The power of the Holy Spirit
Series: EIFACH muetig – with Jesus as a role model | Bible text: 2 Corinthians 4:6–18; Matthew 11:2–6
We often reduce the power of the spirit to miracles. However, his focus lies in his work on us with his power, that he wants to give us authority and strength in the inner man, so that we can steadfastly live discipleship and love. It is precisely in our natural weakness that his supernatural presence in the inner man becomes clear to the outside world.
When we hear this title, many of us probably think of signs and wonders that the Spirit of God can perform. However, we forget that at the time of Jesus, for example, these signs and wonders were primarily confirmations that he was the promised Messiah.
This is shown by Jesus» answer to John the Baptist’s question in Matthew 11
«John the Baptist, who was in prison at the time, heard about the deeds of Christ. He sent his disciples to Jesus with the question: «Are you really the one who is to come, or should we wait for someone else?«Jesus answered them: «Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard: the blind see, the paralysed walk, the lepers are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.And tell him further: «Happy are those who do not take offence at me» (Matthew 11:2–6 NLB).
Of course, the Spirit of God can still perform miracles today and enable people to do so (see 1 Corinthians chapter 12). But I believe the focus of the «power of God» lies in another aspect.
Paul summarises this as follows:
«For God, who said: «Let there be light in the darkness», has made us realise in our hearts that this light the splendour of God’s glory which becomes visible to us in the face of Jesus Christ.But we carry this precious treasure in fragile vessels, namely in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our strength comes entirely from God and is not our own» (2 Corinthians 4:6–7 NLB).
The Greek word for force is «dynamis». Our terms dynamism and dynamite also come from this word. However, dynamis does not primarily mean physical strength, but power in the sense of authority, ability, special inherent strength and vigour.
It is the strength that allows persecuted Christians to remain steadfast, it is the strength to have peace and joy even in difficult situations. It is the power to resist attempts to take wrong paths and decisions. It is this power and authority to persevere in love. It is the power (authority) to love even enemies. This power, this dynamism, this life in us is what shows the presence and glory of Christ in our lives.
Or as Paul says:
«We are beset by difficulties from all sides, but not overwhelmed. We are at a loss, but we do not despair.We are persecuted, but God never abandons us. We are thrown to the ground, but we get up again and carry on.Through suffering, we constantly experience the death of Christ in our own bodies, so that his life is also visible in our bodies.It is true: because we serve Jesus, we live in constant danger of death so that his life can be made visible in our mortal bodies.So we live in the face of death, and that has brought you life.Yet we do not stop preaching because we have the same faith as the psalmist who said: «I believe in God, therefore I speak. «We know that the same God who raised up Jesus our Lord will also raise us up with Jesus and will make us stand before him together with you.All this is for your good. And if God’s grace leads more and more people to Christ, the chorus of those who thank him will also grow louder and louder, and God will be honoured more and more.That’s why we never give up. Our body may die, but our spirit is renewed every day» (2 Corinthians 4:8–16 NLB).
In Paul we see, in addition to the presence of the Holy Spirit and the accompanying renewal of the inner man, two accompanying phenomena of this inner renewal.
- We preach/proclaim
We preach, proclaim God – the good news of salvation in Christ, life and fulfilment in God. If your heart is full, your mouth is full. We think of our fellow human beings, who also need redemption and happiness. This requires an attitude that gives God and Jesus the right place in our lives.
- Our perseverance has an effect on eternity
«For our present troubles and difficulties are but small and short-lived, but they are working in us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!So we are not fixated on the difficulties we see now, but look ahead to what we have not yet seen. For the sorrows we now see will soon pass away, but the joy we have not yet seen will last forever.» (2 Corinthians 4:17–18; NLB)
When Christ is able to show His power, His authority, His renewal and His life in us through His Spirit, the glory of God is revealed.
What does the glory of God consist of: it is shown in creation, it is shown in his favour and goodness towards us, it is shown in the vitality within us. This vitality becomes all the clearer in contrast to our actual weakness.
People who have not yet given their lives to God need to see this glory. This awakens a longing for forgiveness and real life.
Example watering can:
Man is like a field that should bear fruit. His heart is like a watering can. At the start of a life, this watering can is filled with love. We should water each other with love so that our fields of life become fertile. Some people pour out their love in large chunks, but then it soon runs out. Others give drop by drop so that you hardly notice it. Many lives around us resemble withered fields. The fruit has withered or not even grown. Relationship drought is also sweeping the country.
Even Christians have only limited love in them.
The difference with us is that we are connected directly to the water reservoir (Jesus Christ) via the garden hose (Holy Spirit). Our watering can is refilled every day. We can shed love without end.
If we now pass on the love of Christ poured into our hearts on a daily basis, lives and relationships around us begin to flourish. This love is supernatural because we as human beings are not special and have the same weaknesses as people without Christ. It is the Spirit in us, his life, his love, his glory that becomes visible.
A final word from Paul:
«Three times I prayed to the Lord to deliver me from it.Each time he said: «My grace is all you need. My strength is shown in your weakness.» And now I am content with my weakness so that the power of Christ can work through me.Knowing that it is for Christ, I am reconciled to my weaknesses, hardships, difficulties, persecutions and insults. For when I am weak, I am strong» (2 Corinthians 12:8–10 NLB).
Paul had a physical infirmity. He would have liked to experience the power of the Spirit in the form of a miracle. But God said no in this situation and promised him the power of the Spirit on the inner man.
Summary:
The Holy Spirit can still perform miracles today. In the end, his power will apply the same resurrection power to us as he did to Christ. Beyond that, however, he wants to give each of us power and authority in the inner man. If we allow this to happen in faith, the same thing will happen as when a withering garden is watered. It blossoms and bears fruit.
Possible questions for the small group
- What experiences have you had with the «power of the Holy Spirit»?
- Power is the Greek word «dynamis» – and also means authority and inner strength. Have you ever experienced this kind of power? If so – how?
- St Paul speaks of a daily renewal of the inner man. What could this renewal look like?
- The power of the Holy Spirit is like the connection between Christ and our heart. Is there anything that can impair or hinder this connection and how could this impairment be remedied?
- How does the «glory of Christ» become visible through the work of the Holy Spirit in our weakness?
