What does "the power of the Most High" mean for believers today? Scripture Spotlight “ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.’ ” (Luke 1:35) What Happened Then - Gabriel promised Mary a miraculous conception—no human agency, only God’s creative, life-giving force. - “Overshadow” echoes God’s cloud of glory in Exodus 40:34-35, signaling divine presence and protection. - The same Spirit who hovered over the waters in Genesis 1:2 now “hovers” over Mary, bringing forth a new creation: the incarnate Son. Key Truths About “the Power of the Most High” - Absolutely sovereign: originates only with God (Psalm 62:11). - Creative and life-giving: brings something out of nothing (Romans 4:17). - Holy: always aligned with God’s pure character (Habakkuk 1:13). - Mediated through the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38). - Protective: God “covers” those He fills (Psalm 91:1). Covenantal Continuity - Old Covenant: power parted seas (Exodus 14:21), felled walls (Joshua 6:20), toppled giants (1 Samuel 17:45-47). - New Covenant: power raises Jesus (Ephesians 1:19-20), indwells believers (Romans 8:11), and fuels witness (Acts 1:8). What It Means for Believers Today • Salvation Power: The same power that conceived Christ now raises sinners to new life (Ephesians 2:4-6). • Indwelling Presence: “You are God’s temple and God’s Spirit dwells in you” (1 Corinthians 3:16). • Daily Strength: “I can do all things through the One who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). • Victory over Sin: “Sin shall not be your master” (Romans 6:14). • Bold Witness: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8). • Spiritual Gifts: Empowerment to serve the body (1 Peter 4:10-11; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11). • Perseverance in Trials: “We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this surpassing power is from God” (2 Corinthians 4:7). • Hope of Resurrection: “He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit” (Romans 8:11). How to Receive and Walk in This Power - Repent and believe the gospel (John 1:12-13). - Be filled continually with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). - Abide in Christ through Word and prayer (John 15:4-7). - Obey promptly; obedience keeps the channel clear (John 14:21). - Fellowship with other Spirit-filled believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). - Use gifts in love; power flows through servanthood (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Caution and Encouragement - Power is for God’s glory, not personal showmanship (Acts 8:18-23). - The Spirit empowers holy living; grieve Him and power wanes (Ephesians 4:30). - God’s power is sufficient for every call He gives (2 Peter 1:3). - Therefore, “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). |
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