Operating in the Power of the Spirit

by | Oct 9, 2022

Teacher: Pastor Chet Lowe

Main Scriptures: Mark 1, Luke 4

  • Jesus promises to give Christians the power of the Spirit, and we WILL see it’s evidence (John 16:7, John 3:8)
  • Mark 1:21-45
    • The evidence of the Spirit’s work will be
      • Fulfillment of the Great Commission (John 15:26, 16:14)—doing what Jesus has asked us to do
        • He will testify of Jesus by preaching the Gospel
          • Matthew 13 clarifies our responsibility is to sow the seed, not bear the fruit
        • He will glorify Jesus by making disciples
          • Disciples are made, not born—and making disciples is evidence of the Spirit’s work in our lives
          • This ONLY happens in the context of relationship
      • Operating with authority (v. 21)
        • The Word and the work will go together and will inspire awe
          • It will be both mysterious and powerful
        • We have authority over demons
          • The enemy is real, believes, understands and submits to God’s authority
          • Jesus has come to set spiritual captives free
        • Jesus’ authority is different than the world’s
          • He is humble yet powerful. His authority isn’t selfish or showy
            • It is God-glorifying and leads to healed and transformed lives
      • Fanning the flame of spiritual gifts (v. 29)
        • Suffering for godliness can cause us to be afraid, but the Spirit is not afraid (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
      • Remaining in constant contact with the Heavenly Father as our Source (v. 34)
        • After a long night of ministry, Jesus woke up early to pray
          • Prayer will lead us God’s way, not our way
            • It will give us His purpose for us and the power to walk in it
            • It prevents us from perfecting in our flesh what He started in the Spirit (Galatians 3:3)
      • Moving by compassion, not compulsion (v. 40)
        • It will make us approachable to both sinners and sick
        • It will cause us to act in supernatural love
          • To those who need healing
          • To those who hate us
        • Without love, our gifts are worthless

Selah Memory Verse: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Challenge to Change: Reach out to someone with compassion this week.