The demonstration of the Spirit and of power
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: (1 Corinthians 2:4 KJV)
I emphasize the centrality of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God in our ministry. Even more important, I stress the often unknown or misunderstood link between the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, and how the Spirit’s greatest avenue, tool, means or weapon to operate in our lives is the very Word of God. Please reread the verse above again.
Paul says his speech and the message was not with enticing words of empty human teaching but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Pause for a moment and think about what Paul meant. How did Paul demonstrate the Spirit and power? Did he preach to them and then finish his sermon to get into praying or ministering the Spirit to people? Certainly not!
The Amplified Version further clarifies what the Apostle had in mind when he said this:
“And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them]” (1 Corinthians 2:4 AMPC)
As Paul heard him, understood his message and received it, the Holy Spirit moved powerfully in the hearts of the people, convicting, transforming, softening, healing minds or even bodies, etc. The power of the Spirit was set to motion as the people heard the Word of God. Yes, Paul did minister sometimes by handkerchiefs or laying on of hands but that is not what is meant in the verse above.
MEDITATE
Can you see how the Spirit works through the Word above?
APPLY THE WORD
The Spirit is in the Word. May the Lord bring you into encounters with Himself as you read these devotionals or receive the Word in any form.
PRAY
Ask the Spirit to open your understanding to know and experience this truth.
Deshen Live Bible Study
Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power
Our Live Bible Study this week on Thursday at 7pm CST will discuss the critical message in this devotional and how it applies to your life. You can watch us on deshen.tv, Youtube @ Deshen TV or Patrick Oben Ministries on Facebook!
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