Power and Presence

God's Desire to Work With Us

Last week, we discussed God's desire to be with His people. However, this week, we need to expand on that idea. God's plan has always been to work with His people, not just to be passively present. From the Garden of Eden to the early church, God has shown that He wants to accomplish His purposes through us.

What is God's Plan for Us?

God's plan from the beginning has been to work alongside us. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were tasked with tending the garden and naming the animals. This shows that God's goal was never just passive presence but active partnership. God desires to work with us and through us to see His purposes accomplished.

Examples of God Working Through People

The Bible is filled with examples of God working through people to accomplish His purposes. He worked through Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, and even flawed individuals like Samson. Despite Samson's moral and ethical failings, God still used him to deliver Israel from the Philistines. This shows that God can use anyone and anything to accomplish His purposes.

God's Power and Presence

God's desire is not just to have tools to work with but to have a relationship with us. It's a both-and function where God's power and presence work together. God uses us, but He is also with us in ministry. This is evident in the early church, where the apostles performed signs and wonders, leading to many being saved.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

In Acts 2, after the Holy Spirit comes, Peter addresses the Jews, quoting the prophet Joel: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams" (Acts 2:17). The goal of the Holy Spirit's outpouring and the accompanying signs and wonders is that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Signs and Wonders as a Witness

The early church regularly saw signs and wonders, which led to many being saved. Acts 2:42-47 describes how the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They were filled with awe as many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. This led to God adding to their number daily those who were being saved.

Peter and John's Example

In Acts 3, Peter and John heal a lame man, drawing attention to God. Peter uses this opportunity to direct people to Jesus, saying, "By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong" (Acts 3:16). This miracle led to many believing in Jesus.

The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 12 and 14 talk about the gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy, which is a sign for unbelievers. The power of the Holy Spirit is meant to draw people to Jesus. However, it's essential to remember that this power is not for our glory but to give glory to God.

How to Access God's Power

To access God's power, we need to surrender to Him, seek His will, and align ourselves with His mission. As we yield our lives to Him, we receive the empowerment of the Spirit to be bold witnesses. God will reinforce our witness by performing signs and wonders designed to give Him glory.

Life Application

As we pray and seek God's power, we need to focus on removing the fear of self. Often, we hesitate to step out in faith because we fear what others might think if things don't go as expected. Instead, we should have a greater hunger for God's kingdom and trust that He will work through us.

This week, challenge yourself to step out in faith in your specific community. Whether it's praying for someone, sharing your faith, or meeting a need, trust that God will empower you to be His witness. Remember, the same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you.

Questions to Reflect On:

Let's pray for a greater hunger for God's kingdom and the boldness to step out in faith, trusting that He will work through us to accomplish His purposes.

This guide was AI generated.