“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.." Acts 1:8, KJV

He Says I Am... Empowered

During the Lord’s Supper (John 13),Jesus told His disciples that transition was coming. He was going away and would prepare a place for them (John 14). During transition many people fear being abandoned. But Jesus would send the Holy Spirit to empower them in His absence: “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever (John 14:16).” The Greek word for “another” is “allen” which means “another of the same kind.” Just as Jesus showed them the father and His nature, the Holy Spirit would show them Jesus and His nature. It would be as if Jesus, Himself, would be with them to empower and help them. Comforter is also translated Helper. It is the Greek word, parakklatos meaning Advocate, One called alongside to assist. Parakletos refers to an advisor, a legal defender, a mediator, or an intercessor. In Latin it means “to strengthen.” It is a consolation that Jesus has sent someone to empower us as an Advocate, Legal Defender, Mediator, Intercessor, and Strengthener! And the good news is He won’t be with us for just a little while, He will be with us forever (John 14:16)!

Jesus wants to empower us for godly living and to do "greater works" than He did (John14:12-14). Not greater as in better, but greater as in more of the same! We are not born again for fire insurance; we are born again to do the same works which Christ did while on the earth. This is how the Kingdom of God grows and perpetuates itself from generation to generation.

Jesus knew we would need power to do greater works. In Acts 1:8, He said, power (dunamis) will come "after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you." The Greek word for "power" is "dunamis." Dunamis means explosive strength, ability, and power. It's where we get our word, dynamite. One cannot give what one does not possess. You cannot empower, if you do not possess power. This dynamite power is inherent in Jesus. Dunamis can also be translated "mighty works." Acts 10:38, NKJV tells us" How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power(dunamis)..." When Jesus healed the woman with the issue of blood, He said that "virtue" (dunamis) had gone out of Him (Mark5:30; Luke 8:46). Не wrought His mighty miracles by the dunamis of God(Matthew 13:54, 58; 22:29). He lived in supernatural power and desires for us to receive this gift of dynamite power that occurs subsequent to (after)salvation. It is the Baptism with the Holy Ghost. (We will delve into more of this in the next section!) We do not have to live weak, anemic lives. He possesses dynamite power and desires to give us that power to live impactful lives!

When Jesus left the earth, He did not abandon His followers. He empowered them by sending the Holy Spirit to comfort, help, strengthen, defend, mediate for, and intercede for them. But He would also empower them to continue to do the mighty works He did. Daughter of God, you are IN CHRIST who has made you ENOUGH. And one of the greatest things you can receive while IN CHRIST is the empowering gift of the Holy Spirit. He indwells you at salvation. But a greater spiritual transformation and empowering is available. He is empowering and desires to empower His people!

Further Reading: Matthew 13:54, 58; 22:29; Luke 4:14, 36

If you would like to be able to do a complete study of Chapter Nine, order a copy of Enough by contacting Empowered Women's Ministry at empoweredwomen@pcg.org or 817.554.5900 ext. 371. Available also at pcg.org/resources or Amazon.