ANOINTED WITH POWER
Introduction:
- We have committed this year to monthly ‘lean into’ healing and the supernatural power of God
- Last month we talked about “Why Healing” and why this was important that we contend for a greater manifestation in this area.
Acts 10:38 (ESV) – how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
- We see that Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil – as Christians we are called to do the same
- Jesus did this because he was anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power
Anointed with Power
- It comes from the Greek word ‘dunamis’ which means strength, power, ability – particularly for performing miracles
- Luke 4:14 (ESV) – 14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country.
- Luke 4:36 (ESV) – And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”
- Luke 5:17 (ESV) – On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal.
- Luke 6:19 (ESV) – And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.
“That’s great pastor but this was Jesus…”
- Luke 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 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.”
- Acts 4:7 (ESV) – And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”
- Acts 4:33 (ESV) – And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
- 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (ESV) – and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
- 1 Corinthians 4:20 (ESV) – For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) – for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
There is an open door of invitation for us to walk in the power of God
Matt 22:29 (ESV) – But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.
- Jesus draws an equivalency between knowing the scriptures and knowing the power of God.
- There is a connection between the two
- We need to humbly consider that in many ways we have not ‘leaned in’ to know the power of God and paid a price for it on many levels
- We have the opportunity to ‘grow in power’
- Major hinderance = disappointments. We can allow them to stop us, or fuel us
- In the days we are living in this has to be a non-negotiable
Growing in the Power of God
Pastor Bill Johnson shared about how he and Bethel Church grew in seeing the power of God manifest in healing.
- Believe that it is for you
- Study Healing/the Supernatural
- Cry Out in the Secret Place
- Step Out in the Public Place
- Understand that It will Grow Incrementally
2 Timothy 2:19-22 NLT – 19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” 20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
There is a connection between what we have been preaching in Crossroads about setting ourselves apart and ‘choosing life’ and walking in the power of God.
brendan witton.com 