Living by the Spirit’s Power, Not Just Attending Church

Summary

Many associate with Christianity without living by Christ’s power. Jesus is God’s wisdom and strength, experienced through the Holy Spirit. When believers yield daily to the Spirit’s control, God produces joy, boldness, and effective witness. Like Philip, Spirit-led Christians build relationships, listen well, and share Christ at the right time. God prepares hearts and brings people into our lives when we rely on His power rather than mere religious activity.

Settling for Religion Instead of Jesus

Jesus is the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24); yet many settle for attending church services. They associate with Christians, but they do not live like Christians.

That is dangerous behavior. Please do not content yourself with comforting ideas about God. Rest your faith in the powerful person of Jesus.

God’s Power at Work in Weak People

Jesus’ power is available to you. Because of that power in the early church, everyone was a preacher (Acts 8:4). They were weak in themselves, just as you are.

But their weaknesses did not stop them. Their preaching did not demonstrate superior knowledge or ability, but the power of the Holy Spirit.

Joy and Boldness Through the Holy Spirit

Philip’s life demonstrated God’s power. He preached Christ in a Samaritan city and brought immense joy.

Does joy follow in your wake? Are people joyful because you have been there or because you have left? The Holy Spirit’s control produces joy and boldness.

Living by the Spirit's Power

The Jerusalem church was not convinced Philip’s Samaritan converts were genuine. These converts later received the Holy Spirit when Peter and John laid their hands on them (Acts 8:17).

In His providence, God initially withheld the Spirit from them to guarantee that the believers in Jerusalem would accept them.

He had to overcome centuries of mutual hostility. Unlike these Samaritans, you receive the Holy Spirit when you trust Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.

Ephesians 5:18 commands you to allow the Holy Spirit to control you. That is God’s will. 1 John 5:14-15 promises that when you pray according to God’s will, He always hears and answers you.

Begin each day by giving the Spirit of Jesus control of your life, and you will be living by the Spirit's power.

When the Holy Spirit controls you, God brings people your way who need to hear about Him. He introduced the Ethiopian eunuch into Philip’s life.

Preparing Hearts Through Friendship

Philip began by being a friend. Friendship prepares the soil of a person’s heart to receive the gospel. It includes listening, accepting people where they are, and sharing your life and time.

The gospel seed must match the soil, and you must plant it at the right time. Carrot seeds germinate and grow best in loose soil. The eunuch’s “loose soil” was a recognized need to understand the Scriptures he read.

A dependable bridge between Jesus and unbelievers is explaining how Jesus can meet a specific felt need in their lives. If you are available, God will lead you to hearts He has prepared.

Warming Hearts, Not Just Pews

God concentrates power in Jesus, and you experience it through the Holy Spirit. As you daily yield to the control of the Holy Spirit, you will warm hearts, not just pews!

Photo: Image Creator (microsoft.com)