The Power of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is often associated with Power. What are these Powers, and how do they play a role in our lives and help us build up others?

1. Being a Witness

Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

We are empowered to be Jesus’ witnesses in this world through our words and through the very lives we lead. By His Incredible Power, we find the courage to share our stories and by the Spirit of Wisdom to know just when and how to do it. Every step we take and every word we speak can be a powerful testimony of His Grace and Love.

The conjunction "but” in the above verse contrasted the previous request of the disciples to restore the Kingdom of Israel on Earth. The restoration of Earthly authority and the ability to control times and dates are powers that are more appealing for us to have, indeed.

Yet, Jesus said, you will receive a different kind of Power, a Power to be His witnesses and open the way for the Kingdom of God on this Earth.

The result is the Work of the Spirit, not our achievement. As Paul said, he planted, and Apollos (his fellow evangelist) watered, but it is God who gave the growth. It is impossible for us to change what someone's belief in Jesus is; only the Spirit can do that. Our part is to be His witness by the Power of the Holy Spirit.

2. Rooted in Love

In Ephesians 3:14-19 (TPT), Paul prays :

“So I kneel humbly in awe before the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, the perfect Father of every father and child in heaven and on the earth. And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power. Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.

Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!”

The word “power” (in bold) used there is related to the Greek word dunamis, which is the root word for "dynamite." It's as though the Supernatural Power floods us with strength within our spirit with an explosive power (like dynamite).

This verse, in its overall context, speaks of the Deep, High, Wide, and Unfathomable Love of Christ. A powerful life is one rooted in this Love.

3. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

These Gifts are signs of God’s Goodness and are used to build up others and our community. In 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, these Gifts are listed, such as the Gift of Wisdom, the Gift of Speaking with Knowledge, the Gift of Faith, the Gift of Healing, the Gift of Miracles, the Gift of Prophecy, the Gift of Distinguishing Spirits, the Gift of Speaking in Tongues, and the Gift of Interpreting Tongues.

4. The Spirit Within Us is Greater Than Any Other Spirit

“.. because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4b).

The Apostle Paul teaches us that the battles we face are not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and the spiritual forces of evil in the Heavenly realms.

We need not fear the dark powers that attack us because the Spirit within us is far greater than all those evil spirits.

May the Holy Spirit manifest His Works and Power in our lives according to His Calling and Will