Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the Holy Spirit's power as the power of God is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the divine nature and active presence of the Holy Spirit in the world and in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son, and His power is an expression of God's omnipotence and divine will.
Biblical FoundationThe power of the Holy Spirit is first introduced in the creation narrative, where the Spirit of God is described as hovering over the waters (
Genesis 1:2). This imagery signifies the Spirit's role in creation, bringing order and life. The Holy Spirit's power is further revealed throughout the Old Testament, empowering individuals for specific tasks. For example, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson, granting him extraordinary strength (
Judges 14:6).
In the New Testament, the power of the Holy Spirit is most prominently displayed in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at His baptism, empowering Him for His public ministry (
Matthew 3:16). Jesus Himself acknowledged the Spirit's power, stating, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor" (
Luke 4:18).
Empowerment of BelieversThe power of the Holy Spirit is not limited to the life of Christ but extends to all believers. Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (
Acts 1:8). This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in tongues and boldly proclaim the gospel (
Acts 2:1-4).
The apostle Paul frequently speaks of the Holy Spirit's power in the life of the believer. In
Ephesians 3:16, he prays that believers may be strengthened with power through the Spirit in their inner being. The Spirit's power is also associated with the gifts of the Spirit, which are given for the edification of the church (
1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Transformation and SanctificationThe power of the Holy Spirit is transformative, working within believers to conform them to the image of Christ. This sanctifying work is described in
Galatians 5:22-23, where the fruit of the Spirit is listed as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Spirit empowers believers to live holy lives, resisting sin and growing in righteousness.
Witness and MissionThe power of the Holy Spirit is also essential for the mission of the church. Jesus commissioned His followers to make disciples of all nations, a task that requires divine empowerment (
Matthew 28:19-20). The Spirit equips believers with boldness and wisdom to witness to the truth of the gospel, as seen in the early church's rapid growth and influence (
Acts 4:31).
ConclusionThe power of the Holy Spirit is the power of God, manifesting His presence and purpose in the world. Through the Spirit, believers are empowered for service, transformed in character, and equipped for mission, reflecting the glory and majesty of God.
Nave's Topical Index
Matthew 12:28But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come to you.
Nave's Topical IndexLuke 11:20
But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come on you.
Nave's Topical Index
Greek
4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness ... "Right faith is a thing wrought in us by the
Holy Spirit" (Wm. Tyndale).
... it is the
faith that only
God can give .
... do not struggle in the
power of the will .
... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18kLibrary
The Attractive Power of God
... the heavenly Father with the might of His divine power. ... In order that God may draw
more to Himself, and ... Now when the Holy Spirit saw that the Only Begotten Son ...
/.../eckhart/meister eckharts sermons/i the attractive power of.htm
The Power of the Blood of the Lamb
... the Lamb, that we shall know its full power in our ... nature of the Lord Jesus, and
the Holy Spirit wants to ... Jesus, though exalted to the throne of God, is still ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hession/the calvary road/chapter 9 the power of.htm
Power Hindered.
... when the churches turn towards God, and we cease grieving the Spirit, so that ...
to-day, many of the church members not even wanting this Holy Ghost power. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter v power hindered.htm
"Having Begun in the Spirit"
... preach or write or think or meditate, and delight in being occupied with things
in God's Book and in God's Kingdom; and yet the power of the Holy Spirit may be ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/having begun in the spirit.htm
Witnessing in Power.
... in them the power that God can use. He is not going to use our ideas, but we must
have the Word of God hid in our hearts, and then, the Holy Spirit inflaming us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/witnessing in power.htm
The Holy Spirit of Promise
... of God to produce apostolic results in these perilous days in which we live. This
final reformation was unquestionably begun by the power of the Holy Spirit, ...
//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter iv the holy spirit.htm
Kept by the Power of God
... have known Christ and His blood and the Holy Spirit sent down ... heart you have the
whole omnipotence of God engaged to ... that is not the way with the power of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/kept by the power of.htm
The Holy Spirit's Intercession
... "To as man as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God ... Unless
we are the sons of God the Holy Spirit's indwelling shall not be ours: we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/the holy spirits intercession.htm
Power "In" and "Upon. "
... Perhaps some question the possibility of having the power of God now, and that the
Holy Spirit never came afterward in similar manifestation, and will never ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter ii power in and.htm
Fresh Supplies of Power.
... scheming for position by those in holy service ... cross-currents that are surely drawing
the power out of ... first touch the thing that disturbs His sensitive spirit. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/fresh supplies of power.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 •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus