Natural ability can only take us so far before we realize we lack the capacity, strength, wisdom, or character to continually walk pleasing before the Lord.
God knows our weakness and has sent the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to help us, strengthen us, teach us, and empower us. Even our prayer life is weak without the Holy Spirit’s help.
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26
In the book of Zechariah we find a powerful revelation of God’s perspective concerning our natural abilities.
"This is the word of the LORD… 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6
This is why Jesus repeatedly stressed the importance of the Holy Spirit to His disciples and followers. He knew they (we) could not accomplish the commission to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth without being endued with the power of the Holy Spirit.
“…you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:5
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me... to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
This promise is for all of us. We only must recognize our need for the Divine Helper and cry out to the Father and the Lord Jesus for the Baptism or immersion with the Holy Spirit. As we open our hearts and yield to Him, He will fill us with His peace, power, love, grace, strength, and ability. We will have grace to serve God and overcome in all the many battles of life.
Pride and self-reliance keep many people from coming to this place. They believe they have to make it on their own strength. They believe they must be strong for everyone else, and often try to accomplish this through their own strength and tenacity.
Having a backbone, staying tough, and standing firm are good qualities, but not enough without the help of the Holy Spirit. He is there helping us even when we are unaware.
Unlike some believers, especially in the West, the early church seemed to be more reliant on God; more surrendered, and thirstier for His Spirit and all He promised. They seemed to be less complacent and lackadaisical than many of us.
Even new believers would gladly throw away every obstacle in their lives to draw near to God and receive all He offered.
“And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.” Act 19:18-19
These new believers were serious about repenting and turning away from their evil deeds to fully follow Christ. The proof was their open confession of sin, and the immediate relinquishment of their idols, occult books, and charms. They did not hold on to any of it for keepsakes or sentimental reasons, they burned them before all men as a testimony of their sincere commitment to God.
Are you holding back from full surrender to God? Are you struggling in your walk with Him because you have not made a full decision to follow Him no matter what?
Yes, it can be challenging to move forward in God’s plan for your life, and there are many temptation, trials, and difficulties to face. But this life is short, and our reward for following the Lord is eternal and great. Most of all, it will be worth overcoming every struggle just to hear Jesus say, “Well done, you good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Lord!” (Matthew 25:21)
Let’s strive for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let’s lay up treasures in heaven and seek God for a continue infilling of His Holy Spirit because we will never serve Him fully without the assistance of the Helper.
During a very difficult time in the apostle Paul's life Jesus told him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect
in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9
This ongoing grace and strength are administered to us by the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who reveals the very nature and life of Christ to us.
We will continue our series next time. Until then, may God our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus richly bless and keep you.
James Brown
CST 11/28/2023