Spiritual Power - Getting the Right Stuff

Jesus said, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and cast into the sea' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23). It is amazing to have the power to have "what you say" and this power is available to "whoever believes".

The operation of spiritual power requires faith. It may be faith in God, or faith in something else linked to the power of the devil, but faith is always involved. This verse says 'whoever'. There is power in our words when we believe in our hearts and don't doubt.

To seek spiritual power outside of a submissive relationship to Jesus Christ is to practice witchcraft. The practice of witchcraft is increasing in these last days. If you have been practicing witchcraft you will come to know that there is a heavy price to pay. The practice of occultism demands rituals and sacrifices on an ever-increasing basis. The fact that it sometimes works does not make it right. Witchcraft in all its forms operates by the power of demons who are liars and deceivers. This kind of power will eventually destroy you unless you truly repent. There is deliverance in Jesus even from witchcraft, but you must be very sincere with God to have any chance of freedom.

Christians, if we humble ourselves before God and focus on Jesus we will have the victory over every kind of witchcraft. Do not allow yourself to be distracted from Christ - be it through the things of the world, or through the more subtle trap of legalism, through which Satan wishes to put us in a relationship with a set of rules and not with Christ who alone can make us what we ought to be. (Read Galatians 3:1-5).

Christians - you are in God's army. Use your weapons!

For the Christian, someone who belongs to Jesus Christ and is submitted to Him, spiritual power is a command, not an option. "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10). "Be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). "But wait in the city until you are clothed with power from on high"( Luke 24:49). "Imitate me as I imitate Christ". (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17). "In my name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues" (Mark 16:17). "Heal the sick" (Matthew 10:8). "Teach them to obey all I commanded you" (Matthew 28:19). "As He sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21).

To have true spiritual power as God wants us to have, one needs what Pentecostal Christians call "The Baptism in the Holy Spirit". Read more about it here. You must pray and use the Word of God in these last days. People are dying out there. Its time for war.

Seek the Spiritual Power that God Wants to Give

The great need of the church today is Kingdom power. I have known a measure of that power in my life. It is something you experience, and it is something that works. It is not political power, or even the authority to rule over others (that kind of power is different and is not wise for us to seek after it - let God appoint you if He wants to). The spiritual power we should seek is the power to reveal Christ as Savior, Lord and Healer and to influence people to repent. It is the power to defeat demons in their work of defiling human beings with sin and sickness. The Holy Spirit will work powerfully to convict people of sin and lead them to repentance if we let Him convict us and lead us to repentance first. God will give us power to defeat demons if we are willing to obey Him. But what is God actually asking from us?

God wants us to love Him and others. We can express this love in praise and worship towards God, and in acts of mercy and truth towards others. Building on that foundation, we can pray and fast for the revelation of the power of God in and through our lives. Fasting (not eating) is a way to humble ourselves, hear the voice of God and express strong desire towards God. It multiplies the power of our prayers. Fasting was practiced by all the great Bible saints and by the apostles and prophets as well. It is a major key to spiritual power.

God wants us to "eagerly desire spiritual gifts" (1 Corinthians 14:1) - but these gifts only work effectively in the context of the moving of the power of God. Spiritual gifts are helpful to reveal God and bring others closer to Him. They are not given to make us look powerful, clever or important. They are given to glorify Jesus Christ.

Spiritual power is a key to waking up sleeping Christians. It is an essential ingredient in successful evangelism. I challenge all Christians to go after that power that Jesus promised. "You will receive power" after the Holy Spirit comes upon you.

Spiritual Authority

There are at least two kinds of spiritual authority. One is authority over demons, and the other is authority over other people. Every true Christian has authority over demons by walking and speaking "in the name of Jesus". The only time we don't have authority over demons is when for whatever reason, we are somehow submitting to their influence. The best way to avoid this is to practice meditation on the Word of God.

The spiritual authority that goes with leadership in human affairs is a very dangerous thing to covet. God always puts a person through many trials to effectively prepare them to handle this kind of authority. God requires an account regarding the people He gave us authority to lead (Hebrews 13:17-19). Humility comes before exaltation - pride comes before a fall.

If we seek influence or position for ourselves, and use manipulation or other fleshly tactics to obtain it, we are playing with fire, and making a serious mistake. Let God promote you. Whatever influence you obtain through the power of the flesh must be maintained by the power of the flesh. A leader who has been promoted by God is not insecure about his position. A leader who has used manipulation to obtain his position is very often manipulative and controlling in exercising that leadership.

Paul told Timothy not to appoint novices to positions of spiritual authority, lest they become proud and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Even though we may greatly desire to be used by God, it is best to wait upon God and allow Him to call us up higher, rather than trying to promote ourselves. Anyway, high positions carry high responsibilities, and to serve in these positions faithfully requires much sacrifice and suffering. I'm not rushing after these things any more - the only way I will do it is by the clear invitation of God.

Many who are first shall be last, and the last first. Don't seek spiritual authority - seek intimacy of relationship with God. He will then give grace to get through the trials you must endure to carry the spiritual authority you must carry for His glory and not your own.

Michael Roderick