The Source of Power
Read: Zechariah 4:1-6
Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” (Genesis 41:16 – NASB)
I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not in himself,
Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. (Jeremiah 10:23 – NASB)
A television preacher kept on repeating like a mantra: “You have the power! You have the power! You have the power! He kept this up through most of his allotted time. I am sure he impressed his audience, but his declaration was a half-truth that was completely untrue.
If we have the power, it follows we can use that power in any way we like. We can use it to gain wealth, honour, or even revenge. This is what the ancient art of sorcery promised; it is the “unlimited human potential” doctrine. It is New Age and totally unbiblical.
What then is the Biblical view?
The Bible teaches that born again Christians have the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is the One Who has the power.
…but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 – NASB)
The Holy Spirit has the power, and He works His power in us in order to enable us to witness to the Gospel. The power of the Holy Spirit enables us to do only what He is comfortable doing. He will only work in us, through us, and for us those things that are consistent with the will of God. He does not give us power to wield at our own discretion.
You cannot separate the power of the Holy Spirit from His character. He is holy and He will only perform holy deeds. You can have all the power from God that you want, so long as you are totally surrendered to do His will, and not your own. For it is not your power you receive, but the power of the Holy Spirit,
It Is Not In Me
(31st December 2011 – by Christopher Shennan)
Joseph was a man
With an excellent spirit, true;
He had many dreams and visions,
And mighty deeds to do.
He interpreted for Pharaoh,
And the future he could see,
But then he said with fervour,
“This power, it is not in me.”
Now, many gifts and graces
May on your spirit rest,
May fill your heart with fervour,
And help you pass each test.
Though these may bring you honour,
Let there be humility;
Say, like Joseph said to Pharaoh,
“This power, it is not in me.”
It is not in me to vanquish
The powers sent from hell,
Or even to guide my footsteps
In the paths that serve me well.
I cannot bless my brother,
Or my sister, this I see:
Though I give them many blessings,
I know it did not come from me.
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