Piper wrote an article attempting to show how we get the power of God in our lives. Unfortunately, he did not even mention the empowering of the Holy Spirit so I had to respond - below is my response: Excellent article on our part in appropriating the Power of God in our lives and ministry, however, he forgot some of the most important verses regarding being empowered. II Cor.12:9 ESV But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. What is that power? Is it a result of our work or Gods sovereign gift? Acts 1:8 ESV But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Its all about the empowering of the Holy Spirit, not our human effort! II Peter 1:3-4 ESV His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. Those promises point directly to the promise of the Father - Luk 24:49 ESV And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. Acts 2:38 ESVAnd Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.Act 2:39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself. Unfortunately many do not have or even seek that empowering from on high. That promise of the Father to everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself. The fact is it is so important that Jesus said in John 16:7 ESV, Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. Let me ask you a question - are you living your Christian life in your strength or the power of God? Do you allow the Holy Spirit to anoint and empower you and help you navigate the challenges of ministry? Most importantly, are you doing ministry in your strength or the power of the Holy Spirit? Do you have the promise of the Father? We need that power that comes from God! Blessings all!
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 14:55:57 +0000
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