“God has raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His own power.”
1 Corinthians 6:14 MEV
This is the time of year we as believers talk about the power of the Resurrection—and how that power is at work in each of our lives.
Actually, we don’t really talk about “how”…only that it mysteriously is.
If you’ve been following either this weekly blog, or the 4 Points Broadcast, you’ll know that as Christ’s disciples, we have a part to play in walking in that power and authority.
It’s called spiritual maturation.
Nobody is going to mature you for you.
The process of growing up spiritually involves choices you must make and strategies you must take responsibility for engaging in (see last week’s post “Strategies for Exponential Growth”).
This week, as we celebrate the Resurrection Life that Christ made possible by the work He accomplished on the Cross—and the legacy of divine power He made available to all who confess Him as Lord and believe He rose again…
Let’s talk about how we can activate that power in our daily lives.
How do we practically walk in supernatural power and authority as we go about meeting the demands of our increasingly busy lives?
For starters, you must understand what is meant by the concept of “power” as opposed to the concept of “authority.”
“I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy.”
Luke 10:19 NLT
What does the Bible teach us about authority—and how does it relate to “His power at work in us” (Ephesians 3:20)?
Many don’t realize that in order to exercise power, one must first have the authority to do so.
Authority is a precursor—or prerequisite—of power.
Think about it.
Isn’t that what the spiritual maturation process is all about?
When you mature spiritually, you are able to access new realms of spiritual power; maturity grants you access that you wouldn’t have otherwise.
This is why you can be an heir of a kingdom, but until you grow up and mature, you won’t have authority to wield power over that inheritance.
Spiritual maturity gives you access—or the divine right—to what already belongs to you.
The word for authority in Greek is “exousia”…which according to Strong’s Concordance means, “authority, especially moral authority, influence, (b) of a spiritual power, and hence of an earthly power: right or privilege, conferred power; delegated empowerment (authorization): delegated power as in authority God gives to His saints.”
The word power is the Greek “dunamis” meaning “might, power, marvelous works: (a) physical power, force, might, ability, efficacy, energy, ability (properly, ‘ability to perform’); power through God’s ability.” Dýnamis, according to Strong’s Concordance, “is a very important term, used 120 times in the New Testament.”
So what can we glean from this word study?
Spiritual maturity gives you the divine right to exercise God’s divine might!
If I were to ask you, “How is the power of God being manifested in your life?”…what would your answer be?
If you’re not seeing God’s power evidenced in your everyday life, I would challenge you to consider where you are in the spiritual maturation process.
Consider whether your lack of answers or breakthroughs or whatever it is you need that isn’t transpiring is a power problem or an authority problem.
“So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.”
Colossians 3:1-2 MSG
This is growing up spiritually.
We’re not often called to task when it comes to our spiritual maturity.
But in this season, as we approach this beautiful holiday that commemorates all Christ did for us on the Cross—and yet even more when He rose again—let’s look at how we’re making the most of what He has provided.
In Ephesians 5:15-17, we’re asked to walk circumspectly, make the most of the time, and “firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is” (AMP).
“Prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:2 NKJV
God’s will is that you mature spiritually so you can walk in the kind of authority that allows you to wield the power He has made available through His death and resurrection,
This type of spiritual growth is a process. It requires intentionality. It requires you to be deliberate about what you are thinking, studying, speaking, pursuing, and doing.
You are always one decision away from walking in the fullness God has for you.
And that is what I want to equip you to do in our 4 Points Broadcast. This is my personal Life Group that I’m inviting you into every first and third Thursday of the month.
Plan now to join me next week as we continue to explore the 8 Stages of Spiritual Maturation.
Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 20th at 7 pm ET!
Meanwhile, if you haven’t already, make time to visit the on demand archive. I know you will find the equipping and empowerment you need to walk in greater authority.
As we celebrate Christ’s resurrection, I challenge you this week to resurrect the power of Christ in you!
“It stands to reason, doesn’t it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he’ll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you…you are delivered from that dead life.”
Romans 8:11 MSG