How does the Spirit of the LORD empower us for God's work today? Rooted in Judges 3:10 “The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into his hand, so that his hand prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim.” (Judges 3:10) Othniel moved from ordinary life to extraordinary impact the moment God’s Spirit clothed him. The same Spirit who enabled victory in ancient Israel indwells every believer today. He has not changed; His power has not diminished. --- The Same Spirit Today • Acts 1:8 — “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses…” • Zechariah 4:6 — “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of Hosts.” • Romans 8:11 — “He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” What Othniel experienced externally, we experience internally. The Spirit now permanently dwells in us, enabling daily obedience and service. --- What the Spirit Supplies 1. Power for Calling and Courage • 2 Timothy 1:7 — “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Acts 4:31 — believers “were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” 2. Wisdom and Discernment • Isaiah 11:2 speaks of “the Spirit of wisdom and understanding.” • John 16:13 — “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” 3. Victory in Spiritual Battle • Galatians 5:16 — “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Ephesians 6:17 — “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” 4. Gifts for Service • 1 Corinthians 12:7 — “To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” • Romans 12:6 — “We have different gifts according to the grace given us.” 5. Character that Confirms the Message • Galatians 5:22-23 — “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” • Matthew 5:16 reminds us that when this fruit is visible, others “see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” --- Practical Ways to Walk in His Power • Stay in the Word: the Spirit never contradicts Scripture; He illuminates it. • Pray in Dependence: invite His filling each day (Ephesians 5:18). • Obey Promptly: power flows where there is surrendered obedience. • Serve Actively: step into needs—His gifts emerge in motion, not in idleness. • Fellowship Consistently: the Spirit builds up the body through mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). --- A Closing Encouragement Othniel’s story shows that when the Spirit comes, ordinary people accomplish God-sized tasks. Rely on Him today, and watch the same victorious, life-giving power advance the kingdom through you. |
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