NOT A MATTER OF TALK BUT OF POWER

THOSE WHO KNOW THEIR GOD Part 54

“Those who know their God will be strong and do great things.” Dan 11:32

WHAT DO PEOPLE DO TO KNOW GOD?

Over the past couple of days, we have discussed that the kingdom of God is the rule and reign of the Holy Spirit in the hearts and minds of believers. Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, said, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power 1 Corinthians 4:20. In other words, the kingdom of God is not a matter of philosophy or discussion; it is a matter of power.

If you remember, yesterday we said that Jesus had told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from on high. We understand that when Jesus said wait, they understood that to mean prayer because they went to the upper room and were in constant prayer. (Acts 1:14) Let’s look at what happened on the day the kingdom of God was released for all mankind.

Acts 2:1-4  When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly, a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

The word Spirit in the Bible can also be translated as the wind of God or the breath of God. So, we see the blowing of a violent wind (representation of the Holy Spirit) and something that looked like tongues of fire that came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. It is important to note that all who were in the upper room experienced the presence and power of the Holy Spirit coming upon them. Also, all spoke in other tongues. Other means languages they did not know. We also see that it was the Holy Spirit that enabled them.

The Greek word for enabled is the word apophthengomai. Here’s the definition – prophesy; speak; utter; speak one’s opinion; נָבִיא; prophet; נבע; gush; allow to gush forth; ferment. What this means is that it was the Holy Spirit doing it through them.

The Holy Spirit being poured out was not only about people speaking in other languages but about the life and power of the Holy Spirit living through those who believe. Ephesians 1:18-24 declares that the power available to us who believe is the same power that rose Jesus Christ from the dead and set him above all rule and authority, both in this age and in the age to come. Do you see that? Absolutely astounding!

A few days after the day of Pentecost, Peter and John were walking past the gate called Beautiful, where there was a man crippled from birth who would beg from those going into the temple. “When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping and praising God. Acts 3:3-8

At the time, Peter and John didn’t have any money, but they knew what they did have – power from on high! From these Scriptures, we see that the kingdom of God was now transferred into the disciples and that the works Jesus was doing were now being carried out by those who believed! 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10, but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.”

Wow! I hope all of this is sinking in for you! God wants to do mighty things through you and me! The question is, do we believe him! I want you to know that I’m praying for you! I believe that God is revealing to you the amazing power that is yours through Christ. I believe God is causing you to be convinced that the kingdom of God is…

NOT A MATTER OF TALK BUT OF POWER