Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of being upheld by the power of the Holy Spirit is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the sustaining and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. This divine power is not only a source of strength and guidance but also a transformative force that enables Christians to live according to God's will.
Biblical FoundationThe New Testament provides numerous references to the power of the Holy Spirit as an active and sustaining force in the lives of believers. In
Acts 1:8, Jesus promises His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This verse highlights the empowering role of the Holy Spirit, equipping believers to fulfill the Great Commission.
In
Romans 8:11, the Apostle Paul writes, "And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you." Here, the power of the Holy Spirit is depicted as life-giving and transformative, offering believers the same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead.
Empowerment for MinistryThe Holy Spirit's power is essential for effective ministry and service. In
1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Paul explains, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to believers, enabling them to serve the body of Christ and advance God's kingdom.
Strength in WeaknessThe power of the Holy Spirit is also evident in times of weakness and trial. In
2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul recounts the Lord's assurance to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This statement underscores the idea that the Holy Spirit's power is most evident when human strength is insufficient, allowing God's strength to be fully displayed.
Guidance and WisdomThe Holy Spirit provides guidance and wisdom to believers, helping them navigate the complexities of life. In
John 16:13, Jesus promises, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth." The Holy Spirit leads believers into a deeper understanding of God's truth, offering discernment and insight that surpass human wisdom.
Sanctification and HolinessThe power of the Holy Spirit is integral to the process of sanctification, the ongoing transformation of believers into the likeness of Christ. In
Galatians 5:16, Paul exhorts, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome sin and grow in holiness, producing the fruit of the Spirit as described in
Galatians 5:22-23.
ConclusionThe power of the Holy Spirit is a vital and dynamic force in the life of every believer. It upholds, empowers, and transforms, enabling Christians to live out their faith with boldness and conviction. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to fulfill their God-given purpose, assured of His presence and power in every aspect of their lives.
Nave's Topical Index
Psalm 51:12Restore to me the joy of your salvation; and uphold me with your free spirit.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Holy Spirit is Given by God Alone, yet not Wholly to Each ...
... him; Israel is My elect, My soul hath upheld him, I ... Which is uttered from His heart,
nor the power in which is ... is the same as that of the Holy Spirit, and that ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter viii the holy spirit.htm
The Gift of the Spirit
... the work of the apostolic church effective, has upheld God's faithful children in
every succeeding age. It was through the power of the Holy Spirit that during ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 5 the gift of.htm
Work, for God Works in You
... not confined to any place, but everywhere present, there can be no spiritual life
but as it is upheld by His ... 2. The Holy Spirit is the mighty power of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/x work for god works.htm
Witnessing in Power.
... be linked to His unerring Guide, and be safely upheld. ... because there is not in them
the power that God ... hid in our hearts, and then, the Holy Spirit inflaming us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/witnessing in power.htm
The Covenant Promise of the Spirit
... inch towards heaven in any other power than that of the Holy Ghost. We do not even
stand fast and remain steadfast except as we are upheld by the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the covenant promise of the.htm
The Principle of Life in the Creature.
... But sin entered in, ie, a power appeared to keep man ... uphold us; for nothing exists
without being upheld by Almighty ... And as the Holy Spirit is the Person in the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/v the principle of life.htm
His Past Work.
... which completely glorified the Father and upheld His holy ... We have deliverance from
the power of darkness and ... Heirs of God indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and much ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/i his past work.htm
Joy and Peace in Believing
... through the power of the Holy Ghost.' I wish I ... it twines round some earthly prop,
is upheld for a ... action into your spirit, through His Holy Spirit, and that ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/joy and peace in believing.htm
On the Doctrine of St. Ambrose.
... of adoption and regeneration, wherein sin is forgiven, [6] and the Holy Spirit confers
new ... In a like spirit he maintains that the power of forgiving ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/iv on the doctrine of.htm
On the Feast of St Stephen or of St Lawrence
... vanquished in the effort to comprehend God's power, and bends ... so that it seems as
if the Holy Spirit Himself were ... that it is God alone Who has upheld him and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon iv on the feast.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about how much power Christians possess? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we rely on the power of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs there power in the name of Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgPower: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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