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Acts 1:6-9
We are continuing our journey into discipleship as Christ taught it in the New Testament. Most of us have had experiences where we wished a loved one who is gone could show us the way to do something. We’ve probably all been in situations where we wished we knew more, had more ability or wanted to understand something better, haven’t we? Jesus understood that His disciples (and us) would have those moments. He planned for them by reassuring all of us that God’s power is available to us when we need it. In fact it is available all the time. Notice in Acts 1:8 that Jesus promises power from on high (heaven) when the Holy Spirit comes. His coming happened at Pentecost (Acts 2) and now He immediately indwells all believers at the time of their salvation. Notice first:
- THE PROMISE IS GIVEN. The promise found here is one of the greatest in Scripture. When God says “You shall…” it’s a done deal. The certainty of God keeping His promises is as certain as the breath you just took. He cannot lie, so if He says something it is truth. Jesus also knew that Satan would try to fool us into thinking it is okay to use the power we have to exalt ourselves instead of exalting God. So how do we know the difference? If your ultimate desire for power to do anything focuses on you, it’s selfish. No matter how secret your desire is, if it’s you – it’s wrong! On the other hand if your ultimate desire is to be totally immersed in God’ Law so all you do glorifies ONLY Him, then use all the power you can!!! Someone might ask “so what about those times I have sincerely been focused on God, wanted to do His will, stepped out in faith into a new area of life and fell flat on my face? Stay tuned because in a couple weeks I’ll answer that question for you. In the mean time rest assured that if you are focused on God alone, the power is there to do what you must. For now notice also
- THE PROMISE IS GUARANTEED! Read Acts 1:8 this way. God promises that (insert your name) will have power from on high. Remember, when God says it – it’s done! So if that’s true, why do we appear so often to be weak in our Christian life? Basically it comes down to this: We try to do what we think should be done when we think the time is right. Get it? Go back to Mark 8:34. WE must first make a decision to follow Christ at all costs. That decision will include letting God make all the decisions in His time His way. When God is in absolute control His power is also in control! He gets to do all the choosing because He is the ONLY One Who sees your whole life from beginning to end. Therefore, He knows where you are, where you’re going, and how to lead you there. The power is there because God promised it is. The power is also guaranteed because God promised it!
The question might be – have you made that once for all decision to follow Christ. We are going to discuss that more in a couple weeks. Give God all your desires, then let Him give them back to you in the order He knows is best and watch the power increase. You might ask, “so what do I get to choose?” You get to choose to read and study His Word – daily so you will hear Him direct you. You get to choose to pray asking Him to help you follow. You get to choose to ask, seek, and knock and be there when God answers, opens and you find! If we can help you with your spiritual questions call us at (574) 643-9419.
