Text: Luke 24:48-49

48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you:  but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.  

Saturday, 4^th May 2024 

THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS

Text: Luke 24:48-49

Memory verse: Acts 1: 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The disciples were to be made instruments in the establishment of the kingdom of Christ; but this must be by the energy of the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; nevertheless, this energy would be given in such times and seasons, and in such measures, as should appear best to the infinite wisdom of God. Christ does not immediately answer the question of the disciples, as it was at a point savoring too much of mere curiosity; but he gave them such information as was calculated to bring both their faith and hope into action. It was well observed, "that it is the prerogative of an instructor to teach his disciple, not what he wishes to learn, but what his master sees best for him.

By the terms in Acts 1:8 we may see the extent to which this commission of instruction and salvation was designed to reach: to the Jews; to the Samaritans, and the uttermost part of the earth, to the Gentile nations, thus, to the whole human race, the Gospel of the kingdom was to be proclaimed. When the twelve disciples were sent out to preach by Jesus Christ in Matthew 10:5, their commission was very limited, they were not to go in the way of the Gentiles, nor enter into any city of the Samaritans, but preach the Gospel to the lost sheep of the house of Israel: but here their commission was enlarged, for they are to go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

The Holy Spirit gives us power to witness, Just as Acts 1:8 puts it, the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to be effective witnesses for Jesus Christ. He gives us the boldness to testify of the Lord Jesus Christ in situations where we would normally be fearful or timid. 2 Timothy 1:7 encourages us: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

The power that the Holy Spirit gives us is something that reflects in the natural as well as the supernatural. He gives us power, love, and self-discipline. Power can be many things backed up by the Holy Spirit, such as boldness to preach the gospel and power to perform healing and miracles. Love given by the Holy Spirit is obvious when we have the heart to love others the way Jesus did. The self-discipline that is given by the Holy Spirit allows a person to follow through on God’s will and have wisdom throughout life.

CGDS HYMN 8; SS&S 379:

HAVE YOU BEEN TO JESUS FOR THE CLEANSING POWER?

1. Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Refrain

Are you washed in the blood?

In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?

Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

2. Are you walking daily by the Saviour’s side?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

3. When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white!

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Will your soul be ready for His presence bright?

And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?

4. Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin,

And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;

There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,

And be washed in the blood of the Lamb.

   Prayers:

1.  Holy Spirit, let the power to do more in Your kingdom here on earth rest on me heavily.

2.  LORD God Almighty, I receive a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit and power for service, in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.