Divine Empowerment
Divine Empowerment12
Emptied to Be Filled
By C.H. Spurgeon02CO 12:9PHP 2:7C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of being emptied of self before God can fill us with His purpose and power. He illustrates that both ministers and teachers must first recognize their inadequacy and weakness, which prepares them for divine use. This process of emptying is essential for receiving God's blessings and effectively serving others. Spurgeon likens this transformation to a dish being cleaned and set aside before being filled with heavenly nourishment. Ultimately, he conveys that true effectiveness in ministry comes from a humble acknowledgment of our limitations.
A Woman's War
By C.H. Spurgeon0JDG 4:9ISA 41:10MAT 28:19ROM 10:141CO 1:272CO 5:20EPH 2:10PHP 4:13HEB 11:321PE 2:9C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the theme of divine empowerment in 'A Woman's War,' illustrating how God chose a woman, Jael, to defeat Sisera, highlighting the inadequacy of Barak's faith. This unusual choice serves to rebuke the slackness of men and demonstrates that God can use anyone, regardless of their societal role, to fulfill His purposes. Spurgeon encourages believers to recognize their potential to impact others for Christ, urging them to welcome those in need and share the gospel's saving message. He reminds us that even the seemingly weak can be instruments of God's glory, and that we should be ready to act in faith. The sermon calls for a response to the gospel, suggesting that today could be the day a sinner finds salvation.
One Look From the Lord!
By C.H. Spurgeon0JDG 6:14PSA 27:1ISA 41:10MAT 28:20ROM 8:311CO 15:58EPH 6:10PHP 4:132TI 1:7HEB 13:5C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the transformative power of the Lord's gaze in his sermon 'One Look From the Lord!', illustrating how God's look at Gideon turned his discouragement into courage. Spurgeon encourages believers to recognize that if their look to the Lord can save them, then the Lord's look at them can empower them for their tasks. He stresses the importance of acting in faith and strength, as God has equipped each believer for their mission. The call to 'Go' signifies that believers should not hesitate but trust in the strength given by God to fulfill their purpose. Ultimately, Spurgeon reassures that with God's command and empowerment, victory is assured in their endeavors.
Stop Trying to Live the Christian Life by Your Own Strength
By Major Ian Thomas1JHN 10:10ROM 8:112CO 12:9GAL 2:20EPH 3:20PHP 4:13COL 1:29COL 2:6TIT 2:121JN 4:4Major Ian Thomas emphasizes that Christians often struggle to live a holy life by relying on their own strength, which leads to frustration and exhaustion. He reminds us that Christ's finished work on the Cross frees us from the penalty, power, and presence of sin, and that we are called to live by faith, allowing Christ to live through us by the Holy Spirit. Instead of striving in our own efforts, we should trust in the divine energy available to us, likening it to having a powerful engine in a car but choosing to push it instead. Thomas encourages believers to embrace the resurrection life of Christ within them and to stop trying to live the Christian life on their own. By doing so, they can overcome sin and live righteously.
Confirming Signs
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 28:18MRK 16:20HEB 2:4A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of divine confirmation in the ministry of evangelism, highlighting that the Church's coldness leads to a denial of the supernatural signs that accompany true faith. He critiques the tendency of believers to rationalize their lack of spiritual power, warning that without God's miraculous aid, efforts in evangelization are futile against the world's strength. Tozer calls for a return to reliance on God's power, asserting that only through divine empowerment can Christians hope to achieve victory in their mission. He concludes with a prayer for God's presence in ministry, recognizing the need for supernatural support.
Precious Faith (1)
By Smith Wigglesworth02PE 1:1Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the importance of 'Like Precious Faith,' urging believers to open themselves to God's greater plans and to receive His blessings without hindrance. He explains that true faith allows us to overcome the world's challenges and that it is through God's righteousness that we can access this faith. Wigglesworth encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with God, reminding them that faith is the key to answered prayers and divine empowerment. He calls for a fresh dedication to God, highlighting that extraordinary faith is available to all who are willing to be transformed by His Word.
I Will Put My Spirit Within You
By A.B. Simpson0JER 32:40ACT 1:8ROM 8:26A.B. Simpson emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives, as stated in Jeremiah 32:40. He highlights the struggle of relying on one's own strength and the need for divine assistance to overcome sin and self. Simpson encourages listeners to seek the presence of God within them, offering rest and empowerment through the Holy Spirit. He reassures that true power comes not from oneself but from the Holy Spirit, which is sufficient for all challenges. The sermon calls for a deep reliance on God's Spirit to lead and guide us in our spiritual journey.
Zechariah 4:6
By Chuck Smith0ISA 40:29HAG 1:4ZEC 4:6JHN 15:5ACT 1:8ROM 8:311CO 2:52CO 12:9EPH 3:20PHP 4:13Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of relying on God's Spirit rather than human strength when facing daunting tasks, such as rebuilding the temple. He discusses the challenges of outside and inside opposition, highlighting the discouragement that can arise when the task seems impossible. Smith reminds us that true strength comes not from our own resources but from the infinite power of the Holy Spirit. He encourages believers to trust in God's provision for personal and communal challenges, asserting that the church's mission is to shine as a light in a dark world. Ultimately, he calls for a shift in focus from human efforts to divine empowerment.
A Human Vehicle of the Divine Life
By Major Ian Thomas0JHN 15:5ROM 8:372CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 3:20PHP 4:13COL 1:271TH 5:24HEB 2:141JN 4:4Major Ian Thomas emphasizes that the call to a righteous life is not a burden of self-effort but a divine enablement through Christ. He explains that by trusting in Christ, believers can experience a supernatural life where God works through them, freeing them from self-distrust and the fear of others' opinions. This divine provision allows Christians to live victoriously, overcoming the struggles of their humanity while being empowered by the life of Christ within them. Ultimately, they become vessels of divine life, embodying true humanity restored through Christ's victory over death.
The Duty of Being Strong
By J.R. Miller0PSA 73:26ISA 40:31MAT 11:28JHN 15:5ROM 8:372CO 12:9EPH 6:10PHP 4:132TI 2:11PE 5:10J.R. Miller emphasizes the duty of being strong, asserting that strength is a moral obligation rather than a mere gift. He acknowledges human weakness but insists that God empowers us to overcome our struggles, urging believers to seek strength through faith and divine connection. Miller illustrates that strength can be found in scripture, through the support of friends, and ultimately through a personal relationship with Christ, who imparts His strength to us. He encourages a mindset that views obstacles as opportunities for growth, reinforcing that true strength comes from trusting in God and living in fellowship with Him. The sermon concludes with the powerful reminder that in our weakness, we can find strength through God's grace.
Wake Up the Lion in You!
By A.W. Tozer0ISA 40:29ZEC 4:6JHN 15:5ROM 8:312CO 3:5EPH 3:20PHP 4:132TI 1:7JAS 4:101PE 5:6A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between Christianity and other religions, asserting that true sufficiency comes from God rather than from within ourselves. He illustrates this by comparing a French poodle's inadequacy against lions, highlighting that mere self-reliance is insufficient to face life's challenges. Tozer argues that while other belief systems encourage individuals to awaken their inner potential, Christianity teaches that we need divine empowerment from the Holy Spirit to overcome obstacles. He calls for believers to recognize their limitations and rely on God's strength instead of their own. The sermon concludes with a prayer for humility and reliance on God's power.
Laboring in the Lord
By A.W. Tozer01CO 15:10COL 1:29A.W. Tozer emphasizes that Christian leaders are not independent agents performing God's work but rather obedient instruments through whom God accomplishes His purposes. He clarifies that while believers are called to labor in the Lord, it is essential to recognize that their efforts are empowered by God's grace and energy. Tozer cites 1 Corinthians 15:58 and Colossians 1:29 to illustrate that true labor in the Lord is not in vain, as it is God who works through us. The sermon encourages believers to fully commit to their calling, understanding that their work is a partnership with God.