Enquirer Bible Study 7 - Thine is the Power

Prayer: Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law (Psalm 119:18)

Readings: Matthew 6:6-13; Luke 11:2-4

Memory Verse: Acts 1:8
 

Jesus the king has all authority. The Greek word for authority is ‘exousia’. This authority has been given him by God (Matthew 28:18). Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth and has delegated some of this authority to his followers-to his obedient subjects (Matthew 16:19). Authority without power is meaningless. Power without responsibility is dangerous. We are accountable to God. Jesus Christ had power – power to overcome temptation, power to perform miracles, power to rise from the dead. His was the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:4; Philippians 3:10). This power is ours as it was Paul's (Colossians 1:29). The Greek word for power is ‘dunamis’. We need power – power to overcome temptation, power to serve God acceptably, power to rejoice in tribulation, power to surmount problems. We need the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The following emblems of the Holy Spirit speak to us of his ministry in us:
 

1. Seal– if we are born of the Spirit we should have assurance about our relationship to God and of our salvation. We should have assurance of his presence within us (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13,4:30)
    
2. Dove– the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove (Matthew 3:16). The dove speaks to us of gentleness and humility.
    
3. Oil– oil was used for anointing for the service of God. Prophets, priests and kings were anointed in Old Testament times. The Holy Spirit anoints us for service (Acts 10:38).
    
4. Fire– fire speaks of purification and penetration (Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:3).
    
5. Rain– speaks of abundance, of refreshing and grace (Hosea 6:3).
    
6. Wind– wind is winnowing, and searching (Ezekiel 37:9; John 3:8; Acts 2:2).
    
7. Rivers– rivers remind us of abundance and plentitude (Psalm 1:3; John 7:38-39).
    
8. Dew– dew is refreshing and causes fertilization (Hosea 14:5).
    
9. Water– water indicates life and sufficiency (Ezekiel 47:1,8-9).
    
10. Holy Spirit
     

These ten emblems or symbols remind us of the power and authority given to us for evangelism and for pastoral, educational and medical work (Acts 1:8; Luke 9:1-2). Look up Philippians 4:10-13. Whatever happens or whatever we are called upon to do by God we can do it because the power is his and not ours. The vital question is whether we have the Holy Spirit in our lives or not. Do we have his fullness (Ephesians 5:18) or are we grieving him (Ephesians 4:30)?