Introduction: The Promise of Power
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He gave His disciples a powerful promise:
Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This promise wasn’t just for the early disciples; it is for every believer. The power of the Holy Spirit enables us to live victorious lives, perform miraculous works, and advance God’s kingdom. God is faithful to His Word, and since He cannot lie, this promise remains available to every believer today. If this power isn’t evident in your life, it’s time to seek and receive it by faith.
1. What Does the Promise of Power Entail?
The power Jesus promised is not ordinary. It is supernatural—beyond human ability and comprehension. This power enables believers to:
Perform Greater Works Jesus Himself declared that those who believe in Him would do the works He did—and even greater ones:
John 14:12: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
Speak in Tongues and Prophesy The power of the Holy Spirit manifests in speaking in tongues, prophesying, and delivering God’s messages:
Acts 2:4: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Heal the Sick and Raise the Dead Believers are empowered to heal diseases and even raise the dead:
Matthew 10:8: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
Make Supernatural Journeys Just as Philip was transported by the Spirit:
Acts 8:39-40: “When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus.”
Overcome Natural Limitations Jesus walked on water, disappeared from crowds, and entered locked rooms. The same Spirit that empowered Him lives in us:
John 20:19: “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’”
2. Receiving the Promise of Power
God’s promise of power is available, but believers must actively receive it. Here’s how:
Ask in Faith Jesus promised that the Father would give the Holy Spirit to those who ask:
Luke 11:13: “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Wait on the Lord The disciples waited in prayer and expectation for the Holy Spirit’s arrival:
Acts 1:4: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.”
Yield to the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit empowers those who yield to His guidance. Surrendering to God’s will allows His power to flow through us.
Prayer to Receive the Promise of Power:
- Father, I thank You for Your promise of power through the Holy Spirit. I ask in faith to be filled with Your Spirit, just as the early disciples were. Empower me to walk in the supernatural, to do greater works, and to glorify Your name. Holy Spirit, I yield myself to You. Use me for Your purposes and let Your power be evident in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
3. Walking in Power Like Christ
Once believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, they can begin to walk in the power that Jesus promised. This requires:
Bold Faith Stepping out in faith is essential to operating in God’s power. Peter walked on water because he believed Jesus’ word:
Matthew 14:29: “Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”
Obedience to God’s Leading The power of the Holy Spirit flows when we act in obedience. Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing:
John 5:19: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”
Persistence in Prayer Prayer keeps us connected to God and fuels the power of the Spirit within us.
Declaration of Power:
I am filled with the Holy Spirit, and I walk in God’s power. I do greater works in Jesus’ name. I heal the sick, cast out demons, and speak in tongues. I walk by faith, not by sight. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in me and empowers me to live a victorious life.
4. Prayers for Walking in Supernatural Power
Prayer for Boldness:
- Acts 4:29-30: “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness. Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”
- Lord, Grant me boldness to proclaim Your Word and to step out in faith. Stretch out Your hand to perform signs, wonders, and miracles through me. Let Your power flow, and may Your name be glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for Greater Works:
- John 14:12: “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
- Father, I believe in the promise of greater works. Empower me to do the works of Christ and even greater things for Your glory. Let my life be a testimony of Your power and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for the Manifestation of the Spirit:
- 1 Corinthians 12:7: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
- Holy Spirit, Manifest Your gifts in my life for the common good. Let prophecy, healing, miracles, and tongues flow through me. Use me to build up Your church and advance Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
5. Key Scriptures on the Promise of Power
Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
John 14:12 “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
Luke 10:19 “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
Mark 16:17-18 “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
Closing Encouragement
Believer, the promise of power is yours. God’s Word is true, and He is faithful to fulfill His promises. If you have not yet experienced this power, ask God in faith. Wait on Him, yield to His Spirit, and step out boldly. The same Spirit that empowered Jesus now lives in you.
Remember, God’s power is not for personal gain but for His glory and the expansion of His kingdom. Walk in faith, operate in love, and trust that God will manifest His power through you.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses (Acts 1:8).
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