We Must Depend on the Holy Spirit for Power

Scripture: Acts 13:9

But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him,

Insights: Yesterday we learned, and not surprisingly, there are always those who oppose the gospel.  If we know this fact is the truth, then how do we address it?  Today, and the remainder of this week, I am going to give you some practical steps to help you better address those who are in opposition to the gospel.  Just for clarification, those in opposition are really small in number, only about five percent.  These individuals are the ones out there trying to convert people away from Christ and the truth of who He is.  The first step to dealing with those in opposition is to depend on the Holy Spirit for power.  Notice in today’s verse it states, Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit.  In other words, Paul was not gazing at the magician in his own power and strength.  The Holy Spirit gave Paul in this moment a special touch of grace and allowed him to see inside of the man to the core of his intentions.  This gaze is a deep and penetrating look of intensity at the magician.  Paul is not relying on his skills and experience at this point.  The power of God is residing in him in the person of the Holy Spirit.  Paul is living on complete dependence on God’s Spirit to give him insight and direction.  Beloved, I think all too often we depend on our own skill set.  We have walked this Christian life for so long and have heard so many arguments that we often rely on our background.  This type of plan is dangerous and will lead to futility and frustration.  We must be men and women who are completely and totally dependent on the power of God to give us strength, guidance, wisdom and direction in our lives.  This dependence is never more true than when we face those who are intensely opposed to the gospel.

Questions:

1. Are you depending on the Holy Spirit for power?

2. Are you human driven plans sufficient for your kingdom initiatives?

Prayer: Father, forgive me for the times in which I devise and plan for my own strengths to be the power in my proclamation.  May I grow more and more dependent on Your Spirit for power and grace.  Amen.