In his prayer, Paul prayed for the Ephesians to recognize & understand God’s power working in their lives.
Notice Paul did not pray for them to be given power, for he knew they were given the power when they believed.
>Sometimes we waste time praying for the power to witness when it’s already been given to us. >Acts 1:8<
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses.”
What we should be doing is praying for opportunities to make use of the power to be a witness.
God has already given us the power we need in every situation in our lives.
>We’ve been given the power to endure suffering. >2 Corinthians 4:7-9<
>Everything we need to please God has been given to us. >Philippians 2:13<
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”
>God’s power is immeasurable – There’s no end to His strength and power. >Ephesians 3:20<
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us,
to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
Our prayer each day should be the same as Paul’s – To know & understand the mighty power of God within us.
All the power we’re ever gonna need was given us by God when we believed & was baptized in the Holy Spirit.
It doesn’t make us superman…We won’t be able to leap tall buildings, outrun a train or stop a bullet, but better.
What we can do is stand firm when Satan attacks and withstand temptation when he tries to lure us into sin.
When we stand in this power, we become immovable, unshakeable and unsinkable in all the storms of life.
>This is the same power that defeated death and overcome sin on our behalf.
Too many Christians are unaware of the mighty power of God is working in them?
>Expensive appliances are no good if they’re not plugged in. Are you plugged in to the power source?
Far too many Christians don’t make use of the power available to them through the workings of the Holy Spirit.
Paul wanted Christians to comprehend the greatness of God’s power at work in each of them.
One cannot be a Christian without the power of God, for it is the power of God which sustains our lives.
>God’s power is always available in the lives of believers and in the life of the church.
Failing to recognize the power we’ve been given through the Holy Spirit creates fear, doubt and a lack of faith.
>Fear, doubt and a lack of faith lead to the quenching and grieving of the Holy Spirit.
When we fail to recognize His power in our lives, we pour water on the divine fire God has ignited within us.
When we fail to act on the power within us, it hinders our witness & deprives others of the blessings from God.
Is it possible the Holy Spirit within us is grieving because of our lack of our faithfulness & inaction?
I believe He does grieve when we remain silent in sharing our faith and idle with our hands in service to Him.
As born-again believers, we must be strong & courageous in boldly proclaiming the gospel of salvation to all.
Rocky II – Micky to Rocky Balboa: “You got the heart, but you ain’t got the tools.”
For many Christians today, it’s just the opposite: “You have the tools, but ain’t got the heart.”
>Ask yourself this: Do I have the heart of God within me to go along with the power of God within me?
You may be a believer, a member of the family of God, who has yet to grasp the power of God in your life.
If this describes you, ask the Lord to open your eyes and heart to an understanding of His power in your life.
>Here are some questions I’ll leave with you to ponder in your hearts and minds:
1. Have you fully acknowledged His presence within your life?
2. Have you fully surrendered to Him and let Him control and guide your life?
>If you are a born-again believer, His power is in you and He wants it to come out.
>Be faithful and strong and use what the good Lord gave you!
>Invitation…
