Luke 24:36-49
Jesus Christ’s assignment is to deliver the human race from the grip of sin and convey us into the Kingdom of God – Matthew 1:21 | Colossians 1:13. It will be impossible for Christ’s followers to perform the same feat without the power of God. Jesus Christ made this clear in Luke 24:49. The Greek noun used for ‘power’ in Luke 24:49, is ‘dunamis or dynamis’- Power or Ability.
In the lead passage, Jesus was exhorting His followers that every word He spoke to them would be fulfilled. Jesus unlocked their understanding to receive the revelation of the Scriptures and made it clear that they need the power of God (Holy Spirit) from on-high to fulfil the assignment being handed over to them. As of this period none of His disciples had been filled with the Holy Spirit – On His ascension, Jesus promised them the Power of God through His Holy Spirit – Acts 1:8 | Act 2:4. One of the purposes for receiving power from on high is to preach repentance and remission of sins in His name to all nations.
The instruction was clear – to “tarry in the city of Jerusalem….”- Luke 24:49. The disciples tarried in prayer in one accord for fifty days before they were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:1-4. Waiting on the Lord is a very important aspect of our faith and walk with the Lord – for in this our strength is renewed and revived – Isaiah 40:31.
The power of God is required to fulfil divine assignments because man is weak and can be easily distracted – Matthew 14:28-30. The following is required to sustain and maintain the power of God in our daily walk.
- Prayer – Matthew 26:39-41 | Mark 1:35 | Mark 6:46 | Luke 5:16 | Luke 6:12
- Study of God’s word – Ezra 7:10 | Psalm 119:45 | 1 Timothy 4:12 | 2 Timothy 2:15
- Communion with the Holy Spirit – Luke 24:49 | Ephesians 5:18 | Acts 1:8 | Jude 1:20
- Fellowship in one accord – Psalm 133 | Acts 1:14 | Acts 2:44 | Acts 4:23 | Acts 4:31
For revival to happen, believers must embark on intentional spiritual development and come together in one accord. The disciples bunched together under the same belief in the power of the Holy Spirit and were able to touch lives. A single tree does not make a forest!
Discussion:
- What is repentance? – Acts 3:19-20 | Romans 12:2. Is forgiveness of sins possible without repentance?
- A quote reads – “We like to forgive and forget as long as the other person doesn’t forget that we forgave”. Discuss.
- What is expected of a believer to receive the power of the Holy Spirit?
- What are some of the characteristics of a powerless or power-filled Christian?
- What does 1 Corinthians 4:20 mean to you? How would you define the kingdom of God? – Romans 14:17.
- Can a believer lose faith and/or power of the Holy Spirit? Do people depart from faith? Explain.
- Discuss what you understand by “power in His name”? – Philippians 2:10 | Romans 14:11.
Prayer.
