How should believers respond when empowered by the Spirit, as in Judges 14:6? The Scene: Samson and the Lion (Judges 14:6) “The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one might tear a young goat. Yet he did not tell his father or mother what he had done.” Key Observations from Judges 14:6 • The empowerment is unmistakably from “the Spirit of the LORD,” not Samson’s natural strength. • The power arrives at the exact moment of need. • Samson acts decisively and fearlessly. • He does not boast afterward; he keeps silent about the feat. Principles for Modern Believers • Power from the Spirit is real, timely, and sufficient for the task God assigns (Acts 1:8). • Spirit-given strength is for God’s purposes, not personal glory (Isaiah 42:8). • Courage and obedience are normal responses when the Spirit moves (2 Timothy 1:7). • Humility should follow every Spirit-empowered victory (1 Peter 5:5-6). Practical Steps to Respond to the Spirit’s Empowering 1. Recognize the Source – Give immediate credit to the Lord (Psalm 115:1). 2. Act in Faith – Step forward without hesitation when the task aligns with Scripture’s commands (James 1:22-25). 3. Maintain Purity – Guard heart and motives so that power is not tainted by self-interest (Galatians 5:16-17). 4. Practice Humility – Refrain from self-promotion; let God receive the acclaim (Matthew 6:1-4). 5. Test the Moment by the Word – Confirm that what you sense aligns with biblical truth (1 John 4:1). 6. Persevere in Prayer and Dependence – Keep seeking fresh filling; yesterday’s strength is not enough for today (Ephesians 5:18). 7. Serve Others – Use the power to bless and protect, not to dominate (1 Corinthians 12:7; Mark 10:45). Guardrails: Avoiding Misuse of Power • Reject pride that assumes the power is permanent or self-generated (Judges 16:20). • Beware of using spiritual gifts for personal gain (Acts 8:18-23). • Stay accountable within the body of Christ (Hebrews 13:17). Encouragement from Additional Scriptures • David and the bear/lion: same Spirit-enabled courage (1 Samuel 17:34-37). • Early church boldness: “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31). • Paul’s endurance: “I labor, striving according to His power, which works in me mightily” (Colossians 1:29). Summary Takeaways When the Spirit empowers, believers should: • Acknowledge God as the Source. • Obey promptly and courageously. • Stay humble, pure, and Word-centered. • Channel the power into service and witness. In every Spirit-given victory, the spotlight belongs to the Lord who supplies the strength. |
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