Devo, Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit: God’s Power In You

The Holy Spirit: God's Power In You

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Proverbs: A Strong Man Is Wise.

The Holy Spirit is power. Literal supernatural power. And this is not an adjective describing what the Holy Spirit does. It's a noun describing who the Spirit is. He is power that comes upon and lives in each and every believer.

Now, there are many references to this power in the New Testament. But perhaps the most familiar is found in the New Testament just prior to two historically significant events — Jesus's ascension and the Day of Pentecost. Here is what Jesus says:

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 1:8

The Greek word for "power" in this instance is δύναμις (dynamis). This word describes the power or ability to perform an activity. We have English words very similar to this, with similar meanings. Words like dynamite or dynamic.

Think about it for a minute: Jesus wouldn't send this to us unless He thought we'd need it. Simply put, He knew we were powerless without Him. Jesus's salvific power secured our salvation, but He also knew we'd need sustaining power. Sustaining power to live in a world where the enemy continues to roam, rule, and reign. And the Holy Spirit is the person and the power that sustains a believer. He is who and what you need.

So, what does this power provide that we can't provide for ourselves?

Well, if we quickly list some instances of the Holy Spirit's power working in the New Testament, we'll see the effects and know what He provides. Here are 11:

  1. He witnesses through believers. (Acts 1:8)
  2. He gives believers the ability to speak in various languages and tongues. (Acts 2:14, 41)
  3. He performs miracles through believers. (2 Corinthians 2:12; Acts 2:43; Acts 3:1–7; Acts 9:39–41)
  4. He gives righteous resurrection life to a believer's mortal body. (Romans 8:11)
  5. He gives the believer access to spiritual resources. (Romans 5:5)
  6. He distributes gifts to believers for the community. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
  7. He liberates believers from bondage and addiction. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
  8. He seals, marks, and authenticates believers for redemption. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
  9. He prompts believers. (1 Thessalonians 5:19)
  10. He sanctifies believers. (1 Peter 1:2)
  11. He testifies for us and about us as believers. (1 John 4:13)

The Holy Spirit is our power to witness, speak, perform, and testify. He is our access to righteousness, resources, and gifts. He is our means of liberating, prompting, and sanctifying. Essentially, He does everything. And without Him, we'd be nothing but momentarily redeemed folks who'd immediately live defeated lives. But with Him, we experience both the converting power of Jesus and the continuing power of the Holy Spirit.

And if you want to see the effect of His power, just look at the disciples before and after the coming of the Holy Spirit. Take Peter, for instance. Not to pick on him, but Peter had numerous fails before the Spirit.

  1. He sank in his faith. (Matthew 14:22-33)
  2. He rebuked Jesus. (Matthew 16:21-23)
  3. He messed up the Transfiguration. (Matthew 17:1-8)
  4. He wrongly defended Jesus and injured a man. (John 18:10-11)
  5. He fell asleep in the Garden. (Matthew 26:36-46)
  6. He denied Jesus three times to a little servant girl. (Matthew 26:69-75)

But immediately after the coming of the Holy Spirit, Peter was different. He stood up for his faith in front of thousands. He preached the Gospel without fear. He jumped into deep waters of faith. Thousands were saved. He performed miracles he couldn't do before. And he confronted authorities without flinching. Peter was a totally changed man. Yes, he experienced the converting power of Jesus, but in addition, all these things happened through him because of the continuous power and enabling of the Holy Spirit.

So, stop trying to live this life by your own power. Plug into real power. Moment by moment today, pray for the Spirit's guidance and yield to His control in your life. Whether you're sharing your faith or fighting off a spiritual attack, lean less on yourself and more on the Holy Spirit.

Tomorrow, we'll dig a little further into why I think we're so afraid of the Holy Spirit and things like prophesying, speaking in tongues, and visions.

ASK THIS:

  1. In what specific areas of your life are you trying to rely on your own strength instead of tapping into the Holy Spirit's power?
  2. How has your understanding or experience of the Holy Spirit's role in your daily life changed after reading this devotional? Are you more open to letting Him guide, sustain, and empower you?

DO THIS: Plug into real power. Spiritual power.

PRAY THIS: Lord, remind me many times today that I'm not walking this journey alone. Your Spirit is the true power behind every step I take. Help me to lean less on myself and more on the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Holy Spirit.

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47 thoughts on “The Holy Spirit: God’s Power In You”

  2. Eddie Ackerman says:

    I preordered a few copies of the Proverbs book to go through with some men. Is it possible to get those signed as well, not just the free ones you are graciously handing out to the men that respond in the comments? Thanks for breaking down The Holy Spirit for us and for affirming what I have found to be true in The Scriptures. When the Israelites had leaders that were filled with The Holy Spirit, there were prosperous times, even as far back as Abraham. As soon as those leaders died, there was idolatry and just compounding sin abounding. History repeats itself, so lets learn from these people who SOMETIMES had The Holy Spirit in them and no model of living with The Holy Spirit indwelt in them. Without Him, things are ALWAYS headed in the wrong direction, if Bible History has taught us anything…

    Reply
  4. Chet Adamcewicz says:

    Amen Vince!!
    I’m really happy that you’ve taken some time during the daily deco’s in the gospel according to John to talk about our helper. I agree that most of our brothers in Christ don’t trust or rely on the power of The Holy Spirit and don’t give Him the recognition that He deserves. I really appreciate the way that you boldly teach men on the topics that we all need to walk with Jesus. I’ve been sending your devos to men I work with in hopes that The Holy Spirit would stir in them the same thing that has been stirred in me. There have been many that have fallen on the hard path and not gained traction but there has been one that I believe glorifies and brings honor to God. A few months back I sent a devo to a young man named Jeremy that I work with and then we had a talk about it and so I sent him another. I didn’t want to be pushy but then I talked with him a couple of weeks later and lo and behold he was listening to your daily devos on his own. He’s been tracking since the gospel of John and his girlfriend has recently bought him his own Bible. He’s now reading it and asking questions about the gospel. I just wanted to thank you and give you a shout out for what you do for the kingdom and the reason I listen to you is another man of God Michael Mitchell who led me to you. Keep doing what you’re doing brother.
    Love you

    Chet Adamcewicz
    5348 lake gardens ln
    Jacksonville fl 322258

    Reply
  9. Matt Preuss says:

    Thanks, Vince. The Holy Spirit is an encourager. It’s great to be reminded of His strength. Matt Preuss, Lincoln NE

    Reply
  11. Daniel Rushton says:

    Prayers for you and everyone in the path of the hurricane. I hope it missed you all. Thank you for going over the Holy Spirit.

    Reply
  13. Ruben T. Garcia, Sr says:

    I lean heavly on the Holy Spirt speaking for me when I have no words to utterly. Romans 8:26 he intercedes so my prayers can be heard.

    Ruben T. Garcia, Sr
    Gresham, Oregon

    Reply
  14. gonzalo correa says:

    Gonzalo Correa
    Santa Maria, CA
    Amen brother! This is awesome stuff, praise the Lord, Thank You Holy Spirit for doing Your incredible work in our lives.

    Reply
  20. Sam Blower says:

    Really enjoying your messages on the Holy Spirit, and I like how you brought out that the Holy Spirit is a “person”, not an “it”. I look forward each day to this series and I am having my wife watch them later in the day with me. Hope these are bundled and put in the library so we can access them in the future.
    Sam Blower from Bigfork, Montana

    Reply
  21. Mark Becker says:

    Worland WY

    May the power of the Holy Spirit keep you and yours safe during this chaotic weather
    God Bless you Vince for opening my eyes each and every day

    Reply
  34. Cory Doden says:

    Praying for peace and protection from the hurricane for your home Vince and safety for all the people in its path.
    Cory Doden
    Red Wing, MN

    Reply
  36. Bill says:

    Bill Adams. Bemidji, Mn.
    Prsying for you and all the folks facing the incoming weather. praying for you 🙏 that all people and property are left standing in faith.

    Reply
  39. George smiley from nc says:

    Prayers for you and your family and the people in the path of this storm. Also prayers for the first responders the line men and the volunteers that will be coming to help. That GOD may use this storm to draw someone to HIMself and that he may get all the glory

    Reply
  41. Tim shea says:

    Let me be more aware of your presence Lord and to lean on you Holy spirit . Tim Shea Newton, Iowa

    Reply
    • David Josker says:

      Great series! I’m learning a lot! Prays to you and your family and all the folks affected by the storm.
      David Josker
      Canton GA

      Reply

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