Lead Scripture – Mark 16:14-20
In this passage, there are some powerful verbs which are non-negotiable if we are to manifest the power of God. NB: Verbs are action or doing words. Philippians 2:13 says “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure”. The power to do certainly belongs to and comes from God – Psalm 62:11. Our aim is to make ourselves pleasing to the Lord so that He can flow His power through us – 2 Corinthians 5:9. In Luke 10:19-20, we can conclude that in as much as it is required of us to manifest the power of God, it is more important that our lives are well pleasing to God. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God – Romans 8:19.
The question we must answer is how are we to do this? Let us discuss and understand the need for the following if we will ever manifest the power of God.
- Total Surrender – what do we understand total surrender to the will of God to be? Psalm 40:7-8 | John 6:37-39.
- Speak the word only. In Matthew 8:8 we read of a centurion who received restoration for his servant. Ecclesiastes 8:4 | Mark 16:20 gives us insight to the power available in God’s word. How can we deal with doubt when it comes to God’s word?
- The power of the Holy Spirit – Acts 1:8. List all the things we must watch out for in our lives if we are not to grieve the Holy Spirit – Ephesians 4:25-32.
Indeed, believers are to showcase the power and glory of God in today’s world, unfortunately it seems as if power is ebbing away from the Church. One of the things we must be careful to observe is what we do preach and teach. What are the messages we listen to? Have we given ourselves over to the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches? Do we value holiness and righteousness in our lives? Apostle Paul made the following statement in 1 Corinthians 2:2-5 – “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God”.
A holy and righteous life before God is the prerequisite for believers to operate in the power of God. In Apostle Peter’s letter – he made it clear that a life of holiness is not an option – it is mandatory for it is a command from the Lord – 1 Peter 1:15-16.
Let us list 10 things that we must do to enter into and preserve holiness…
| 1. Prayer – Matthew 14:23 | Mark 1:35 | Luke 5:16 |
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Prayer.