Being Filled with Power: Empowered to Overcome.

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Introduction

Beloved, as we gather today, we find ourselves in the midst of a spiritual war that rages around us. As Christians, we are enlisted in the army of God, engaging in battles that are not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). In this sermon, we will explore the importance of power in overcoming the schemes of the devil and living a victorious life in Christ.

The Reality of the Spiritual Battlefield

The Bible warns us that we are not alone in this world. There are unclean spirits, demonic powers, and territorial entities that seek to destroy our lives, our businesses, and our ministries (1 Peter 5:8-9). The devil and his host of evil spirits are real, and they are determined to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

• Demonic Activities: People engage in demonic activities to receive power from the dark kingdom of satan, working diabolic plans and plots (Matthew 10:1).

• Occultism and Witchcraft Powers: The gates of hell have invaded all sectors of daily life, using occultism and witchcraft powers to do extreme evil (Ephesians 6:12).

• Demonic Charms and Talismans: The enemy uses various kinds of demonic charms, talismans, voodoo, witchcraft, sorcery, soothsaying, enchantments, and divination to kill and destroy lives (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

The Need for Power

In Matthew 10:1, Jesus gave His disciples power against unclean spirits. This power is not just a luxury, but a necessity for every Christian. Without power, we are vulnerable to the vicissitudes of life, including poverty, sicknesses, premature deaths, harassment, and demonic oppression (Luke 24:49; Luke 4:14)

• Power to Overcome: We need the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the enemy and his host of evil cabal (Luke 24:49).

• Power to Sustain: We need power to sustain everything we have and will ever possess (1 John 5:19).

The Source of Power

The source of power for every Christian is the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus said, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." This power is not just a feeling or an experience, but a tangible reality that enables us to live a victorious life in Christ.

• The Promise of the Father: The power of the Holy Spirit is the Promise of the Father, which Jesus sent upon His disciples (Luke 24:49).

• Endued with Power: We must tarry and wait for the power of the Holy Spirit, being endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49).

The Consequences of Lack of Power

The consequences of lack of power are devastating. Many young pastors are dying because of their haste to lay hands and cast out evil spirits without the power of God. Many Christians are suffering from various kinds of afflictions because they lack the power to overcome the schemes of the devil.

• Spiritual Weakness: Lack of power leads to spiritual weakness, making us vulnerable to the enemy's attacks (1 Peter 5:8-9).

• Defeat and Captivity: Without power, we are defeated and taken captive by the enemy, leading to a life of bondage and slavery (2 Timothy 2:26).

The Solution

The solution to this problem is simple: receive the power of the Holy Spirit. In Luke 24:49, Jesus said, "And behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." This power is available to every Christian, and it is our responsibility to tarry and wait for it.

• Tarry and Wait: We must tarry and wait for the power of the Holy Spirit, being endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49).

• Receive the Power: We must receive the power of the Holy Spirit, which is the Promise of the Father (Acts 1:8).

Empowered to Overcome

With the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the schemes of the devil and live a victorious life in Christ. We can:

• Cast out demons: We can cast out demons and unclean spirits, freeing people from bondage and slavery (Mark 16:17).

• Heal the sick: We can heal the sick and raise the dead, demonstrating the power of God (Matthew 10:8).

• Preach the Gospel: We can preach the Gospel to all nations, making disciples and baptizing them in

• Empowered to Overcome

With the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the schemes of the devil and live a victorious life in Christ. We can:

• Cast out demons: We can cast out demons and unclean spirits, freeing people from bondage and slavery (Mark 16:17).

• Heal the sick: We can heal the sick and raise the dead, demonstrating the power of God (Matthew 10:8).

• Preach the Gospel: We can preach the Gospel to all nations, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20).

• Walk in victory: We can walk in victory, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Romans 8:37).

The Importance of Power

The power of the Holy Spirit is essential for every Christian. Without it, we are weak and ineffective. With it, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

• Power for service: The power of the Holy Spirit is necessary for effective service and ministry (Acts 1:8).

• Power for witness: The power of the Holy Spirit is necessary for effective witness and evangelism (Acts 1:8).

• Power for living: The power of the Holy Spirit is necessary for living a victorious and overcoming life in Christ (Romans 8:37).

Conclusion

In conclusion, beloved, we need the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the schemes of the devil and live a victorious life in Christ. We must tarry and wait for the power of the Holy Spirit, being endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49). With the power of the Holy Spirit, we can cast out demons, heal the sick, preach the Gospel, and walk in victory.

Luke 4:14 - "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about Him went out through all the surrounding district."

Acts 10:38 - "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him."

Acts 4:33 - "With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all."

1 Corinthians 4:20 - "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power."

Final Call

If you are feeling weak and ineffective in your Christian life, it may be because you lack the power of the Holy Spirit. I urge you to tarry and wait for the power of the Holy Spirit, being endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49). With the power of the Holy Spirit, you can live a victorious and overcoming life in Christ.

You need to be heavy in the Spirit!