phrase. You must have faith in the name. The disciples emphasized this after a powerful healing recorded in Acts 3. Peter said:
. . . And His name through faith in His name hath made this man strong. (Acts 3:16)
We have chanted the name of Jesus like a ritual, but our faith in the name has been weak. How can this be corrected? How can we move beyond mere repetition of the name of Jesus to faith in the name which results in power? The Bible says:
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So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
(Romans 10:17)
Your faith in the name of Jesus can be increased by hearing what the Word of God says about that name. Through the Word you can understand the authority behind the name and Biblical guidelines for proper use of His name.
IN THE NAME OF JESUS
The name of Jesus is used. . .
FOR SALVATION:
The greatest power in the name of Jesus is the power of salvation from sin. It is only through His name that salvation comes:
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins. . . (Matthew 1:21)
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
He that believeth on Him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)
You cannot be forgiven of your sins in any other way--only through the name of Jesus. You cannot gain access to God except through Jesus:
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)
When presenting the Gospel it is important to emphasize that salvation comes only through the name of Jesus. Confession of the name of Jesus is important to salvation:
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)
The power to become a child of God is through the name of Jesus:
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But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. (John 1:12)
SANCTIFICATION:
Not only are you cleansed from sin and justified through the name of Jesus, you are also sanctified. Sanctification comes through the power of God which continues to work in you after salvation to enable you to live a holy life. In I Corinthians 6 Paul speaks of the evils of sin. He says. . .
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
(I Corinthians 6:11)
Previously, these Corinthians lived in these sinful practices. Now they could live a holy life through sanctification which came through the name of Jesus.
IN PRAYER:
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)
"Hitherto" means "up until now." Up until the time Jesus spoke these words, His followers had asked nothing in His name. At this point He established a new relation with them. He told them to ask God for things in His name:
. . . Verily, verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you. (John 16:23)
What a powerful promise! Whatever we ask In His name, we will receive.
But this promise has to be taken along with the other principles of prayer taught in the Bible. We can never isolate one verse on a subject without considering all that is taught on that subject in the Word of God. The Bible teaches you cannot ask selfishly:
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (James 4:3)
You must also be living righteously before God. If you sin, you are to confess and pray for forgiveness:
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Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.(James 5:16)
You cannot continue to live in sin and think just because you ask in the name of Jesus you will be granted your requests. It is the prayers of righteous men and women that avail with God:
If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:7)
This means if you are abiding in Christ you can ask and it shall be done. If you are walking in obedience to God's Word, then you can ask in the name of Jesus.
Praying in the name of Jesus is also subject to God=s will. Jesus prayed:
Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done. (Luke 22:42)
In the weakness of human flesh, Jesus did not want to suffer. He wanted the cup of suffering removed, but He submitted His will to God's will.
In some matters clearly defined in Scripture, we know the will of God and exactly how to pray. In other matters we can express our will, as did Jesus, then submit our will to His will--all in the name of Jesus.
Requests made in the name of Jesus are subject to the sovereign will of God. We ask according to human reasoning and cannot always discern God's higher purposes:
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
You will not always know the will of God and exactly how to pray. When you are not sure of the will of God, it is a good time to pray in the language of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf according to the will of God:
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: For we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
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And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)
Some will disagree with this Biblical teaching. They will say you can ask anything in the name of Jesus and it will be done. When you arrogantly pray without submitting your requests to God=s will, He may answer your requests, but it may not be in your best interests. He did this for the nation of Israel:
And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
(Psalms 106:15)
You must also realize that when you ask for something on behalf of another person that their will enters into the situation. Nobody, through prayer in the name of Jesus, can push something on someone else which that person does not want. God does not take away the free will of man. Another person's will and unbelief can affect your prayer for them.
In John 17 Jesus prays a great prayer concerning the men God gave Him as disciples. All these men received the same training. They saw the same miracles. They received the same Word of God. But yet one of them was lost. Judas still had a will of his own, and despite all he had heard and seen, he rejected God's Word in unbelief.
Jesus spoke of the power of agreeing with others in prayer in His name:
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done of them of my Father which is in Heaven.
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:19-20)
As part of prayer, thanks should be given in the name of Jesus:
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:20)
You should also give thanks to the name of Jesus:
By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that
is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. (Hebrews 13:15)
You will learn more about the power of prayer in the following chapter.
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IN ALL AREAS OF MINISTRY:
The name of Jesus is to be used in all areas of ministry:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
(Matthew 28:18-20)
And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
(Mark 16:17-18)
According to these verses, the following ministries are to be done in the name of Jesus:
Signs And Wonders:
All powerful signs and wonders are to be done in the name of Jesus. The disciples prayed:
. . . Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy Word.
By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done in the name of thy holy child Jesus.
(Acts 4:29-30)
Preaching And Teaching:
Jesus said all power and authority was given to Him and through this power commissioned preaching and teaching of the Gospel in His name:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
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Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. . . (Matthew 28:19-20)
. . . Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:46-47)
Because they recognized the power in the name of Jesus, enemies of the Gospel message warned the disciples that. . .
. . . they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:17-18)
But Peter answered:
. . . We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
(Acts 4:20)
The Disciples witnessed the power of God. The things they had seen and heard in the name of Jesus were a powerful force driving them to fulfill their ministries.
You are not only to teach in the name of Jesus, you are to teach about that name:
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:12)
Baptism:
New converts are to be baptized in water in the name of the Father, the Son Jesus, and the Holy Ghost:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. . . (Matthew 28:19)
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
(Acts 19:5)
On the basis of that name, believers receive the gift of the Holy Spirit:
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Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift (baptism) of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
CASTING OUT DEVILS:
Devils or demons are the angels of Satan. They were formerly the angels of God who joined Satan in rebellion against God. They are now part of the forces of Satan active on earth in many evil ways.
Demons can enter unbelievers and actually possess them. Demonic powers can oppress believers, but not possess them. Their Satanic powers are to be broken in the name of Jesus:
And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils. . . (Mark 16:17)
When Paul was confronted with a demon possessed woman, He said to the spirit:
. . . I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. (Acts 16:18)
Detailed teaching on demons and how to bring deliverance to those under their power and influence is given in the Harvestime International Institute course, "Spiritual Strategies: A Manual Of Spiritual Warfare.@
MINISTERING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT:
The Holy Spirit was given in the name of Jesus:
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)
Speaking with new tongues through the Holy Spirit is used as an example of His various ministries in this verse:
And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name. . . they shall speak with new tongues. . . (Mark 16:17)
All the powerful gifts of the Holy Spirit are to operate in the name of Jesus. The gift of tongues is just one of these many spiritual gifts. It is used here as representative of all the ministries of the Holy Spirit since it was the first experienced when the Holy Spirit was given.
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HEALING:
The name of Jesus is to be used in ministering healing to those who are sick:
And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name. . . they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18)
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. . .
(James 5:14)
When Jesus died on the cross, He suffered not only for your sin but through His suffering and death, He obtained your healing:
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. (Matthew 8:17)
Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (I Peter 2:24)
Why is it so easy to accept salvation from sin through His name, but difficult for us to believe for healing through His name?
When the Disciples encountered a lame man at the temple gate, Peter said:
. . . Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. (Acts 3:6)
Peter knew the power in the name of Jesus. He knew there was healing in that name. He knew he had the authority to use that name--"Such as I have!" The power behind that name had been delegated to him by Jesus.
Funds are important in the work of the ministry, but lack of funds cannot stop the true ministry of the power of God. Peter and John had no silver or gold, yet they continued to minister in power through the name of Jesus.
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These men had no budget for advertising their ministry in the city of Jerusalem. But the entire city became aware of it through the demonstration of the power of God. You can read about this in Acts 3 and 4.
In many modern ministries, more emphasis is placed on fund-raising than on the power of the name of Jesus. The importance of finances in ministry is recognized, but the greater emphasis should be on the demonstration of God's power. Power through the name of Jesus is not affected by the presence or absence of finances.
FOR PROTECTION:
And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name. . . they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them.
(Mark 16:17-18)
The Apostle Paul was bitten by a poison snake and it did not hurt him. You can read about it in Acts 28.
IN EVERYTHING:
The Bible says that everything you do is to be done in the name of Jesus:
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. (Colossians 3:17)
When you do everything in the name of Jesus, even a simple task of serving is turned to a powerful spiritual experience. You can sweep the church floors in the name of Jesus. You can prepare food for your family in the name of Jesus. What you do is not as important as how you do it: Is it done in the name of Jesus?
SUFFERING FOR THE NAME
If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. . . all these things will they do unto you for My names sake, because they know not Him that sent Me. (John 15:20-21)
When the Disciples suffered because of the Gospel:
. . . they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
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And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. (Acts 5:41-42)
The disciples were men who risked their lives for the name of the Lord:
It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 15:25-26)
Although Jesus promised protection while engaged in ministry, it did not mean that the disciples did not suffer. Peter, Paul, and Silas were all in prison. These disciples were stoned and beaten, and Paul was once left for dead by enemies of the Gospel. When their ministries were finished, most of the disciples died as martyrs for the sake of the Gospel. The same Peter delivered from prison later died for the sake of the Gospel.
Hebrews 11 tells the stories of great men and women who were delivered through faith. But it also records the stories of those who died in faith for the Gospel when their ministries were completed. Peter tells us:
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified. (I Peter 4:14)
You will learn more about the power of the fellowship of His suffering in Chapter Seventeen.
REIGNING BY THE NAME
Through the name of Jesus, you become part of the Kingdom of God:
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. (Colossians 1:12-13)
As part of the kingdom of Jesus, you receive an inheritance of power to reign in life:
For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)
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You are to reign in life through the name of Jesus. You are to reign over the negative circumstances of life through the name of Jesus. You are to reign over all the powerful forces of the enemy through the name of Jesus!
THE FINAL REFERENCE
The final Biblical reference to the name of Jesus is found in the book of Revelation. It speaks of the day when believers will be in the presence of their Savior in the new Heaven and earth:
And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him:
And they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads. (Revelation 22:3-4)
-That name we have cherished. . .
-That name we have used in authority to minister and in which we have prayed. . .
-That name by which we have reigned in life. . . .
-THE NAME OF JESUS . . . Will become part of our identity for all eternity.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verses from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
2. Explain the importance of names in Bible times.
________________________________________________________________________
3. Who commanded Joseph to name Jesus?
________________________________________________________________________
4. What is the greatest name in all the universe?
________________________________________________________________________
5. How did Jesus obtain His name?
________________________________________________________________________
6. How can you develop your faith in the name of Jesus and its power?
________________________________________________________________________
7. Read the following statements and fill in the missing letter to complete the words.
a. Jesus' name is necessary for s__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __.
b. When we pray for h __ __ __ __ __ __ for sicknesses, it should be in the
name of Jesus.
c. S __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ comes through the name of Jesus.
d. We are to p __ __ __ __ __ and t__ __ __ __ in the name of Jesus.
e. Casting out of d __ __ __ __ __ is to be done in the name of Jesus.
f. We are to b__ __ __ __ __ __ in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy
Ghost.
8. Write TRUE or FALSE on the blank in front of each statement.
a. _____We are to give thanks in everything to the name of Jesus.
b. _____The Holy Spirit was given in the name of Jesus.
c. _____Protection in the name of Jesus means we will never have to suffer.
for Him.
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter of this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
The following list contains Scriptural references to the name of Jesus in the New Testament. Continue your study of power in the name of Jesus by using this list.
Matthew: 1:21; 1:23; 1:24,25; 10:22; 12:18,21; 18:5; 18:19,20; 19:29; 28:19
Mark: 9:38-41; 16:17-18
Luke: 10:17; 24:46-47
John: 1:12; 2:23; 3:18; 14:13-14; 14:26; 15:16; 15:20-21; 16:23,24,26; 20:31
Acts: 2:21; 2:38; 3:6; 3:16; 4:7,8,10,12,17,18; 4:29-30; 5:28,40-42; 8:12; 9:14-16; 9:21,27,29; 10:43; 10:48; 15:25-26; 16:18; 19:5
Romans: 1:5; 10:13
I Corinthians: 1:2; 1:10; 6:11
Ephesians: 5:20
Philippians: 2:9-11
Colossians: 3:17
II Thessalonians: 1:12
II Timothy: 2:19
Hebrews: 1:4; 6:10; 13:15
James: 5:14
I Peter: 4:14
I John: 2:12; 3:23; 5:13
Revelation: 19:12,13,16; 22:3-4
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CHAPTER THIRTEEN
POWER PRINCIPLE SEVEN: THE POWER OF PRAYER*
OBJECTIVES:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Explain how prayer and fasting release God's power.
ƒ³ Define prayer.
ƒ³ Identify various levels of prayer.
ƒ³ Identify various types of prayer.
ƒ³ Identify hindrances to prayer.
ƒ³ Define fasting.
ƒ³ Identify two types of fasting.
ƒ³ Explain the purpose of fasting.
KEY VERSE:
The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
(James 5:16b)
INTRODUCTION
As you studied about the power in the name of Jesus you learned that believers can use His name in prayer to make requests of the Father. This lesson explores the power of prayer in the name of Jesus. It also presents the associated practice of fasting. Prayer and fasting are powerful principles which release the power of God in the lives of believers.
THE DEFINITION OF PRAYER
Prayer is communion with God. It takes different forms, but basically it occurs when man talks with God and God talks with man. Prayer is described as:
____________
* Some material in this lesson duplicates a chapter on prayer and fasting in "Spiritual Strategies: A Manual On Spiritual Warfare." These practices are not only weapons of warfare, they are power principles. For this reason, some material is repeated while new material is also presented.
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Calling upon the name of the Lord: Genesis 12:8
Crying unto God: Psalms 27:7; 34:6
Drawing near to God: Psalms 73:28; Hebrews 10:22
Looking up: Psalms 5:3
Lifting up the soul: Psalms 25:1
Lifting up the heart: Lamentations 3:41
Pouring out the heart: Psalms 62:8
Pouring out the soul: I Samuel 1:15
Crying to Heaven: II Chronicles 32:20
Beseeching the Lord: Exodus 32:11
Seeking God: Job 8:5
Seeking the face of the Lord: Psalms 27:8
Making supplication: Job 8:5; Jeremiah 36:7
THE PRAYER LIFE OF JESUS
Prayer was a powerful tool in the life of the Lord Jesus:
JESUS MADE PRAYER A PRIORITY:
He prayed any time of the day or night: Luke 6:12-13
Prayer took priority over eating: John 4:31-32
Prayer took priority over business: John 4:31-32
PRAYER ACCOMPANIED ANY EVENT OF IMPORTANCE:
At His baptism: Luke 3:21-22
During the first ministry tour: Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16
Before the choice of the disciples: Luke 6:12-13
Before and after the feeding of the 5,000: Matthew 14:19,23; Mark 6:41,46; John 6:11,14-15
At the feeding of the 4,000: Matthew 15:36; Mark 8:6,7
Before the confession of Peter: Luke 9:18
Before the transfiguration: Luke 9:28,29
At the return of the seventy: Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21
At the grave of Lazarus: John 11:41-42
At the blessing of the children: Matthew 19:13
At the coming of certain Greeks: John 12:27-28
Before His greatest anguish: Matthew 26:26-27; Mark 14:22-23; Luke 22:17-19
For Peter: Luke 22:32
For the giving of the Holy Spirit: John 14:16
On the road to Emmaus: Luke 24:30-31
Prior to His ascension: Luke 24:50-53
For His followers: John 17
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LEVELS OF PRAYER
Paul calls for believers to pray always with "all prayer" (Ephesians 6:18). Another translation of the Bible reads "praying with every kind of prayer@ (Goodspeed Translation). This refers to the various levels and types of prayer.
There are three levels of intensity in prayer: Asking, seeking, and knocking:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)
Asking is the first level of prayer. It is simply presenting a request to God and receiving an immediate answer. In order to receive, the condition is to ask:
. . . ye have not, because ye ask not. (James 4:2)
We have the powerful spiritual weapon of prayer, and yet many do not use it. They do not ask, and because of this, they do not receive.
Seeking is a deeper level of prayer. This is the level of prayer where answers are not as immediate as at the asking level. The 120 gathered in the upper room where they continued in prayer is an example of seeking. These men and women sought fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit and continued seeking until the answer came (Acts l-2).
Knocking is a deeper level yet. It is prayer that is persistent when answers are longer in coming. It is illustrated by the parable Jesus told in Luke 11:5-10. The knocking level is the most intense level of spiritual warfare prayer. It is illustrated by Daniel=s persistenceBhe continued to knock despite the fact he saw no visible results (Daniel 10).
TYPES OF PRAYER
There are various types of prayer illustrated in the model prayer given by the Lord (Matthew 6:9-13). Types of prayer include:
1. WORSHIP AND PRAISE:
You enter into God's presence with worship and praise:
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Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His Name. (Psalms 100:4)
Worship is giving honor and devotion. Praise is thanksgiving and an expression of gratitude not only for what God has done but for what He is. You are to worship God in spirit and in truth:
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.
God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)
Praise and worship can be with:
Singing: Psalms 9:2,11; 40:3; Mark 14:26
Audible praise: Psalms 103:1
Shouting: Psalms 47:1
Lifting up of the hands: Psalms 63:4; 134:2; I Timothy 2:8
Clapping: Psalms 47:1
Musical instruments: Psalms 150:3-5
Standing: II Chronicles 20:19
Bowing: Psalms 95:6
Dancing: Psalms 149:3
Kneeling: Psalms 95:6
Lying down: Psalms 149:5
2. COMMITMENT:
This is prayer committing your life and will to God. It includes prayers of consecration and dedication.
3. PETITION:
Prayers of petition are requests. Requests must be made according to the will of God as revealed in His written Word. Petitions may be at the levels of asking, seeking, or knocking. Supplication is another word for this type of prayer. The word supplication means "beseeching God or strongly appealing to Him in behalf of a need."
4. CONFESSION AND REPENTANCE:
A prayer of confession is repenting and asking forgiveness for sin:
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If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9)
5. INTERCESSION:
Intercession is prayer for others. An intercessor is one who takes the place of another or pleads another's case.
The Bible records that at one time God looked on the earth and saw there was no intercessor:
And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him, and His righteousness, it sustained Him. (Isaiah 59:16)
When God saw there was no intercessor He supplied the need. He sent Jesus:
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (I Timothy 2:5)
. . . It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Romans 8:34)
Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto
God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.
(Hebrews 7:25)
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.
(I John 2:1)
An advocate in a court of justice is a legal assistant or counselor who pleads another's cause. Intercession in spiritual warfare is prayer to God on behalf of another person. Sometimes this intercession is made with understanding. You intercede in your own native language:
I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.
For kings, and for all that are in authority. . . (I Timothy 2:1-2)
At other times, intercession is made by the Holy Spirit. It may be with groanings resulting from a heavy spiritual burden. It may be in an unknown tongue. It may be intercession for another or the Holy Spirit making intercession for you. When this happens, the Holy Spirit speaks through you
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praying directly to God and according to the will of God. You do not understand this type of intercession:
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)
THE MODEL PRAYER
During the earthly ministry of Jesus His disciples once came to Him with an interesting request:
. . . one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray. . .
(Luke 11:1)
The disciples did not ask how to preach or perform miracles. They did not seek lessons on how to build lasting relationships. They did not inquire regarding the wonders of physical healing. They asked to be taught how to pray. What created this desire? It was the visible effects of prayer in the life and ministry of Jesus. The disciples had witnessed the powerful results of this spiritual strategy in action.
Read the model prayer on the next page and observe the various types of prayer we have discussed:
Our Father, which art in Heaven, Hallowed be they name. Praise and worship
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Commitment
Give us this day our daily bread. Petition
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Confession, intercession
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Petition
For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Praise and worship
(Matthew 6:9-13)
HOW TO PRAY
Look up each of the following references in your Bible. These Scriptures teach you how to pray:
-Prayer is to be made to God: Psalms 5:2
-Empty repetition is forbidden, but earnest repetition is not: Matthew 6:7; Daniel 6:10;
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Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8
-You sin by neglecting to pray for others: I Samuel 12:23
-Pray with understanding (in a known tongue): Ephesians 6:18
-Pray in the Spirit: Romans 8:26; Jude 20
-Pray according to the will of God: I John 5:14-15
-Pray in secret: Matthew 6:6
-Quality rather than quantity is stressed. Prayer is not successful because of much
speaking: Matthew 6:7
-Pray always: Luke 21:36; Ephesians 6:18
-Pray continually: Romans 12:12
-Pray without ceasing: I Thessalonians 5:17
-Pray to the Father in the name of Jesus: John 15:16
-With a watchful attitude: I Peter 4:7
-According to the example of the model prayer: Matthew 6:9-13
-Pray with a forgiving spirit: Mark 11:25
-Pray with humility: Matthew 6:7
-Sometimes accompany prayer with fasting: Matthew 17:21
-Pray fervently: James 5:16; Colossians 4:12
-Pray with submission to God: Luke 22:42
-Use the strategies of binding and loosing in prayer: Matthew 16:19
WHAT YOU SHOULD PRAY FOR
-The peace of Jerusalem: Psalms 122:6
-Laborers in the harvest: Matthew 9:38
-That you enter not into temptation: Luke 22:40-46
-Them that despitefully use you (your enemies): Luke 6:28
-All the saints: Ephesians 6:18
-The sick: James 5:14
-One for another (bearing each other's burdens): James 5:16
-For all men, kings, and those in authority: I Timothy 2:1-4
-For our daily needs: Matthew 6:11
-For wisdom: James 1:5
-For healing: James 5:14-15
-For forgiveness: Matthew 6:12
-For God's will and Kingdom to be established: Matthew 6:10
-For relief from affliction: James 5:13
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PRAY THE PROMISES
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (James 4:3)
God answers prayer according to His promises. When you do not ask on the basis of these promises, your prayer is not answered. It is similar to how a father relates to his children. No parent commits to give his youngsters anything they want or ask for. He makes it clear that he will do certain things and not do other things. Within these limits the father answers his child's requests.
It is the same with God. His promises form the proper basis for prayer. Learn what God has promised and pray according to the promises of God. One good way to do this is to go through the Bible and mark all the promises. Use your Bible when you pray and base your prayers upon these promises.
HINDRANCES TO PRAYER
Here are some things that will hinder your prayers:
-Sin of any kind: Isaiah 59:1-2; Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 1:15; Proverbs 28:9
-Idols in the heart: Ezekiel 14:1-3:
-An unforgiving spirit: Mark 11:25; Matthew 5:23
-Selfishness, wrong motives: Proverbs 21:13; James 4:3
-Power hungry, manipulative prayers: James 4:2-3
-Wrong treatment of a marriage partner: I Peter 3:7
-Self-righteousness: Luke 18:10-14
-Unbelief: James 1:6-7:
-Not abiding in Christ and His Word: John 15:7:
-Lack of compassion: Proverbs 21:13
-Hypocrisy, pride, meaningless repetition: Matthew 6:5; Job 35:12-13
-Not asking according to the will of God: James 4:3
-Not asking in Jesus' name: John 16:24
-Satanic demonic hindrances: Daniel 10:10-13; Ephesians 6:1
-Not seeking first the Kingdom: It is only when you seek first the Kingdom of God
that you are promised the other things: Matthew 6:33
-God has a higher purpose in denying your request: II Corinthians 12:8-9
-When you do not know how to pray as you should, prayer is hindered. This is
why it is important to let the Holy Spirit pray through you: Romans 8:26
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WHEN NOT TO PRAY
It is important to learn how to wait in prayer for the Lord=s guidance and direction before acting. But it is equally important to know when not to pray. When God calls you to action, you must act--not continue to pray.
For example, at the bitter waters of Marah when Moses cried unto the Lord, God showed him exactly what to do to sweeten the waters. There was no need to wait further on the Lord in prayer. Moses was to act upon what God had revealed. The same was true of Joshua when he prayed about the terrible defeat of Israel at Ai. God revealed there was sin among the people of Israel. He actually told Joshua. . .
Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned. . .
Up, sanctify the people. (Joshua 7: portions of 10,11, and 13)
It was not the time to pray. It was time to act upon the direction given in prayer. Some people use prayer as an excuse to avoid involvement and acting upon what God has told them to do. Others continue to pray when God has already answered but they did not like the answer. Review the story of Balaam in Numbers 22. Note especially verses 18-19. Balaam had no right to go to God with the same matter for God had clearly forbidden him to have anything to do with it (see verse 12).
COMBINING PRAYER WITH FASTING
Prayer is even more powerful when combined with fasting. Fasting, in the most simple definition, is going without food.
TYPES OF FASTS:
According to the Bible there are two types of fasts. The total fast is when you do not eat or drink at all. An example of this is found in Acts 9:9. The partial fast is when the diet is restricted. An example of this is in Daniel 10:3.
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FASTING:
Fasting is a personal matter between an individual and God. It is to be done in private and not boasted about:
Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance:
for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.
Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest,
anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men
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to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth
in secret, shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:16-18)
Leaders may call a public fast and request the whole church fellowship to fast:
Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly. (Joel 2:15)
THE PURPOSES OF FASTING:
There are definite spiritual purposes for fasting. It is important that we understand these, for if we fast for the wrong reasons it will be ineffective. Study each of the following references regarding the purposes of fasting. They reveal the great power of fasting in spiritual warfare. You fast:
-To humble yourself: Psalms 35:13; 69: 10
-To repent for sin: Joel 2:12
-For revelation: Daniel 9:2; 3:21-22
-To loose the bands of wickedness, lift heavy burdens, set the oppressed free, and break
every bondage: Isaiah 58:6
-To feed the poor, both physically and spiritually: Isaiah 58:7
-To be heard of God: II Samuel 12:16,22; Jonah 3:5, 10.
Fasting does not change God. It changes you. God relates to you on the basis of your relationship to Him. When you change, then the way God deals with you is affected. You do not fast to change God, because God does not change. But fasting does change how He deals with you. Read the book of Jonah for an example.
LENGTH OF THE FAST:
How long you fast depends upon what God speaks into your spirit. He may lead you to fast a short or lengthy time. Remember the story of Esau and Jacob? Jacob was originally making a meal for himself but denied himself in order to obtain the birthright. How much better off Esau would have been if he had fasted that one meal!
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
______________________________________________________________________________
2. What are two principles which release God's power in the lives of believers?
__________________________and_________________________
3. What are the three levels of prayer discussed in this lesson?
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
4. List the types of prayer illustrated in the model prayer.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. List some of the hindrances to prayer discussed in this chapter.
______________________________________________________________________________
6. Define prayer.
______________________________________________________________________________
7. Define fasting.
______________________________________________________________________________
8. What are the two types of fasts?
__________________________and_________________________
9. Summarize the purposes of fasting.
______________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Answers to prayer are granted:
-Immediately at times Isaiah 65:24; Daniel 9:21-23
-Delayed at times Luke 18:7
-At times, different from our desires II Corinthians 12:8-9
-Beyond our expectations Jeremiah 33:3; Ephesians 3:20
Remember: The prayer of Jesus in the Garden did not change God's will, but God's will became plain through it (Hebrews 5:7-9). Our prayers are not unanswered, just because they are not answered the way we want. What we see as unanswered prayers often serve a higher purpose.
2. When we pray according to the pattern of the Lord's Prayer it encourages proper attitudes:
When we pray... We are showing...
Our Father in Heaven A childlike attitude
Hallowed be Thy name A respectful attitude
Thy kingdom come An expectant attitude
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven A submissive attitude
Give us this day our daily bread A reliant attitude
Forgive us our debts A repentant attitude
As we forgive our debtors A forgiving attitude
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil A victorious attitude
Thine is the kingdom, power, and glory forever A worshipful attitude
3. Read James 5:17-18. This is a model prayer of power and faith because:
-It is based on a definite promise of God: I Kings 18:1
-It fulfilled the condition of the promise: I Kings 18:2
-He persevered despite adverse reports: I Kings 18:43
4. Study the following examples of powerful prayers recorded in the Bible:
Genesis:
Prayer history begins: 4:26
Prayer and spiritual progress: 5:21-24
Prayer and the altar: 12-13
Prayer for an heir: 15
Prayer, the language of a cry: 16
Prayer and revelation: 17
Prayer for a wicked city: 18-19
Prayer after a lapse: 20
Prayer of obedience: 22
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Prayer for a bride: 24
Prayer for a barren wife: 25:19-23
Prayer changes things: 26
Prayer as a vow: 28
Prayer about a wronged brother: 32
Prayer, the hidden fire: 39-41; 45:5-8; 50:20,24
Prayer for blessing upon the tribes: 48-49
Exodus:
Prayer expressed as a groan: 1-2
Prayer as a dialogue: 3-4
Prayer as complaint: 5-7
Prayer in league with omnipotence: 8-10
Prayer as praise: 15
Prayer in peril: 17
Prayer of the needy: 22:22-24
Prayer for delay of deserved judgment: 32
First prayer of Moses for Israel: 32:9-14
Second prayer of Moses: 32:30-34
Third prayer of Moses: 33:12-23
Prayer and transfiguration: 34
Numbers:
Prayer as benediction: 6:24-27
Prayer for preservation and protection: 10:35-36
Prayer for the removal of judgment: 11:1-2
Prayer of a discouraged heart: 11:10-35
Prayer of a meek man: 12
Prayer for the upholding of divine honor: 14
Prayer for divine action against rebellion: 16
Prayer for relief from death: 21
Prayer and prophecy: 23-24
Prayer for a new leader: 27
Deuteronomy:
Prayer for a privileged task: 3:23-29
Prayer to one who is nigh: 4:7
Prayer for the stay of judgment: 9:20,26-29
Prayer as a blessing: 21:6-9
Prayer as thanksgiving: 26
Prayer as a song: 32-33
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Joshua:
Prayer as a challenge: 5:13-15
Prayer God does not answer: 7
Prayer neglected with dire results: 9:14
Prayer that produced a miracle: 10
Judges:
Prayer for direction: 1
Prayer in time of war: 4-5
Prayer for signs: 6
Prayer in calamity: 10:10-16
Prayer as a bargain: 11:30-40
Prayer for an unborn child: 13
Prayer in the face of death: 16:28-31
Prayer directly answered: 20:23-28
Prayer for a lost tribe: 21:2-3
I Samuel:
Prayer without words: 1
Prayer, prophetic in outlook: 2:1-10
Prayer in the sanctuary: 3
Prayer for national trouble: 7
Prayer for a king: 8
Prayer as vindication: 12
Prayer of a distressed king: 14
Prayer of a grieved heart: 15:11
Prayer as a still small voice: 16:1-12
Prayer as the secret of courage: 17
Prayer as enquiry: 23
Prayer for deaf ears: 28:7
Prayer for restoration of war-spoil: 30
II Samuel:
Prayer as to possession: 2:1
Prayer for victory signs: 5:19-25
Prayer for blessing upon house and kingdom: 7:18-29
Prayer for a sick child: 12
Prayer as pretense: 5:7-9
Prayer for understanding of affliction: 21:1-12
Prayer as a psalm: 22
Prayer as a confession of pride: 24:10-17
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I Kings:
Prayer for a wise heart: 3
Prayer of dedication: 8:12-61
Prayer for a withered hand: 13:6
Prayer for closed skies: 17
Prayer for resurrection of dead son: 17:20-24
Prayer for divine honor: 18:16-41
Prayer and perseverance: 18:45
Prayer for death: 19
II Kings:
Prayer for a dead child: 4:32-37
Prayer for vision: 6:13-17
Prayer for deliverance from defiant foes: 19
Prayer for longer life: 20:1-11
I Chronicles:
Prayer for spiritual prosperity: 4:9-10
Prayer as trust: 5:20
Prayer of fear: 13:12
Prayer for establishment of covenant: 17:16-27
Prayer answered by fire: 21
Prayer as a sentinel: 23:30
Prayer and giving: 29:10-19
II Chronicles:
Prayer in national danger: 14:11
Prayer and reform: 15
Prayer and appeal to history: 20:3-13
Prayer of penitence: 33:13
Ezra:
Prayer of thanksgiving: 7:27-28
Prayer and fasting: 8:21-23
Prayer and confession: 9:5-10:4
Nehemiah:
Prayer born of distress: 1:4-11
Prayer in a tight corner: 2:4
Prayer for deliverance from reproach: 4:1-6
Prayer triumphing over anger: 4:7-9
Prayer and restitution: 5
Prayer against craft: 6:9-14
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Prayer and the Word: 8:1-13
Prayer and God's goodness: 9
Prayer for remembrance: 13:14,22,29,31
Job:
Prayer of resignation: 1:20-22
Prayer for pity: 6:8-9; 7:17-21
Prayer for justification: 9
Prayer against injustice: 10
Prayer for light on immortality: 14:13-22
Prayer and profit: 21:14-34
Prayer and reason: 23
Prayer answered by whirlwind: 38
Prayer as confession: 40:3-5; 42:1-6
Prayer as intercession: 42:7-10
Psalms:
Prayer born of rebellion: 3
Prayer of holiness: 4
Prayer as a morning watch: 5
Prayer for divine action: 7
Prayer of praise for divine action: 8
Prayer for preservation here and hereafter: 16
Prayer of the cross: 22
Prayer for shepherd care: 23
Prayer for the manifestation of divine glory: 24
Prayer as ascent to God: 25
Prayer of a believing heart: 27
Prayer as a cameo of Christ: 31
Prayer of a tragic soul: 32
Prayer for protection against enemies: 35
Prayer in praise of loving kindness: 36
Prayer of a pilgrim: 39, 90, 91
Prayer and its accomplishment: 40
Prayer in deep distress: 41
Prayer as a door of hope: 42-43
Prayer for divine assistance: 44
Prayer for a refuge: 46
Prayer of a broken heart: 51
Prayer at all times: 55
Prayer of distress: 57
Prayer of trust: 71
Prayer for God Himself: 73
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Prayer as praise for God's greatness: 96
Prayer for escape from trials: 102-103, 105
Prayer of remembrance: 106
Prayer for those in perils on sea: 107
Prayer and affinity to Scripture: 19, 119
Prayer for searching of heart: 139
Proverbs:
The book focuses on prayer as the channel of God-given wisdom.
Ecclesiastes:
The book discusses prayer in relationship to fatalism.
Song of Solomon:
Prayer's secrets: The whole book.
Isaiah:
Prayer God does not hear: 1:15; 16:12
Prayer and cleansing: 6
Prayer for a sign: 7:11
Prayer of exaltation: 12
Prayer of praise for triumphs: 25
Prayer for peace: 26
Prayer and confidence: 41
Prayer and practice: 55
Prayer unpopular to many: 59
Prayer for display of divine power: 63-64
Jeremiah:
Prayer as confession of inability: 1
Prayer as mourning for backsliding: 2-3
Prayer as complaint: 4:10-31
Prayer of lament over rebellion: 5
Prayer from a prison: 6
Prayer forbidden: 7:16
Prayer for justice: 10:23-25
Prayer of perplexity: 12:1-4
Prayer for relief from sin and drought: 14:7-22
Prayer for divine vengeance: 15:15-21
Prayer for confusion of enemies: 16:19-21; 17:13-18
Prayer for overthrow of evil counsel: 18:18-23
Prayer of a despairing heart: 20:7-13
Prayer of gratitude for divine goodness: 32:16-25
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Prayer for a believing remnant: 42
Lamentations:
Prayer of pain: 1:20-22
Prayer for pity: 2:19-22
Prayer as complaint: 3
Prayer for the oppressed: 5
Ezekiel:
Prayer as protest: 4:14
Prayer for preservation of residue: 9:8-11
Prayer sanctuary: 11:13-16
Daniel:
Prayer for interpretation: 2:17-18
Prayer in defiance of decree: 6:10-15
Prayer of confession: 9
Prayer and its spiritual results: 10
Prayer concerning the brevity of life: 12:8-13
Hosea:
God appeals to a backslidden nation to pray the prayer of repentance.
Joel:
Prayer in emergency: 1:19-20
Prayer and weeping: 2:17
Amos:
Prayer for respite and forgiveness: 7:1-9
Jonah:
Prayer of heathen sailors: 1:14-16
Prayer out of Hell: 2
Prayer of a repentant city: 3
Prayer of a displeased prophet: 4
Micah:
Prayer is waiting upon the Lord for fulfillment of His Word.
Habakkuk:
Prayer of complaint and vindication: 1:1-4,12-17
Prayer of faith: 3
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Malachi:
Prayer - Protest one: 1:2
Prayer - Protest two: 1:6
Prayer - Protest three: 1:7,13
Prayer - Protest four: 2:17
Prayer - Protest five: 3:17
Prayer - Protest six: 3:8
Matthew:
Prayer and the necessity of forgiveness: 5:22-26; 6:12,14-15
Prayer and hypocrisy: 6:5-7
Prayer as taught by Christ: 6:8-13
Prayer as specified by Christ: 7:7-11
Prayer of a leper: 8:1-4
Prayer of the centurion: 8:5-13
Prayer in peril: 8:23-27
Prayer of maniacs: 8:28-34
Prayer of Jairus: 9:18-19
Prayer of the diseased woman: 9:20-22
Prayer of two blind men: 9:27-31
Prayer of laborers: 9:37-39
Prayer of Christ's gratitude to God: 11:25-27
Prayer on a mountain: 14:23
Prayer of Peter in distress: 14:28-30
Prayer of Syro-Phoenician woman: 15:21-28
Prayer for a lunatic son: 17:14-21
Prayer in unity: 18:19-20
Prayer in a parable: 18:23-25
Prayer for a privileged position: 20:20-28
Prayer for healing of blindness: 20:29-34
Prayer of faith: 21:18-22
Prayer of pretense: 23:14,25
Prayer of accountability: 25:20,22,24
Prayer of a resigned will: 26:26,36-46
Prayer at Calvary: 27:46,50
Mark:
Prayer of a demon: 1:23-28,32-34
Prayer habits of Christ: 1:35; 6:41,46
Prayer for the deaf and dumb: 7:31-37
Prayer and fasting: 2:18; 9:29
Prayer of the young ruler: 10:17-22
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Luke:
Prayer of Zacharias: 1:8,13,67-80
Prayer as worship: 1:46-55
Prayer as adoration: 2:10-20,25-38
Prayer at the portal of service: 3:21-22
Prayer as escape from popularity: 5:16
Prayer and the twelve: 6:12-13,20,28
Prayer and transfiguration: 9:28-29
Prayer in parable form: 11:5-13
Prayer of the prodigal: 15:11-24,29-30
Prayer out of Hell: 16:22-31
Prayer of ten lepers: 17:12-19
Prayer in parable form: 18:1-8
Prayer of Pharisee and publican: 18:9-14
Prayer for Peter's preservation: 22:31-31
Prayer of agony: 22:39-46
Prayer and the risen Lord: 24:30,50-53
John:
Prayer for the spirit: 4:9,15,19,28; 7:37-39; 14:16
Prayer of a nobleman: 4:46-54
Prayer for the Bread of Life: 6:34
Prayer for Confirmation: 11:40-42
Prayer with a double aspect: 12:27-28
Prayer as a privilege: 14:13-15; 15:16; 16:23-26
Prayer of all prayers: 17
Acts:
Prayer in the upper chamber: 1:13-14
Prayer for a successor: 1:15-26
Prayer and worship: 2:42-47
Prayer as an observance: 3:1
Prayer for boldness of witness: 4:23-31
Prayer and the ministry of the Word: 6:4-7
Prayer of the first martyr: 7:55-60
Prayer for Samaritans and a sorcerer: 8:9-25
Prayer of a convert: 9:5-6,11
Prayer for Dorcas: 9:36-43
Prayer of Cornelius: 10:2-4,9,31
Prayer for Peter in prison: 12:5,12-17
Prayer of ordination: 13:2-3,43
Prayer with fasting: 13:2-3; 14:15,23,26
Prayer at the riverside: 16:13,16
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Prayer in a dungeon: 16:25,34
Prayer of committal: 20:36
Prayer in a shipwreck: 27:33,35
Prayer for the fever-stricken: 28:8,15,28
Romans:
Prayer for a prosperous journey: 1:8-15
Prayer inspired by the Spirit: 8:15,23,26-27
Prayer for Israel's sake: 10:1; 11:26
Prayer as a continuing ministry: 12:12
Prayer for like-mindedness: 15:5-6,30-33
Prayer for Satan's conquest: 16:20,24-27
II Corinthians:
Prayer as a benediction: 1:2-4
Prayer for removal of thorn: 12:7-10
Ephesians:
Prayer and the believer's position: 1:1-11
Prayer for perception and power: 1:15-20
Prayer as access to God: 2:18; 3:12
Prayer for inner fullness: 3:13-21
Prayer and inner melody: 5:19-20
Prayer as a warrior's reserve: 6:18-19
Philippians:
Prayer as a request for joy: 1:2-7
Prayer and peace of mind: 4:6-7,19-23
Colossians:
Prayer as praise for loyalty: 1:1-8
Prayer for a seven-fold blessing: 1:9-14
Prayer fellowship: 4:2-4,12,17
I Thessalonians:
Prayer of remembrance: 1:1-3
Prayer for a return visit: 3:9-13
Prayer, praise, and perfection: 5:17-18,23-24,28
II Thessalonians:
Prayer for worthiness of calling: 1:3,11-12
Prayer for comfort and stability: 2:13,16-17
Prayer for the Word and protection: 3:1-5
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II Timothy:
Prayer for Timothy's ministry: 1:2-7
Prayer for the house of Onesiphorus: 1:6-18
Prayer for false friends: 4:14-18
Hebrews:
Prayer as praise for creation: 1:10-12
Prayer for mercy and favor: 4:16
Prayer and ministry of Christ: 5:7-8; 7:24-25
Prayer for the outworking of God's will: 12:9,12,15
Prayer for perfectness: 13:20-21
James:
Prayer for wisdom: 1:5-8,17
Prayer that misses the target: 4:2-3
Prayer that prevails: 5:13-18
I Peter:
Prayer of gratitude for inheritance: 1:3-4
Prayer in the married state: 3:7-12
Prayer-watch: 4:7
Prayer for Christian stability: 5:10-11
II Peter:
Prayer for multiplication of grace and peace: 1:2
III John:
Prayer the background of reputation: 1-4,12
Jude:
Prayer in the Spirit: 20
Revelation:
Prayer as praise to the Lamb for redemption: 5:9
Prayer as golden incense: 5:8; 8:3
Prayer of the martyred host: 6:10
Prayer of the Gentile host: 7:9-12
Prayer of the elders: 11:15-19
Prayer of Moses: 15:3-4
Prayer of the glorified saints: 19:1-10
Prayers ending the Bible: 22:17,20
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CHAPTER FOURTEEN
POWER PRINCIPLE EIGHT: THE POWER OF THE WORD
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Identify the source of the Word of power.
ƒ³ Define the "rhema" and "logos" Words of God.
ƒ³ Explain how Jesus met the challenge of Satan through the Word of power.
ƒ³ Explain your responsibility for God's Word of power.
ƒ³ Summarize the powerful purposes of God's Word.
ƒ³ Explain why your own words are important in relation to spiritual power.
KEY VERSE:
For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
INTRODUCTION
The Holy Bible is the written Word of the one true and living God. There is special power in these words of God:
For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)
You will never receive the fullness of God's power until you experience the power of His Word.
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THE SOURCE OF THE WORD
God is the source of power and of His written Word. This makes the Word of God powerful:
The Lord gave the Word: great was the company of those that published it. (Psalms 68:11)
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. (I Thessalonians 2:13)
God actually created the world by His Word:
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3)
God created the heavens by His Word:
By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made. . .(Psalms 33:6)
God continues to uphold the world and all things as they are by the power of His Word:
Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
(Hebrews 1:3)
"RHEMA" AND "LOGOS"
There are two different Greek words used in the Bible for the Word of God. One of these Greek words is "logos" and it refers to the total utterance of God. It is the complete revelation of what God has said.
The second word, "rhema," refers to a specific saying of God that applies to a special situation. The total "logos" revelation of the Word of God is powerful, but when God quickens a "rhema" word from His written Word, it is especially powerful. When God quickens a "rhema" word, a verse you have read many times before suddenly takes on new meaning. You can see how it applies to a specific situation you are facing. The "rhema" Word gives you the answer, revelation, or comfort needed at the time.
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THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS
The power of God was delegated to Jesus Christ but that power must be tested because strength increases under pressure. A major confrontation between the power of Jesus and the power of Satan came early in the earthly ministry of Christ. Before proceeding with this lesson, read about this encounter in Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12- 13; and Luke 4:1-13.
First, Satan tried to get Jesus to turn stones into bread. The power of Jesus which soon was to turn water into wine surely could have turned stones into bread. But to do so in this situation would have been acting independently of God and using His power for personal benefit.
Next, Satan tried to get Jesus to cast Himself down from the top of the temple to demonstrate His power. He even misapplied Scriptures to persuade Him it was all right to do so.
In the third encounter, Satan tempted Jesus with the appeal of worldly power. Satan said he would give up all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would worship him.
In each of these power struggles, Jesus met the challenge with the Word of God. Jesus quoted Scriptures applicable to the immediate situation. He used the "rhema" Word of God.
USING THE WORD OF POWER
It is not enough just to know there is power in the Word of God. To make it effective, that Word must be applied as Jesus did. Jesus made it clear that the words He spoke were not His own. They were God's Words (John 3:34; 14:10,24; 17:8,14)
Jesus spoke God's Word with power:
And they were astonished at His doctrine: for His word was with power. (Luke 4:32)
And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a Word is this. For with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. (Luke 4:36)
Jesus spoke the Word to a man with a withered hand and it was healed (Mark 3:1-5). He spoke the Word to a leper and he was cleansed (Matthew 8:2-3). He said. . .
-"rise" to the impotent man at the pool (John 5:8)
-"see" to the blind (Luke 7:21)
-"come out" to demons (Matthew 9:32-33)
-"hear" to the deaf (Mark 7:32-35)
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-"come forth" to the dead (John 11:44)
Jesus knew there was power in God's Word, but He also knew men must hear and respond to that Word in order for it to be effective. The words of Jesus, which were God's Words, were so powerful that they worked from a distance. Jesus did not even have to be present at the scene of the problem. One man who had a sick servant said. . .
Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And His servant was healed in the selfsame hour. (Matthew 8:8,13)
This man believed in the power of God's Word. He knew it was so powerful it was not affected by time, place, or any other limitations of man. But to make it effective in his own life and situation, he had to claim it. He must apply the Word of God to receive the benefit of its power.
The early church used God's words of power. Paul said:
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (I Corinthians 2:4,5)
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. (I Corinthians 4:19)
THE POWER OF THE WORD
God is the power behind His Word:
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)
. . .I will hasten my word to perform it. (Jeremiah 1:12)
The Word of God gives great spiritual power:
For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the
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joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
God honors His Word above His name:
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. (Psalms 138:2)
What are the powerful purposes accomplished by God's Word? Study the following verses. God's Word:
-Is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction: II Timothy 3:16-17
-Brings belief in the Gospel message: Acts 4:4
-Cleanses: John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26
-Brings eternal life, if we hear and believe it: John 5:24
-Is the basis for eternal judgment: John 12:48
-Is used to cast out unclean spirits: Matthew 8:16; Luke 4:36
-Is followed by miraculous signs and convinces people of the truth of the Gospel:
Mark 16:20
-Gives assurance of salvation: I John 1:2-6
-Brings the born again experience: I Peter 1:23; Psalms 119:41
-Bears record of the truth of the Gospel: I John 5:7
-Sanctifies the believer: I Timothy 4:5
-Gives hope: Psalms 130:5; 119:49,81
-Brings healing: Psalms 107:20
-Keeps us from the path of the destroyer: Psalms 17:4
-Is spirit and life: John 6:63
-Brings joy and rejoicing: Jeremiah 15:16
-Increases faith: Romans 10:17
-Comforts: I Thessalonians 4:18, Psalms 119:50,52
-Brings spiritual nourishment: I Timothy 4:6
-Brings answered prayer: John 15:7
-Is the key to success: Joshua 1:8
-Blesses, if we hear and keep it: Luke 11:28
-Brings blessings when it is kept and curses when it is not: Deuteronomy 28
-Is a weapon in the time of temptation: Matthew 4
-Converts the soul: Psalms 19:7
-Makes wise the simple: Psalms 19:7
-Enlightens: Psalms 19:8
-Warns: Psalms 19:11
-Brings great reward when kept: Psalms 19:11
-Permits access to Heaven: Revelation 22:14
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-Brings the blessing of walking in righteousness: Psalms 119:1-3
-Makes us wiser than our enemies, teachers, and the ancients: Psalms 119:98-104
-Quickens: Psalms 119:25
-Strengthens: Psalms 119:28
-Is the basis of His mercy: Psalms 119:58
-Brings delight: Psalms 119:92
-Gives the simple understanding: Psalms 119:130,104,169
-Delivers: Psalms 119:170
THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORD
Because the Word of God is so powerful, believers have a responsibility to make it known to the world. The early Church assumed this responsibility for the Word of God. They went everywhere preaching it (Acts 8:4; 12:24; 13:49). They asked God for boldness to speak His Word (Acts 4:29,31). The Word of God increased throughout the world because of their faithfulness (Acts 6:7; 19:20).
God confirms His Word with signs following. One cannot wait for the signs to precede the Word. You have a responsibility for spreading this powerful Word to the world. Learn about your responsibility by studying the following Scriptures:
-God puts His Word in you so you can speak it to others: Deuteronomy 18:18-19; Isaiah 51:16; Jeremiah 1:9; 3:12; 5:14; 26:12; Ezekiel 2:7-8.
-If you are taught in God's Word, then you have a responsibility to teach others: Galatians 6:6.
-You are to preach the Word throughout the world: Luke 24:47; Mark 16:15;
II Timothy 4:2.
-You are not to speak your own words, but His words: Isaiah 58:13.
-You are not to be ashamed of the Word: Mark 8:38.
-You are to teach it to your children: Deuteronomy 6:6-9.
YOUR OWN WORDS
The Holy Scriptures have divine power because they are the Words of the true and living God. But your own words are also powerful, especially when you speak God's Word. You can overcome Satan through words:
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And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11)
Confession by your mouth is part of salvation:
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:8-10)
Your tongue has the power to bring spiritual death or life as you minister to others:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue. . .(Proverbs 18:21)
You can snare yourself with your own words. You can get yourself into difficulties by what you say:
Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth; thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. (Proverbs 6:2)
Your words can prevent you from acknowledging the power of God:
Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? (Psalms 12:4)
Satan uses the things you say to cause a breach in your spirit. A breach is an opening through which he can enter:
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. (Proverbs 15:4)
What you say affects your soul:
A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. (Proverbs 18:7)
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. (Proverbs 21:23)
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Your words affect your whole body:
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. (James 3:6)
Your words affect your whole life:
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life; but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. (Proverbs 13:3)
Believers prevent the flow of God's power in their lives through their own words. They speak covetous, idol, and foolish words. They argue over commandments of men that turn people from the truth of the Gospel. They speak evil words about others, murmur, complain, boast, and lie. They speak words that cause division, words of cursing and bitterness.
Then they wonder why they are powerless.
Remember: The flow of God's power in your life is not only affected by the power of His Word, it is affected by the power of your words.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Who is the source of the Word of power?
________________________________________________________________________
3. What is the "rhema" Word of God?
________________________________________________________________________
4. What is the "logos" Word of God?
________________________________________________________________________
5. How did Jesus meet the challenges of Satan?
________________________________________________________________________
6. Summarize what you learned in this lesson about your responsibility for God's Word of power.
________________________________________________________________________
7. Summarize what you learned in this lesson about powerful purposes of God's Word.
________________________________________________________________________
8. Is this statement true or false? "Your own words have no effect on spiritual power."
The statement is:_________________.
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Read Genesis chapter l. Note the creative power in God's Word. Underline every use of the phrase "and God said."
2. Study more about the power of your own tongue in the Harvestime International Institute course, "Spiritual Strategies: A Manual Of Spiritual Warfare." Strategies for controlling your tongue are given in this course.
3. Jesus is actually called the Word of God in human form. Read John l.
4. The first record of God's Words being written down by man is found in Exodus 20:1-17.
5. There are two major divisions to God's Word: The milk of the Word and the meat of the Word. The milk of the Word is basic truth easily understood. The meat of the word is the deeper teachings of God's Word which bring spiritual maturity. Read about these divisions in Hebrews 5:13-14 and I Peter 2:2.
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CHAPTER FIFTEEN
POWER PRINCIPLE NINE: POWER OF AUTHORITY
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Explain why you must be under authority in order to exercise authority.
ƒ³ Explain how Jesus was a man of authority under authority.
ƒ³ Identify structures of authority God has established in the Church.
ƒ³ Identify structures of authority God has established in the home.
ƒ³ Explain the structure of authority God has established in work relationships.
ƒ³ Give a reference which explains the relationship of believers to government authorities.
KEY VERSE:
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (Romans 13:1)
INTRODUCTION
From the creation of the world, God has worked to bring order out of confusion. One way He has done this is to establish structures of authority in every area of life. The greatest and highest authorities are God Himself, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
God has also established structures of authority which affect your life. These authorities are important if you desire spiritual power. If you are not properly under authority then you cannot exercise authority.
A MAN UNDER AUTHORITY
One day in Capernaum, Jesus had an interesting encounter with a military leader. We are not given this leader's name. We only are told that he was a Centurion and had a servant who was quite ill. Read the story of the Centurion in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10 before proceeding with this lesson.
The Centurion was a man under the authority of Rome. He also had authority, as he was the military leader of 100 men. Because of this he immediately understood the spiritual relationship in which Jesus worked with the Father. It was similar to his own natural relationship as a Centurion with his commander.
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Jesus was a man of authority. He acted with authority. He forgave sins, healed the sick, cast out demons, and did miracles. But Jesus was also under authority. He was under the authority of the Father:
Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, Verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
(John 5:19)
For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself;
And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man. (John 5:26-27)
For I came down from Heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me. (John 6:38)
. . . My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. (John 7:16)
And He that sent me is with me; the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please Him. (John 8:29)
The Centurion recognized the power of this authority structure and, because of it, he knew it was not necessary for Jesus to come to his home to heal his servant. He knew Jesus had enough power to just speak the word and healing would come. Jesus commended the Centurion for his great faith and healed his servant.
Wherever authority is manifested, there is a chain (proper order) of command. This is why the scribes and Pharisees questioned Jesus, "By what authority doest thou these things?" (Matthew 21:23). Whenever men see lives filled with power and authority, they seek to discover the source.
JESUS UNDER AUTHORITY
God sought for someone to go forth with His authority:
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?. . . (Isaiah 6:8)
God gave a measure of His authority to men and women in Old Testament times, but the full revelation of His power and authority came through Jesus Christ. Jesus knew He had this authority:
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And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)
Jesus demonstrated that He had authority:
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. (Matthew 9:6)
Jesus received His authority from God and with it He triumphed over all the powers of the enemy.
Jesus is the head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10) because. . .
. . . having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:15)
Jesus is under the authority of God and in authority over all other powers and authorities. As you previously learned, Jesus has delegated authority to you:
For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left His house, and gave authority to His servants, and to every man His work, and commanded the porter to watch. (Mark 13:34)
You come under the authority of Jesus and, by doing so, you are also under the authority of the Father. Believers are people of spiritual authority who are under authority.
AUTHORITIES SET BY GOD
You already learned that God is the source of power:
For by Him were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in earth, visible, and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him. (Colossians 1:16)
God is also the power behind all authority structures He has established in the world:
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (Romans 13:1)
In addition to the supreme authority of God, believers are under other structures of authority He has established. These include authorities in the home, Church, work place, and government.
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Each person's situation differs from others. Some women have no husband. Some people do not work and have no master or employer. They are not involved in these structures of authority. But it is important to recognize the structures which do relate to you because God has established them. You must be under the authorities He established in order to function in authority. Legitimate authority is always delegated from some source.
When you are under authority, you have a legitimate source from which your own authority is derived. For example, the wife in a home derives her authority from the husband. The deacons and elders in a Church derive their authority from the men God sets in spiritual leadership over them. An employee has limits of authority set by his employer. But all these chains of command lead ultimately to God, who is the source of all authority.
All authorities are instituted by God. When tracing authorities back to their source, we always end up with God. Because of this, rebellion against authority hinders the flow of God's power in your life. When you rebel against those in authority you are actually rebelling against God:
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but
of God; the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (Romans 13:1-2)
To be a person of authority, you must be under the authority of God and of those whom God has sets over you. These are some authority structures established by God:
AUTHORITIES IN THE HOME:
The very first structure of authority established by God was the home (Genesis l-3). Here is God's structure for the home:
Husbands:
The Bible teaches that the husband should be the head of the home. The authority of the husband in the home is to be based on love:
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself for it. (Ephesians 5:23,25)
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Wives:
The wife is to be under the loving authority of the husband:
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22)
Parents:
Together, the wife and husband are to be in authority over the children:
Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right.
Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. (Ephesians 6:1-3)
But parents are warned:
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)
All authority carries with it responsibility. Parents must exercise godly authority with love. Husbands must exercise leadership that is like that of Christ for the Church. They are not to be bossy and cruel and require the wife and children to serve them like slaves. They are to relate to their family as Jesus does to the Church.
Husbands should listen to their wives, as they are a gift from God and a "helpmate.@ How can a wife help a husband who never listens to her and disregards her opinion? There are Biblical records where God told men to listen to their wives (Abraham) and where God spoke first to the wife before speaking to the husband (Manoah). This is why it is important for a husband and wife to respond properly one to another. It is interesting to note that one of the reasons God called Abraham to the great responsibility of ministry was that his home was in proper order.
Each authority structure is to be a fair and loving one. Unfortunately, in every structure, authority has been abused and people do not always act in a loving and fair way. The authority structure God has established in the home vitally affects ministry. If the home is not in order then one cannot exercise proper leadership in ministry which is a greater responsibility. This is why God established a properly ordered home as a requirement for leadership in the Church:
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A bishop then must be. . . one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) (I Timothy 3:2,4-5)
. . . the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused or riot or unruly. (Titus 1:6)
The Bible also speaks of prayers being hindered when there is disharmony between a husband and wife.
AUTHORITIES IN THE CHURCH:
When we speak of the authority structure in the Church, we are not talking about organizations of man. We are not talking about denominations and the way they organize, hire, or vote on leaders. We are referring to the Biblical structure of the Church established by God.
The head of the Church is Jesus Christ and believers are. . .
. . . the body of Christ, and members in particular. (I Corinthians 12:27)
God sets in the Church special leadership gifts:
And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets: and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11)
These leadership gifts are set in the Church by God. When you become part of a local church, then you come under the authority of the men set by God as leaders in that particular fellowship. These special leaders are assisted in the local church by elders and/or deacons who are to serve under their direction. You can read about the duties and qualifications for these men in I Timothy 3 and Titus l.
God also gives to each spirit-filled believer spiritual gifts. These gifts are to function in the church under the authority of leadership for the purposes of edification and the work of the ministry. You can read about the gifts in the following passages: Romans 12:1-8; I Corinthians 12:1-31; Ephesians 4:1-16; I Peter 4:7-11. You can study these special gifts in detail in the Harvestime International Institute course, "Ministry of The Holy Spirit."
The Church is the spiritual body of Jesus Christ. Each member of the Church has a different responsibility, just as parts of a human body. Each part comes under the direction of the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ.
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In the human body, each part receives direction from the head. The same is true in the spiritual body of the Church. There can be no unity in the body without the authority of the head, Jesus Christ.
Members of the body are to submit one to another, just as they do in the natural body. For example, when it comes to reading in the natural body, the eye takes authority. When it comes to walking, the feet take authority. Members of the spiritual body are to submit in a similar way one to another to enable effective functioning in ministry.
AUTHORITIES AT WORK:
The Bible establishes the structure of authority for those who work either as employees or as employers. An employer is one who is the master, boss, or one in charge of workers. An employee is a worker who is hired and has the responsibility of doing a certain job.
The Bible teaches:
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ:
Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart:
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. (Ephesians 6:5-8)
The work of a servant or employee is to be done as unto the Lord because God is the source of all power. Instructions are also given to masters or employers. The structure of one in authority under authority is again clearly reflected in this passage:
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in Heaven, neither is there respect of persons with Him. (Ephesians 6:9)
Employers are to treat their servants fairly, even as they are treated fairly by God from whom they derive their power.
AUTHORITIES IN GOVERNMENT:
According to Matthew 20:25-28 the power structure of the world is not that of the Kingdom of God. But even though we are believers and part of God's Kingdom, at the present time we still
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live in the world. Each one of us live in a village or city which is part of a larger county, province, state, and country. Each of us live under local and national government and there are laws and government leaders in authority over us.
You previously learned that the Bible teaches God is the source of all power. Romans 13 explains how this relates to governmental authorities. Turn to this chapter in your Bible.
Verse 1 teaches that God is the source of all power and you are to be subject to these powers.
Verse 2 indicates that when you rebel against these powers, you are in reality rebelling against God.
Verses 3-4 explain that government leaders are a terror to you only when you disobey them. They are actually compared to ministers of God.
God brings government leaders to power and can dethrone them at will:
And He changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding. (Daniel 2:21)
. . . that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over the basest of men. (Daniel 4:17)
Daniel tells the story of a King named Nebuchadnezzar who did not recognize the source of his earthly power until God taught him:
But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him.
. . . till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that He appointeth over it whomsoever he will. (Daniel 5:20-21)
God sent a prophet to King Amaziah to instruct him when he was planning to go to battle:
But there came a man of God to him, saying, O King, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the Lord is not with Israel. . .
But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: For God hath power to help, and to cast down.
(II Chronicles 25:7-8)
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These verses clearly illustrate that God sets up government leadership. He is at work even in the battles of this world, raising up one, casting down another. Unfortunately, just as authority structures are sometimes abused in the home and church, they are also abused in government. Wicked and ruthless leaders have seized power in many nations. They refuse to acknowledge God as the source of power and cause suffering for believers. When any government or regulation contradicts that which is taught in God's Word, then you must obey God rather than man. When the Disciples were told they could not preach in the name of Jesus. . .
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29)
They realized that this request was contrary to the commandment of Jesus which told them to preach the Gospel in all the world. In other areas you are to. . .
. . . be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
For this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
(Romans 13:5-7)
Because of their great responsibilities and the potential for their abuse of power, you are to pray:
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (I Timothy 2:2)
ALL POWERS BECOME GOD'S POWER
God is the source of all power in the natural and spiritual worlds. All power is delegated from Him. He delegated this power to establish structure in the home, Church, marketplace, community, and nation. But there will come a time in the future when all delegated powers again become His power:
Then cometh the end, when He (Jesus) shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father: when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. (I Corinthians 15:24)
And when all things shall be subdued unto Him (Jesus), then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him (God) that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all. (I Corinthians 15:28)
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Why must you be under authority in order to exercise authority?
________________________________________________________________________
3. Explain how Jesus was a man of authority under authority.
________________________________________________________________________
4. Summarize what you learned about the structures of authority God has established in the Church.
________________________________________________________________________
5. Summarize what you learned about the structures of authority God has established in the home.
________________________________________________________________________
6. Explain the structure of authority God has established in work relationships.
________________________________________________________________________
7. Give a Biblical reference which explains the relationship of believers to government authorities.
________________________________________________________________________
8. When you rebel against authorities over you, who are you really rebelling against?
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter of this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Study Acts 6:1-6 for an example of authority functioning within the organization of the church. Summarize what you learned about authority from this passage.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. In Philippians 4:2 Paul requested that peace be made between Euodias and Syntyche. We are not told the nature of this struggle, but whenever there is such a problem someone is not in proper submission to authority.
3. Read I Samuel 13. In this story, King Saul assumed authority that was not rightfully his as king. He offered sacrifices which were to be made only by the prophet of God.
Read I Samuel 15. Here, King Saul rebelled against God's orders by saving some of the spoil from the battle with the Amalekites.
What were the results of King Saul's rebellion? (See I Samuel 13:13-14 and
15:26).
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Read John 19:10-11. Pilate thought He had power over Jesus. Was this true?
________________________________________________________________________
5. Summarize the instructions given to husbands and wives in I Corinthians 7.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
6. Read in Acts 23 how Paul submitted to authority when he realized the person to whom he spoke was the high priest of God. How did he react?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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CHAPTER SIXTEEN
POWER PRINCIPLE TEN:
THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Define resurrection.
ƒ³ Explain the importance of the resurrection of Jesus.
ƒ³ Summarize present functions of resurrection power in the life of the believer.
ƒ³ Identify the source of resurrection power.
KEY VERSE:
That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death. (Philippians 3:10)
INTRODUCTION
Paul spoke of spiritual power being experienced in two ways through Jesus:
That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death. (Philippians 3:10)
This chapter focuses on the resurrection power of Jesus Christ which indwells believers. The following chapter concerns the power of the fellowship of His suffering. There is no study more hated by Satan than the resurrection of Jesus, for it shows his inability to defeat God=s plan more than any other event recorded in the Bible.
DEFINITION OF RESURRECTION
The meaning of the word "resurrection" is a raising or rising up from the dead back to life.
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST
After His death for the sins of all mankind, Jesus was raised from the dead by God:
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. . . And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. (Acts 3:15)
Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.
(Colossians 2:12)
Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. (I Peter 1:21)
You can read the story of the resurrection of Jesus in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS
The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful truth because it is basic to our faith:
But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain and your faith is also vain. (I Corinthians 15:13-14)
Believing in the resurrection of Jesus is necessary to salvation:
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9)
The resurrection of Jesus confirms that believers are justified:
Who (Jesus) was delivered for our offenses and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:25)
The resurrection means death is defeated:
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the Devil. . . (Hebrews 2:14)
The resurrection of Jesus confirmed He is supreme over all created beings:
And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power,
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Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places.
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church. (Ephesians 1:19-22)
The resurrection confirms Jesus was the Son of God:
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. (Romans 1:4)
THE FUTURE RESURRECTION
The Bible speaks of a time in the future when this world as we know it will come to an end. At that time there will be a resurrection of all the dead. Those who have died as believers will be resurrected to eternal life. Those who have died as unbelievers will be resurrected, judged, and condemned to eternal punishment.
You can read about the future resurrection in I Corinthians 6:14; 15:1-58; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; John 5:28-29; II Corinthians 4:14; and Revelation 20:4-6. You can study the future resurrection in detail in the Harvestime International Institute course "Foundations Of Faith."
THE PRESENT POWER OF THE RESURRECTION
It is true that we will someday experience resurrection from the dead, but the power of the resurrection is not reserved only for the future. Its power can be experienced now by believers. The resurrection is the basis for spiritual power now because it gives you:
A NEW HOPE:
It is through resurrection power that you have hope. Your life will not end with the grave. You have eternal life:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (I Peter 1:3)
Hope is a powerful force. Without hope, people grow discouraged and weary. The power
of the resurrection keeps hope alive.
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A NEW LIFE:
When you accept Jesus as Savior, you are resurrected from the spiritual death of sin to spiritual life:
And you, being dead in your sins. . . Hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses. (Colossians 2:13)
Spiritual resurrection results in death to sin. Through resurrection power you can live a new life. You do not live like you used to live. You are dead to the evil things of the world and alive in Jesus.
You cannot live this new life by self-improvement. You cannot live it in your own power. You live it through the power of the resurrection:
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you. . . (Romans 6:11-14)
The struggles you face are between spiritual death and life working within you. Resurrection power defeats the law of sin and death and frees you from spiritual bondage. Jesus said:
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
(John 10:10)
Not only eternal life in the future, but abundant life in the present is yours because of the power of the resurrection.
A NEW MASTER:
Spiritual resurrection makes Jesus the master of your life. Instead of living for yourself, you live to serve Him:
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And that He died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them and rose again.
(II Corinthians 5:15)
Power comes from understanding your position because of the resurrection. You are a servant of the living God. No longer are you a slave of Satan.
A NEW LIFE PURPOSE:
A new life purpose results from spiritual resurrection. Instead of concern about temporal things of the world, such as material gain, ambition, etc., your attention is focused on eternal things:
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-3)
The material things of the world no longer control a believer who has experienced resurrection power. The circumstances of the world no longer defeat him. Experiencing the power of the resurrection gives him a new perspective and purpose.
A NEW QUICKENING:
But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:11)
The word "quicken" means to make alive and to endue with life. God has already quickened you from sin:
And you hath He quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins.
(Ephesians 2:1)
But He also wants to quicken your mortal body. God wants to endue your mortal body with resurrection power:
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (II Corinthians 4:7)
If you have accepted Jesus as Savior and been filled with the Holy Spirit, then that same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you. That life flow can quicken you now with the power of the resurrection.
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THE SOURCE OF RESURRECTION POWER
The source of this resurrection power in the life of the believer is Jesus. He said:
. . . I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. (John 11:25)
Just as natural life is in the blood, spiritual life is through the blood of Jesus. Just as natural blood flows through your veins, resurrection life flows through your spirit. Are you walking in the power of His resurrection now. In your daily Christian life? In your ministry? Tap into that life flow today!
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Define "resurrection."
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Summarize the importance of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Is this statement true or false? "Resurrection power can only be experienced by the believer in the future when he is raised from the dead." The statement is________________.
5. Summarize the present purposes of resurrection power in the life of the believer.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
6. Who is the source of resurrection power in the life of a believer?
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter of this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Jesus never attended funerals. . . He attended resurrections. . .
-The son of the woman of Nain: Luke 7:11-17
-Jarius' daughter: Mark 5:35-43
-Lazarus: John 11:1-46
-His own: Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20
2. The preaching of the resurrection is an important part of the Gospel message. See Acts 4:2; 17:18,32; I Corinthians 15:1-8,14,19-22.
3. Abraham lived many years before the resurrection of Jesus Christ, yet he experienced resurrection power. Read about this in Romans 4:16-24.
4. Elisha had such power that a dead man who was thrown into his grave years after his death was resurrected! He had more power in his bones than many of us do in our lives (II Kings 13:20-21).
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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
POWER PRINCIPLE ELEVEN:
THE POWER OF SUFFERING
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Identify the source of suffering.
ƒ³ List five ways by which suffering comes.
ƒ³ Summarize the purposes of suffering in the life of a believer.
KEY VERSE:
For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. (II Corinthians 13:4)
INTRODUCTION
The last chapter began discussion of the two power principles of Philippians 3:10:
That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering, being made conformable unto His death. (Philippians 3:10)
Chapter Sixteen concerned the power of the resurrection in the life of the believer. This chapter focuses on the power of fellowship in suffering. Paul said of Jesus:
For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. (II Corinthians 13:4)
We view suffering through human reasoning. By every standard of human reasoning the cross of Jesus was a waste of a great and noble life. But in the reasoning of God it was the greatest demonstration of His power. It resulted in the salvation of man.
Paul understood this important principle of spiritual power. The power of God is disguised in weakness. This is why he could say:
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. . . Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (II Corinthians 12:9-10)
We never see power in weakness or failure. This is a strange attitude for people whose center of faith is the cross. Jesus experienced the resurrection after He had suffered. Resurrection power comes through the fellowship of His suffering.
True spiritual power is demonstrated not in the absence of suffering, problems, and crises, but in the midst of them. Power turns what the world calls an ordeal into an opportunity for the demonstration of the power of God.
THE SOURCE OF SUFFERING
God did not create suffering. It originally entered the world through man=s sin which was instigated by Satan (Genesis 3). When man yielded to Satan's temptation and sinned, suffering entered the world. Sin, which resulted in all suffering, can be traced to its originator, Satan. Although there are different reasons why suffering enters your life, all suffering can be traced back to this original source.
Happily, in the life of a believer, God can take suffering, which Satan intends for evil, and turn it for good to accomplish His purposes. It can actually become an opportunity for the power of God to be demonstrated in your life.
THE REASONS FOR SUFFERING
The Bible has much to say concerning suffering, problems, and afflictions. In summarizing its teaching, we discover five ways that suffering can enter a believer=s life. All suffering you face in life will come through one of these ways:
OTHERS AROUND YOU:
Suffering and difficult circumstances of life may come through others around you.
Joseph is an example of this type of suffering. Through no fault of his own, Joseph was sold into Egypt by his brothers, was imprisoned falsely by Potiphar's wife, and was forgotten by those he helped in prison. But listen to his response. Joseph said:
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Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither; for God did send me before you to preserve life. . . so now it was not you that sent me hither but God. (Genesis 45:5,8)
CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE:
The second way suffering comes to you is through the circumstances of life. This is illustrated by the experiences of Naomi recorded in the book of Ruth in the Bible. She was bitter with sorrow because of the death of her husband and sons.
Until Jesus returns and the final enemy of death is conquered, death is part of life. Death entered through the original sin of man and it is a natural circumstance which we all will face, for "it is appointed unto man once to die" (Hebrews 9:27).
When Naomi experienced these difficult circumstances of life, she said, "No longer call me Naomi (which means blessed), but call me Mara." The name Mara means "bitter."
YOUR MINISTRY:
The third reason for suffering is because of your ministry for the Lord.
The New Testament speaks of suffering for His name's sake (Acts 9:16), in behalf of Christ, (Philippians 1:29) for the Kingdom of God (II Thessalonians 1:5), for the Gospel (II Timothy 1:11-12), for well-doing (I Peter 2:19-20; 3:17), for righteousness sake (I Peter 3:14), as a Christian (I Peter 4:15-16), and according to the will of God ( I Peter 4:19).
The Apostle Paul is an example of suffering resulting from ministry. Some people view suffering as a sign of failure or lack of faith. If this is true, then the Apostle Paul had no faith and was the greatest failure in the history of the church.
Paul said that while in Asia he was so utterly crushed that he despaired of life itself (II Corinthians 1:8). He presents a different image than that of the cheerful evangelist who promises believers nothing but peace and prosperity.
When Paul was first called of God to ministry he was told of great things he would suffer for the sake of the Lord (Acts 9:16). Paul's response to suffering was to endure "the loss of all things to win some for Christ." He wrote to believers "to you it is given not only to believe, but to suffer for Him" (Philippians 1:29).
Paul was not alone in suffering for the ministry. The whole church suffered in New Testament times (Acts 8). Hebrews chapter 11 records the stories some of the cruel persecutions they endured. Many of these men and women of faith were delivered by the power of God. Prison
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doors were opened and they walked out. They were sentenced to death in fiery furnaces but emerged unaffected by the flames.
But some of these believers, who are also called men and women of faith, did not receive such deliverance. They were imprisoned, afflicted, tormented, and even martyred because of their testimony of the Gospel (Hebrews 11:36-40) . We focus on living faith but God also reveals His power in dying faith. This is a faith that stands true in the bad times, not just in good times when mighty deliverance is manifested.
DIRECT SATANIC ACTIVITY:
Suffering can also enter your life as a result of direct Satanic activity.
This is evident in the story of Job. This book wrestles with the question, "Why do the righteous suffer?" God's testimony of Job was that he was a righteous man (Job l-2). Job did not suffer because he had sinned, as his friends claimed. They believed if Job repented, his circumstances would change.
These friends tried to make a universal application based on individual experience. It would be similar to saying that because God delivered Peter from prison He will do the same for you. This is not true. Many have been martyred in prison despite their great faith and sinless lives.
We must be careful when we view the suffering of others that we do not accuse them of sin, faithlessness, or unbelief. The Bible does teach that a sinful man reaps a bitter harvest because of sowing in fleshly corruption (Galatians 6:8). But sowing and reaping cannot be used to explain the suffering of the innocent.
Job did not suffer because of anything he had done. Job was a righteous man. This was God's testimony of Job, Job's testimony of himself, and his reputation before man. Behind the scenes in the spiritual world was the true cause of Job's suffering. There was a spiritual battle going on over the heart, mind, and allegiance of Job.
There is a warfare going on in the spiritual world over you. That warfare is manifested in the difficult circumstances you experience in the natural world.
An important truth evident in Job's suffering is that nothing can enter the life of a believer without the knowledge of God. God does not cause your suffering. It is inflicted by Satan, but its limits are set by God. God's power is greater than that of Satan, and you will experience victory if you continue to trust Him.
YOUR OWN SIN:
The fifth way suffering enters your life is because of your own sin.
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Jonah is an example of such suffering. In disobedience to God, Jonah headed the opposite direction from Ninevah where he had been commanded to go and preach repentance. He experienced a terrible storm at sea and ended up in the belly of a great fish because of his own sin (Jonah l-2).
Trouble should always be treated as a call to consider your ways and examine your heart before God. You may be suffering because of your own sin. The Bible reveals that God chastises those who live in disobedience to His Word. Chastise means to discipline, reprove, and correct:
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:11)
God uses suffering to correct you and bring you back to His will for your life:
Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept thy Word...
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes...
I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that THOU in faithfulness hast afflicted me. (Psalms 119:67,71,75)
THE PROPER ATTITUDE TOWARDS SUFFERING
Trouble is not necessarily a sign of being sinful. The Bible declares, "many are the afflictions of the righteous" (Psalms 34:19).
When you suffer innocently and not because of your own sin, you should maintain a proper attitude towards suffering. The real test of your spirituality is how you respond in the day of distress:
If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. (Proverbs 24:10)
The Bible describes the attitude you should have when you suffer as a believer within the will of God.
You should not be ashamed:
If any man suffer as a Christian let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf. . . (I Peter 4:16)
You should commit your soul (your suffering) to God, knowing He works all things for your good:
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Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the
keeping of their souls to Him in well doing as unto a faithful Creator. (I Peter 4:19)
You should be happy when you suffer according to the will of God:
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. (Acts 5:41)
Paul says you should be:
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)
. . . being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it. . .
(I Corinthians 4:12)
. . . in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses. . . (II Corinthians 6:4)
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God. (II Timothy 1:8)
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. (I Thessalonians 3:3)
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (II Timothy 4:5)
You should not think it strange when you experience suffering:
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing partaker of Christ's sufferings; that when His glory shall be revealed ye may be glad with exceeding joy. (I Peter 4:12-13)
Paul summarizes the proper attitude toward suffering when he explains. . .
. . . though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory:
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While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. . . (II Corinthians 4:16-18)
Paul views suffering as a servant. He said it works for us.
POWER THROUGH SUFFERING
Remember, God does not cause suffering. Suffering is in the world because of sin. But God uses suffering as an opportunity to demonstrate His power. He uses it. . .
TO TURN BAD TO GOOD:
God takes that which was intended for bad and turns it to good. He redeems it to accomplish His purposes. Joseph told his brothers who had sold him into slavery:
Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither; for God did send me before you to preserve life. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God. . . (Genesis 45:5,8)
Satan caused his brothers to bring suffering to Joseph, but God redeemed it for good. Despite the negative circumstances, God was at work behind the scenes. Satan inspired men to deliver Jesus to death, but God redeemed it for good. His death resulted in salvation and resurrection life.
God demonstrates His power when He takes your suffering and uses it to accomplish His purposes. There are no accidents or chance happenings in the life of believers because God:
. . . worketh all things after the counsel of His own will. (Ephesians 1:11)
TO TURN LOSSES TO WINS:
God turns natural losses to spiritual gains. Paul wrote of his losses in the natural world:
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.
(Philippians 3:7-8)
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TO TURN WEAKNESS TO STRENGTH:
Paul knew that. . .
. . . the weakness of God is stronger than men. (I Corinthians 1:25)
God told Paul. . .
. . . My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. (II Corinthians 12:9)
This is why Paul said. . .
. . . Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (II Corinthians 12:9-10)
Your human weakness provides opportunity for the demonstration of the power of God.
TO TEST YOUR FAITH:
Everything in the spiritual world is based on faith. This is why the strength of your faith must be tested:
That the trial of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perisheth though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:7)
It is a trial of faith when you pray as Jesus did, for God to let the cup of bitterness pass, and yet it does not pass. Instead, you are forced to drink deeply of its suffering. Faith will learn that our prayers are not unanswered just because they are not answered the way we want.
TO EQUIP YOU TO COMFORT OTHERS:
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (II Corinthians 1:3-4)
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When you share God's comfort with others you. . .
. . . lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. (Hebrews 12:12-13)
TO TEACH YOU NOT TO TRUST IN YOURSELF:
Paul spoke of the purpose of his sufferings in Asia:
. . . In Asia we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life;
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God which raiseth the dead. (II Corinthians 1:8-9)
You will come to recognize that. . .
. . . we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (II Corinthians 4:7)
TO DEVELOP POSITIVE SPIRITUAL QUALITIES:
We glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, (resulting in the love of God being shed abroad in our hearts). (Romans 5:3-4)
. . . after ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (I Peter 5:10)
These qualities conform you to the image of Jesus, which is God's plan for you (Romans 8:28-29; Hebrews 2:10,1).
TO MANIFEST THE WORKS OF GOD:
When the disciples saw a man who had been blind from birth, they asked who was responsible for his condition. Was it the sin of his parents or of the man himself? Jesus answered:
Neither this man sinned nor His parents; but that the works of God should be made manifest in Him. (John 9:3)
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TO PERFECT THE POWER OF GOD:
And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (II Corinthians 12:9)
TO REMOVE THAT WHICH IS UNSTABLE:
Suffering results in all that is unstable being shaken out of your life. You cease to depend on people, programs, or material things as these all fail in your time of need. God permits this...
. . . removing of those things that are shaken as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. (Hebrews 12:27)
During the storms of life, everything crumbles that is not built upon God and His Word (Psalm 11:89 and Matthew 7:24-27).
TO CHANGE YOUR FOCUS:
When you experience suffering you often focus your attention on cause and effect. You are concerned with what caused the difficult circumstances and the terrible effect it is having in your life. God wants to change your focus from struggling to understand the temporal situation to recognizing the benefits of the eternal:
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (II Corinthians 4:17-18)
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
(I Peter 4:12-13)
If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him. . . (II Timothy 2:12)
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TO CHANGE THE OLD SELF-NATURE:
God said of the nation of Moab:
Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity; therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed.
(Jeremiah 48:11)
Because Moab had not experienced the troublesome pouring out and stirring similar to that necessary to develop good wine, the nation did not change. Moab was at ease and settled in prosperity and because of this did not develop and mature properly spiritually. Therefore there was no change. His "own scent" remained in him.
Suffering rids you of the old self-nature. As you are stirred, troubled, and poured out, your spiritual scent changes from carnal to spiritual.
TO PREPARE YOU FOR MINISTRY:
You have asked to be used by God. You desire to be more like Jesus and prayed to be a chosen vessel for His use. The answer to your prayer may come through suffering:
Behold I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. (Isaiah 48:10)
It is through affliction that you move beyond the calling as a child of God to become chosen of God. Affliction according to the will of God refines you for His use just as metals are refined in a furnace in the natural world.
TO PREPARE YOU TO REIGN WITH CHRIST:
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. . . (II Timothy 2:12)
TO GIVE YOU SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS:
Jesus said:
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
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Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)
TO TEACH YOU OBEDIENCE:
Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered. . . (Hebrews 5:8)
TO TEST THE WORD OF GOD WITHIN YOU:
The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (Psalms 12:6)
TO HUMBLE YOU:
Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water;
who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;
Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that He might humble thee, and that He might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end. . . (Deuteronomy 8:15-16)
TO ENLARGE YOU SPIRITUALLY:
This means you grow spiritually:
Thou has enlarged me when I was under pressure.
(Psalms 4:1 Revised Standard Version)
TO HELP YOU COME TO KNOW GOD INTIMATELY:
You come to know God on a more intimate basis through suffering. Job, who suffered much, learned this truth and said. . .
I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.
Wherefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:5-6)
Some of us know God only second handedly. When we are experiencing the blessings of life, God is often a luxury instead of a necessity. But when you have a real need, God becomes a necessity.
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Job came to know God more intimately through suffering. Before he suffered, Job knew God through theology. Afterwards, he knew Him by experience. This is why Paul said:
That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.
(Philippians 3:10)
You can only come to know God in resurrection power through the intimate fellowship of suffering.
Throughout his ordeal, Job questioned God as to the cause of his suffering. It is not wrong to question God. Jesus knew the purpose for which He had come into the world was to die for the sins of all mankind. Yet in His hour of suffering He cried out, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
It is what follows the questioning that is important. The Lord=s next words were, "Into thy hands I commit my spirit." Despite the questions, Job's response was. . .
Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him. . . (Job 13:15)
For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. (Job 19:25-26)
After all the questioning is finished, the emphasis must change from "me" to "Thee.@ You must commit your suffering, with all its unanswered questions, into the hands of God.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
God may reveal some of the purposes in your suffering, but it is possible you will never fully understand it:
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing. . . (Proverbs 25:2)
The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto us. . . (Deuteronomy 29:29)
There are some secret things that belong only to the Lord. As Job, you may never understand all the purposes of your suffering:
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Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way? (Proverbs 20:24 The Living Bible)
When God finally talked with Job, He used several examples from nature which Job could not explain. God stressed that if Job could not understand what he saw in the natural world, he certainly could not understand that which he could not see in the spiritual world.
When Job faces God, it no longer matters that he does not get an answer to his questions about suffering. He is in the direct presence of God, and that experience leaves no room for anything else. He is no longer controlled and tormented by human reasoning. He replaces questions, not with answers, but with faith.
When you come to know God intimately through suffering, you see yourself as you really are. You no longer know God second-handedly. That face-to-face encounter with God does what arguments and discussions cannot do.
When Job stood before God, he had no new answers. He was given no new facts about his suffering. But he replaced questions with faith. Job has been in the direct presence of God, and that experience leaves no room for questions or doubts.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
When you suffer according to the will of God, you should realize you are not alone. Many other believers are experiencing similar battles:
. . . knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (I Peter 5:9)
Storms of life are inevitable and uncontrollable, as illustrated by the parable of the two houses in Matthew 7:24-27. Storms will come to those who have built their lives upon God's Word as well as those who have not. The foundation of a man's life is what will determine the outcome of the storm.
Suffering is to be expected as part of the will of God:
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
(II Timothy 3:12)
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake. (Philippians 1:29)
. . . that ye may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer. . . (II Thessalonians 1:5)
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For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should
suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass and ye know.
(I Thessalonians 3:4)
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. (Matthew 24:9)
. . . they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my names sake. (Luke 21:12)
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. . .
(John 15:20)
Now this does not mean that you make yourself suffer believing it would be pleasing to God. God is never pleased when people suffer. To purposefully make yourself suffer (an act called asceticism) is a sin.
Many people do this to try to appease God's anger or make themselves appear holy or religious before men. But God is only appeased by the blood of Jesus Christ. God does, however, take the tragedy of suffering when it does touch your life and redeem it for good.
Part of the follow up plan in establishing early churches was to teach believers that they would experience suffering. This is missing in many churches today:
. . . They returned. . . confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22)
The call of Jesus to followers is one of denial and suffering:
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:38)
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)
. . . Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me. (Mark 8:34)
. . . come, take up the cross, and follow me. (Mark 10:21)
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If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23)
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:27)
Jesus called believers to a life of denial, suffering, and the cross because of the powerful potential of the fellowship of His suffering.
Resurrection power and the power of His suffering are like the positive and negative forces of electricity used in modern societies. It takes both the positive and negative to create power.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Who is the source of all sin and suffering?
________________________________________________________________________
3. How does suffering come into our lives? List the five ways discussed in this chapter.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Summarize the powerful purposes which are accomplished in the life of a believer through suffering.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter of this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. In what areas of your life are you experiencing suffering?
________________________________________________________________________
2. How did this suffering enter your life?
___Others around you
___Through the circumstances of life
___Because of your own sin
___Because of your ministry
___Direct Satanic activity
3. How have you been responding to this suffering?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
In order for God to demonstrate His power through suffering, you must respond correctly while experiencing it. You should not murmur and complain. This was the response of Israel to suffering. They murmured against Moses (Exodus 15:24). But all murmuring is actually against God and His plan to conform you to the image of Christ. All things work together to conform you to His image. When you complain about suffering, you are complaining against this process. See Romans 8:28-29.
When experiencing suffering, do not allow a bitter attitude to develop. Bitterness is a wrong response to suffering. It is a hateful, blaming, complaining, vengeful attitude. If you allow bitterness it troubles and defiles you (Hebrews 12:16), prevents you from hearing from God (Exodus 6:9), creates a vengeful spirit (I Samuel 30:6), causes depression and discouragement (Lamentations 3:18- 20), and poisons you spiritually (Acts 8:23).
4. How could you respond to your difficult circumstances in a more Scriptural way?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
HOW TO EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF GOD
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Explain how to experience the power of God in your life and ministry.
ƒ³ Identify the purpose of the Church as it relates to spiritual power.
ƒ³ Explain how spiritual power is increased.
ƒ³ Experience spiritual power in your own life and ministry.
KEY VERSE:
And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. (Mark 16:20)
INTRODUCTION
You have learned many principles of spiritual power in this course. In this chapter, these principles are summarized and final guidelines given to enable you to experience the endument of spiritual power about which you have studied.
RECEIVING SPIRITUAL POWER
Spiritual power is not something you work up through emotion. You do not produce it with Scriptural learning. Even knowledge of Biblical power principles will not guarantee receiving spiritual power.
Spiritual power flows from its source. Jesus is compared to a vine. You are a spiritual branch. You cannot produce power in yourself. He is the life flow from which the power comes. Just let His power flow through you:
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
(John 15:5)
Here are Biblical guidelines for experiencing the endument of power:
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1. FAST AND PRAY:
Come before God and humble yourself through fasting and prayer. God has promised to hear when we come before Him in this attitude:
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven. . . (II Chronicles 7:14)
Do not pursue power itself. Through prayer and fasting prepare yourself as a channel through which God's power can flow.
2. RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST:
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.
(Acts 1:8)
3. EXERCISE FAITH:
By faith, accept His promise of power:
Behold, I give unto you power. . . over all the power of the enemy. . .
(Luke 10:19)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
You accepted salvation by faith. Now accept the power of God by faith. Why is it so easy to accept salvation by faith and so difficult to trust God for miraculous demonstrations of His power like healing and casting out demons?
4. APPLY BIBLICAL POWER PRINCIPLES:
By faith, begin to apply the Biblical power principles you have learned in this course. These include:
The power of the Gospel: Your life must first be changed through the power of the Gospel. Repentance is the basis of true spiritual power.
The power of the Holy Spirit: You receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you.
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The power of love: Any spiritual gift, any manifestation of power is ineffective
without it.
The anointing of power: It is the anointing that will break the yoke. You cannot do it in your own strength and power.
Power, faith, and works: These are inseparable. They must function together in your life and ministry.
The name of Jesus: You come in His authority. It is power through His name.
The power of prayer: Prayer and fasting result in spiritual power.
The power of the Word: Speak His words, not yours. His Word will not return void. It will accomplish the purpose for which it is sent forth.
The power of authority: Remain under authority so you can function in authority.
The power of His resurrection: Experience it now in your mortal body.
The power of suffering: You have power in adversity as well as over adversity. Greater pressure results in greater power. Turn ordeals into opportunities for the manifestation of God's power.
CORPORATE POWER
Spiritual power must be experienced individually by believers but it is not to function independently of the Body of Christ. It is God's plan that the Church experience spiritual power corporately. The Church is to be the center for the demonstration of His power.
One day Jesus went into the temple in Jerusalem and found the leaders selling oxen, sheep, and doves. They had actually made a prosperous business out of people=s need for sacrificial animals. They were using the church as the center for this merchandising.
Jesus made a small whip of cords and drove these people out of the temple. He poured out the money and overthrew the tables. He said. . .
. . . It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. (Luke 19:46)
In many instances today the Church has become a social center, a place for recreation and fellowship. It has become a center of food distribution and entertainment.
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Some of these activities may have their place, but it is not God's true purpose for the Church. The Church can even become a center of prayer and Bible study and still miss God's purpose if human needs remain unmet right outside its door. The temple Jesus cleansed had become a center of trading and merchandise. But Jesus explained the true purpose of the Church in a parable in Luke 14:16-24. In this parable, the master of the house told his servants:.
. . . Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt and the blind.
. . . Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. (Luke 14:21,23)
The Church is to be filled with multitudes having deep human need. Believers are to go into all levels of society and compel them to come in. The Church is to be populated with believers who have spiritual power. This creates the corporate environment where God can manifest Himself. The lame will be healed, the blind see, the deaf hear, and the power of the Gospel will change lives.
Remember the lame man who sat at the temple gate in Jerusalem (Acts 3)? Religious services were going on inside the temple. There were beautiful ceremonies, expressive prayers, lovely singing--yet unnoticed and with his needs unmet, just outside the door sat the poor crippled man. Finally two men, believers in God who had experienced the endument of spiritual power, passed his way. Peter said to him, "Look on me. Such as I have, give I thee." Immediately, his feet and ankles received strength and he was healed by the power of God. A needy world is looking on us. Suffering humanity is turning their eyes to the Church of Jesus Christ. We must have something to give.
THE LAW OF USE AND INCREASE
There is a Biblical principle called the "Law Of Use And Increase" which affects spiritual power. Your spiritual power will be increased by proper application of this principle. Read the parable told by Jesus in Luke 19:12-26. The servants who used and increased the money given them received more. The one who did nothing with the money lost it. The "Law of Use And Increase" is just that: Use what you are given, and it will increase. You either must use it or lose it. God gives you spiritual power for the purpose of serving, not reigning (Matthew 20:25-28). If you use spiritual power properly, that flow of God's power will increase within you. You will see even greater manifestations of His power in your life and ministry. If you do not use it, you will lose it:
For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given: and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
(Luke 19:26)
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Summarize the guidelines given in this lesson on how to experience the power of God.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. What is the purpose of the Church as it relates to spiritual power?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. How is spiritual power increased?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
The power of God is experienced through signs, wonders, and miracles. Study these verses:
Exodus 15:11
Numbers 14:22
Deuteronomy 6:22; 7:19; 11:3; 29:3; 34:11
Joshua 3:5
Nehemiah 9:10
Psalms 77:11,14; 78:11,43; 88:10,12; 89:5; 96:3; 105:27; 136:4
Jeremiah 32:20
Daniel 4:2-3
Joel 2:30
Mark 16:17
John 2:11,23; 3:2; 6:2,26; 7:31; 9:16; 11:47; 12:37; 20:30
Acts 2:22,43; 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 8:6,13; 14:3; 15:12; 19:11
Romans 15:19
I Corinthians 12:10,28,29
Galatians 3:5
Hebrews 2:4
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CHAPTER NINETEEN
POWER FAILURE
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Identify Scriptural reasons for power failure.
ƒ³ Give a Scriptural reference which confirms the sovereignty of God in situations for which man cannot find answers.
KEY VERSE:
And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
(Matthew 13:58)
INTRODUCTION
In the natural world, man depends on natural power sources for progress. Natural power may be as simple as a fire over which dinner is cooked. Without the fire, progress on the meal comes to a standstill. Natural power may also be as complex as electricity which is generated in cities by great power plants. When these plants fail, the power they generate fail. An entire city will experience a blackout. When there is a power failure in the natural world, progress comes to a standstill.
The same is true in the spiritual world. When there is a power failure, spiritual progress comes to a standstill. Lives are not changed through the power of the Gospel. The sick are not healed. Demons are not cast out.
There are reasons for power failure in the natural world. It may be a simple reason, like a fire burning out, or a complex reason, such as a piece of mechanical equipment breaking. When these reasons for failure are identified and corrected, the flow of power resumes.
There are also causes for power failure in the spiritual world. When these are identified and corrected, the flow of spiritual power resumes.
IS YOUR NAME KNOWN IN HELL?
One of the greatest examples of spiritual power failure is recorded in Acts 19:13-16. Read this
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story of the sons of the chief priest who tried to cast an evil spirit out of a man and failed. The spirit cried out. . .
. . . Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? (Acts 19:15)
Then the man, whom the evil spirit possessed, leaped on these young men, ripped off their clothing, and injured them. They fled, naked and wounded, from the presence of the demon-possessed man. The demon knew the name of Paul. The demon knew the name of Jesus. But the names of these young men were unknown because they lacked true spiritual power in their lives.
If you are forgiven of your sins, your name is known is Heaven. It is written in the Lamb's book of life spoken of in Revelation 21:27. But is your name known in Hell? Do you have enough of the power of God flowing in your life that demonic powers recognize your authority in the name of Jesus?
These men used the name of Jesus in trying to cast out the demon, but it did not work. The name of Jesus is not a magical charm. You must possess the power behind it. You must recognize and possess the authority of that name.
In the hour of crisis you will face defeat if your name is not known in Hell. These men could not conquer Satan on the basis of Paul's experience and neither can you. Only when you have God's power manifested in your own life can you defeat Satan. If you are so powerless that your name is not known in Hell, you will flee wounded and naked before the enemy.
POWER FAILURE
Here are some reasons for spiritual power failure:
SIN:
Sin separates man from God. When you are separated from God, His power cannot flow through you.
Read Romans 7 where the Apostle Paul describes his struggle with the bondage of sin. Read of his liberation in Romans 8. As a believer, Paul had the same battles with sin which you experience, but he learned to overcome the law of sin which worked in his flesh. Because of this, his life was open to the flow of God's power.
When a sinful man named Simon offered money to obtain spiritual power, Peter answered:
Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
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Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. (Acts 8:21-23)
Repentance from sin and forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ is the only way to bridge the gap of this separation. Sin separates from God's power. When Jesus returns again. . .
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. (II Thessalonians 1:8)
Those who are in sin will. . .
. . . be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power. (II Thessalonians 1:9)
In the end, sin will result in eternal separation from the power of God.
BONDAGES:
Spiritual bondage can prevent the flow of God's power in your life. Bondages are not sin in themselves. They are things or practices that become so important to you that you are brought under their control. Paul wrote:
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
(I Corinthians 6:12)
Anything in your life which consumes your thoughts and interests is a bondage. You are brought under its power.
It may be a hobby or habit. It may be attitudes of timidity and fear which prevent you from acting in faith and power. Such bondages result in power failure because you are brought under their power instead of the control of the Holy Spirit.
VIOLATION OF POWER PRINCIPLES:
You learned many Biblical power principles in this course. Violation of these principles results in power failure. Continually examine your life and ministry in relation to these principles, especially when you experience power failure.
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REIGNING INSTEAD OF SERVING:
When spiritual power is used to reign instead of serve, power failure results. You learned in Matthew 20:25-28 that God's power structure is not as that of the world. The worldly concept of power is to reign over others and control them.
From childhood, we struggle for worldly power. We try to control and manipulate our parents. We seek power in society, over our environment, and even try to predict and control the forces of nature. Worldly power can become a god that controls us.
Biblical power structure calls for serving and meeting human need through the manifestation of the power of God. Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers on this subject. As the great Apostle of the Church, Paul had authority over this group of believers. But he did not misuse this power. He told them:
If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power: but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. (I Corinthians 9:12)
Paul did not abuse his spiritual position. He did not reign over the Corinthians, rather he served them:
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. (II Thessalonians 3:9)
PERSONAL PROFIT:
Paul also wrote the Corinthians concerning power for personal benefit. He said:
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? (I Corinthians 9:11)
Paul had labored among the Corinthians and sown spiritual seed. He had a right to receive from them their "carnal things" in terms of financial support. But he did not abuse this power. He would rather suffer than abuse spiritual power and hinder the work of God (I Corinthians 9:12).
Jesus was tempted by Satan to use his power for personal profit. Satan tempted Him to make stones into bread and to prove His power to the people by jumping from the top of the temple. Jesus refused.
When Jesus was suffering intensely on the cross for the sins of all mankind, He could have called 10,000 angels to come and rescue Him (Matthew 26:53). He refused this display of power in order to accomplish the higher purposes of God.
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EMULATIONS:
You learned earlier in this course of the sin of the flesh called "emulations" which is a form of envy expressed by imitation of others (Galatians 5:20). This was a problem which resulted in power failure in the early church. In Acts 19:13 it speaks of those who took it "upon themselves" to try to cast out demons in imitation of the ministry of Paul. When you try to imitate the ministries of others, you can experience serious power failure as did these men.
WRONG MOTIVES:
Do not conclude that because spiritual power is sometimes misused that it is evil. Spiritual power which flows from God is good, but it can be abused and used for the wrong reasons with the wrong motives.
The original sin of Satan resulted from a wrong motive of seeking power. The same is true of man=s first sin which was committed while seeking the power that comes with knowledge.
James and John once wanted to call down fire from Heaven to consume those who opposed Jesus. What a miraculous demonstration of power that would have been! But their motive was wrong. Their motive was to take revenge on these enemies. Such a display would have been an abuse of spiritual power. Jesus told them:
. . . Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
For the Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. (Luke 9:55-56)
Improper motives result in an overbalanced emphasis on power. Jesus warned His disciples:
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in Heaven. (Luke 10:19-20)
UNBELIEF:
Perhaps the greatest reason for spiritual power failure is unbelief. Unbelief
affected even the ministry of Jesus:
And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
(Matthew 13:58)
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The demonstration of God's power can be affected by the unbelief of those to whom you minister. It also can be affected by your own unbelief (Matthew 17:14-21).
LIMITING GOD:
There is no limit to God's power, but we can impose limits as to how it can work in and through us. Paul indicated that God is able to do above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us:
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. (Ephesians 3:20)
God sometimes does not do what we ask or think (much less abundantly above it) because we do not allow His power to work in us.
WHEN THERE IS NO MIRACLE
When a believer experiences spiritual power failure, each of the areas discussed should be prayerfully examined. When violations are discovered, these should be corrected in order for the power of God to resume its unhindered flow.
But what if all these areas are dealt with, and still there is no miracle? What is the reason one person is delivered in answer to our prayer and another is not? Here are some true life examples.
-One Christian couple had two small children, a boy and a girl. Both were seriously ill. Both were prayed for by the parents and the same group of believing Christians. One was healed and is a minister of the Gospel today. The other was not healed. She spent many years in an invalid condition and then finally died.
-An internationally known minister used by God in powerful healings once stated that only 10% of those for whom he prayed were healed.
-The same Peter who was prayed out of prison by believers was later martyred for the sake of the Gospel. Why didn't the same power that once opened prison bars deliver him from this terrible death?
-There were many lepers in Israel at the time of Elijah, but only one was healed by God (Luke 4:27).
We do not have the answers to such questions. If we had all the answers, if we had all the knowledge, then we would be as God.
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We must always acknowledge the sovereignty of God in the area of spiritual power. We function in delegated power. It is effective power. It is dynamic power. But it is delegated, that is, it is under the authority of another.
For questions for which we cannot find answers, the Bible reveals that. . .
The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29)
In some instances, God reveals why there is no miracle. In other cases, we will not be able to find the answer. There are secret things known only to God. We function in the realm of revelation, not sovereign knowledge. But do not let this hinder the demonstration of God's power in your life. Walk in what is revealed. Leave the unanswered questions, the secret things, to the sovereignty of God.
God's power is manifested in death as well as life. It is manifested in that which is known and understood as well as in that which is not known. It is demonstrated in weakness as well as strength.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
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2. Give a Scriptural reference which confirms the sovereignty of God in situations for which man cannot find answers.
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3. Summarize what you learned in this chapter regarding reasons for spiritual power failure.
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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Read the story of David and Bathsheba in II Samuel chapter 11. David misused his God-given power as king to commit adultery, take another man's wife, and have her husband murdered. Note how the prophet of God stresses the misuse of power in the rebuke in II Samuel 12:1-14.
2. An Old Testament prophet named Balaam also abused the spiritual power God gave him. Read his story in Numbers 22-24.
3. Acts 8:9-11 illustrates the importance of knowing the true power of God so you will not be deceived by those who abuse spiritual power.
4. Read the story of Jehoash in II Kings 13:18-19. The Lord and the prophet were disappointed because Jehoash did not exercise all the power God gave him. He did receive from God, but only what he believed for. He did not receive all God wanted to give because he imposed his own human limitations.
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CHAPTER TWENTY
FACING THE OPPOSITION
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
ƒ³ Write the Key Verse from memory.
ƒ³ Identify the source behind all challenges to spiritual power and authority.
ƒ³ Identify reasons why spiritual authority is challenged.
ƒ³ List guidelines for facing the opposition.
KEY VERSE:
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against His anointed. . . (Psalms 2:2)
INTRODUCTION
The power and authority of Jesus was challenged often during His earthly ministry. After Jesus was baptized in water and the power of the Holy Ghost came upon Him, His power was challenged by Satan in a series of three temptations (Matthew 4:1-11).
Satan tempted Jesus to use His power for personal benefit by turning stones into bread. He tempted Jesus to show His power by jumping from the highest point of the temple. Satan offered all the kingdoms of the world if only Jesus would worship him.
The authority of Jesus was also challenged by the religious leaders of the day. They challenged His doctrine, manner of presentation, and the demonstration of God's power in His life and ministry.
BEHIND THE CHALLENGE
In Chapter Three of this course you studied about the "Challenging Counterfeit.@ Always remember that Satan is behind every force that challenges true spiritual power.
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Some opposition to spiritual power comes through the circumstances of life. The "cares of the world" can become great and many. Satan is behind any circumstances that hinder the flow of God's power in your life.
Most opposition comes through other people around you, but you must always remember that it is not the people themselves who are opposing you. They are allowing their thought and behavior patterns to be influenced by Satan. Satan is actually the force operating against your spiritual power and authority.
REASONS FOR THE CHALLENGE
There were reasons why the authority of Jesus was challenged. They are the same reasons why Satan will challenge your spiritual power:
UNBELIEF:
Read the story of the raising of Jarius's daughter from the dead in Luke 8:49-56. Jesus performed a great miracle, but before doing so He had a problem similar to some challenges you too will face.
When Jesus entered Jarius' house He encountered unbelief. Whenever you trust God for a manifestation of His power, faithless people will tell you why it cannot happen, why it should not happen, and why it is not God's will for it to happen.
POPULAR OPINION:
Do not make the mistake of thinking that because you are in the mainstream of God's power you will be loved by everyone. Popular opinion challenged the authority of Jesus. Read the story in Mark 5:5-15. Jesus performed a great miracle, but popular opinion was against Him:
And they began to pray Him to depart out of their coasts. (Mark 5:17)
On another occasion, people laughed at Jesus (Mark 5:40). You must be ready, if necessary, to stand alone. Not everyone will welcome your ministry. It says in the last days people will heap to themselves teachers "having itching ears." The popular ministries will be those saying what people want to hear rather than the message God wants to give.
TRADITION:
The scribes and Pharisees opposed Jesus's authority because it did not agree with their religious traditions. Jesus often said "Ye have heard," and would refer to a tradition of the religious leaders. Then He would say "But I say unto you," and proceed to share a powerful truth from
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God. Jesus experienced opposition because His teaching of power and authority did not agree with man-made traditions.
The demonstration of God's power may not be approved by the traditions of your culture or denomination. If this is true, then you will face opposition for the same reasons Jesus did.
CREDENTIALS:
The authority of Jesus was opposed because He was not an approved religious leader. He did not hold the credentials of a scribe or Pharisee. They questioned His authority because He was a carpenter's son from the poor village of Nazareth:
Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
And His sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? (Matthew 13:55-56)
Even one of the men who was to be a Disciple asked:
. . . Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?. . . (John 1:46)
The people questioned:
. . . By what authority doest thou these things? And who gave thee this authority? (Matthew 21:23)
Your power and authority may be challenged by those who feel you are not in the proper tribe, clan, or social level. You may be challenged because you do not have a formal Bible college education or hold credentials with a certain denomination.
It is more important to hold the credential of spiritual power than those of any denomination of man. The most important thing is to be a man or woman approved by God (Acts 2:22).
DOCTRINE:
Jesus was opposed because of His doctrine:
And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, what thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority commandeth He even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him.
(Mark 1:27)
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The power demonstrated by Jesus did not conform to the doctrines held by the religious leaders of the time. His teachings did not agree with the theories and beliefs they had developed and labeled as doctrine.
MANNER OF TEACHING:
Some opposed the manner in which Jesus taught. He taught with authority, not with the dull monotony used by the Scribes. Some will oppose your manner of presentation. They will say you are too emotional or teach with too much authority.
The presentation of Jesus was simple, yet powerful. Some will advise you to preach deeper, theological messages with less demonstration and emotionalism. But remember what Paul said:
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (I Corinthians 2:4-5)
SPIRITUAL ERROR:
The demonstration of power is challenged by those who are in spiritual error:
Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. (Matthew 22:29)
You may be challenged by those who are living in spiritual error because they deny the power of God.
MISUSE:
You may be challenged by those who tempt you to misuse spiritual power. Satan challenged Jesus in this area. He tempted Jesus to use His power for personal benefit and to prove His position.
Satan will tempt you in this manner also. He will tempt you to use your authority to gain a place of prominence. He will suggest ways power can be used for personal benefit. This is one of the greatest challenges you will face.
YOUR LIFE WALK:
You will face opposition when you live the life of faith and power. Those who walk by faith are an irritation to those who walk by natural sight.
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Stephen was a man of faith and power (Acts 6:8). His life-style and testimony so irritated the religious leaders of the time that they were "cut to the heart" (Acts 7:54) and they stoned him to death.
MEETING THE CHALLENGE
As you move beyond the point of spiritual blessing into the realm of power and authority, you too will be challenged. This is what to do when Satan challenges your authority:
RECOGNIZE THE SOURCE:
Remember that all challenges to true spiritual power come from Satan. It is not circumstances or people who are the challengers. You must recognize the true source of opposition in order to effectively deal with it:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)
DO NOT SPEND TIME IN DEBATE:
Because your battle is not with flesh and blood, do not waste time in argument or debate with man. Satan is not affected by logic, intellect, or theological debate.
Jesus did not spend time in argument or debate over His spiritual authority. He asked a few questions which focused attention on the spiritual condition of His challengers, and then said. . .
. . . Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. (Matthew 21:27)
FACE THE OPPOSITION:
Do not flee before the opposition. Do not stop the flow of God's power to please people. Face opposition in the power of God.
When Jesus entered the house of Jarius to raise his daughter He faced the forces of unbelief. He did not let this stop Him. He did not flee the house in terror or defeat. He faced the opposition and accomplished the purpose for which He had come.
TAKE AUTHORITY:
Remember the authority delegated to you by Jesus. He said "I have given you power over all the power of the enemy."
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He has given it to you, but you must use it. When faced with a challenge of Satan, take spiritual authority over that challenge. Take authority in the name of Jesus. Take authority on the basis of God's Word. Apply the power principles you have learned in this course.
You have been given power over ALL the powers of the enemy. Overcome the negative
forces of unbelief! Take your rightful place of authority in God.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
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2. Who is the source behind all opposition to true spiritual power?
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3. Summarize what you learned in this lesson about the reasons power and authority are challenged.
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4. List guidelines given in this chapter for facing opposition to spiritual power.
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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. The challenging of those anointed with God's power did not begin with Jesus. David spoke of it in Psalms 2. Summarize what this Psalm teaches about this subject:
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2. Read through the Old Testament and identify the challenges met by men and women endued with God's power. Observe the ways they met and dealt with the opposition of Satan, then apply these truths to your own life and ministry. Use the following chart:
Reference Person Challenge How They How I Can Apply
They Faced Dealt With It This In My Life
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ANSWERS TO SELF-TESTS
CHAPTER ONE:
1. O God, thou art my God: early will I seek thee; my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. (Psalms 63:1-2)
2. Religion is man=s attempt to know God. It is ritual and regulations, works and words without power. Religion brings spiritual death.
The power of God is the visible demonstration of His desire to reveal Himself to man. Spiritual power is God's Kingdom in action. It brings spiritual life.
3. Political, intellectual, physical, financial, military, religious power and the power of energy.
4. Matthew 20:25-28
5. The Biblical meaning of the word "power" is spiritual might, ability, force, and strength. It is a supernatural dominion which results in mighty works and miracles. The Biblical meaning of the word "authority" is closely related to and has similar meaning to the word "power." It refers to legal and rightful power to act on behalf of another. Taking authority is the act of demonstrating power.
6. The sources of Biblical spiritual power are God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The source of evil spiritual power is Satan.
7. The promise and the possession of the promise.
8. You must choose to possess the promise; You must understand the principles; You must apply the principles.
9. Repentance.
CHAPTER TWO:
1. God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. (Psalms 62:11)
2. The source of something is its beginning or origin.
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3. The true and living God revealed in the Holy Bible.
4. God reveals His power on earth in the following ways:
Nature Jesus Christ
Judgment The Holy Spirit
Redemption Supernatural Signs
His Written Word Believers
5. False. God is the source of power and the greatest power, but He has also established other powers.
6. Ephesians 1:9-10 and 3:11
CHAPTER THREE:
l. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness: whose end shall be according to their works. (II Corinthians 11:14-15)
2. When Paul speaks of "spiritual wickedness in high places," he is referring to wicked spirits who have infiltrated the religious systems of the world. They imitate the true power of God.
3. Compare your summary with the discussion in Chapter Three.
4. Compare your summary with the strategies given in Chapter Three.
CHAPTER FOUR:
1. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)
2. Jesus was not limited. He had all power in Heaven and earth. Matthew 28:18
3. God the Father.
4. Compare your summary to the discussion in Chapter Four.
CHAPTER FIVE:
1. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19)
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2. The believer's spiritual authority is delegated by Jesus.
3. When someone is given a responsibility to do something, he must also be given the authority to do it.
4. To reach the world with the Gospel.
5. The Greek word "dunamis" refers to inherent power. The word "exousia" means delegated power or authority.
6. The statement is false.
CHAPTER SIX:
1. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. (Mark 16:20)
2. Power is used in the world for selfish purposes. Spiritual power is to be used for spiritual purposes and the advancement of the Kingdom of God.
3. Matthew 20:25-27
4. You could have written on any of the purposes of power discussed in this chapter.
CHAPTER SEVEN:
1. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)
2. The word Gospel actually means "good news." When we speak of the Gospel in a Biblical sense it refers to the good news of the Kingdom of God and of salvation through Jesus Christ.
3. I Corinthians 15:3-4. The basic elements of the Gospel focus on the life and ministry of Jesus. It includes His death for the sins of all mankind, His burial, and His resurrection from the dead according to the written record of God's Word.
4. See Romans 1:16-19
-It is the revelation of God's power to man.
-It brings salvation to all men, regardless of race, color, or creed.
-It reveals that which may be known by men about God.
-It reveals the judgment and wrath of God against sin.
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-It reveals the righteousness of God.
-It shows how to be justified by faith.
-It is the basis of the faith by which we live.
5. Compare your summary on the power in the blood to the discussion in Chapter Seven.
6. Faith.
7. Admit you have sinned: Romans 3:23
Believe that Jesus died for your sins: John 3:16-17
Confess your sins to God and ask Him to forgive you: I John 1:8-9
Experience a changed life: II Corinthians 5:17
8. False. Jesus gave His life willingly on the cross.
CHAPTER EIGHT:
1. 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. (Luke 24:49)
2. Acts 1:8. Power comes after the Holy Spirit has come upon us.
3. To become witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. See Acts 1:8
4. Galatians 5:22-23
5. Repent and be baptized
Believe it is for you
Desire it
Realize it is a gift
Yield to God
Request the prayers of other believers
6. Compare your list to the discussion in Chapter Eight.
CHAPTER NINE:
1. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (I Corinthians 13:13)
2. Love is an emotion of deep affection, care, and concern developed in our lives as a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
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3. The first great commandment is love of God. The second is love of others. Mark 12:30-31
4. By our love one for another. John 13:35
5. Love.
6. Love.
7. The same as love.
CHAPTER TEN:
1. But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. (I John 2:27)
2. Sacred anointing in the Old Testament was used to set aside people and things in dedication for service to God.
3. Sacred anointing was used to anoint prophets, kings, priests, altars, the tabernacle and its furnishings.
4. The anointed one.
5. Compare your summary to the discussion in Chapter Ten.
6. Because God does not anoint everyone for the same specific ministry. Failure and confusion result if you try to imitate a ministry that God for which God has not anointed you.
7. Compare your answer with the guidelines given in Chapter Ten.
8. God.
CHAPTER ELEVEN:
1. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. (Acts 6:8)
2. Faith means to believe and have assurance of something. To believe means to trust. The words faith, believe, and trust in Scripture mean the same thing. Faith gives assurance that the things promised will come true and that unseen things are real. See Hebrews 11:1
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3. Jesus spoke of people who did not use their faith as being faithless (Matthew 17:17). He spoke of those with little faith (Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; Luke 12:28) and of those with great faith (Matthew 8:10; 15:28; Luke 7:9).
4. Saving faith, sanctifying faith, defensive faith, gift of faith, fruit of faith.
5. By hearing the Word of God.
6. Compare your summary to the discussion in Chapter Eleven.
CHAPTER TWELVE:
1. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
2. Names in Bible times had great significance. The name given was often determined by some circumstance at the time of birth (Genesis 19:22). Sometimes the name expressed a hope or a prophecy (Isaiah 8:1-4; Hosea 1:4). Names like Abram, Sarai, Jacob, Peter, and Paul were changed because of their destinies in God's plan.
3. An angel sent from God.
4. Jesus.
5. Jesus obtained His name in the three ways great men on earth obtain their names: By birth, achievement, and conferring.
6. Through hearing of the Word of God. Romans 10:17
7. a. Salvation d. Preaching, Teaching
b. Healing e. Devils
c. Sanctification f. Baptize
8. a. True b. True c. False
CHAPTER THIRTEEN:
1. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16b)
2. Prayer and fasting.
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3. Asking, seeking, knocking.
4. Worship and praise, commitment, petition, confession, intercession.
5. See the list in Chapter Thirteen.
6. Prayer is communion with God. It takes different forms, but basically it occurs when man talks with God and God talks with man.
7. Fasting, in the most simple definition, is going without food.
8. According to the Bible there are two types of fasts. The total fast is when one does not eat or drink at all. An example of this is found in Acts 9:9. The partial fast is when the diet is restricted. An example of this is in Daniel 10:3.
9. To humble yourself
To repent for sin
For revelation
To loose the bands of wickedness, lift heavy burdens, set the oppressed free, and break every bondage
To be able to feed the poor, both physically and spiritually
To be heard of God
CHAPTER FOURTEEN:
1. For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
(Hebrews 4:12)
2. God.
3. The "rhema" Word of God refers to a specific saying of God that applies to a specific situation.
4. The "logos" Word of God refers to the total utterance of God. It is the complete revelation of what God has said.
5. He met them with the Word of power, God's Word. He used the "rhema" Word of God.
6. Compare your summary to the discussion in Chapter Fourteen.
7. Compare your summary to the discussion in Chapter Fourteen.
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8. False.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN:
1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (Romans 13:1)
2. You must derive your authority from a legitimate source.
3. Jesus was under the authority of God. This was the source of authority which He exercised. Because of this, He was in authority over sickness, demons, sin, and natural elements.
4. Compare your summary with the discussion in Chapter Fifteen.
5. Compare your summary with the discussion in Chapter Fifteen.
6. Compare your summary with the discussion in Chapter Fifteen.
7. Romans 13:1-7
8. God.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN:
1. That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death. (Philippians 3:10)
2. The meaning of the word "resurrection" is a raising or rising up, to cause to raise up from the dead back to life.
3. Compare your summary to the discussion in Chapter Sixteen.
4. False.
5. Compare your summary to the discussion in Chapter Sixteen.
6. Jesus. John 11:25
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN:
1. For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God. For
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we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. (II Corinthians 13:4)
2. Satan.
3. Suffering comes into our lives through others, the circumstances of life, ministry, sin, and direct attacks by Satan.
4. Compare your summary of the purposes of suffering to the discussion in Chapter Seventeen.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN:
1. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. (Mark 16:20)
2. Compare your summary to the discussion in Chapter Eighteen.
3. The Church is to be the center for the demonstration of God's power.
4. You must use it to increase it. See the parable in Luke 19:12-26.
CHAPTER NINETEEN:
1. And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
(Matthew 13:58)
2. Deuteronomy 29:29.
3. Compare your summary to the discussion in Chapter Nineteen.
CHAPTER TWENTY:
1. The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His anointed... (Psalms 2:2)
2. Satan.
3. Compare your summary to the discussion in Chapter Twenty.
4. See the guidelines listed in Chapter Twenty.