The Manifestation of God’s Power – Part 3, Through Holy Living
Central Thought: God’s power is manifested through righteous and holy living.
Text: Acts 5:1-11; Romans 6:16-17; Galatians 5:19-23; 1 Peter 1:15-16
In our earlier lessons, we discussed how God’s power is manifested through us in signs, wonders and miracles, and in the way we show love to one another. This concluding lesson on the manifestation of God’s power focuses on manifesting His power through righteous and holy living.
The Lord Jesus conquered/defeated Satan who is the source/originator of sin, through His death and resurrection and anyone who believes in Him experiences victory over sin. At conversion, the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, Romans 8:16, and God’s righteousness is imparted to him and as he keeps following the directions of the Holy Spirit, he (the believer) enjoys a walk with God in holiness. Thus the believer is empowered to live for Him in righteousness and holiness.
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Who is the source of sin?
The source (originator) of sin as revealed in the Bible is the devil. In Genesis 3:1-7, we read of how he introduced sin to humanity and made Adam and Eve to fall from the position God placed them. The Lord Jesus described him as a “murderer from the beginning”, a liar and the father of lies, John 8:44. In Acts 5:3 we read, “But Peter said, Ananias why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost…” It is also written in 1 John 3:8, “He that committeth sin is of the devil: for the devil sinneth from the beginning…” It is clear from the Scriptures that Satan is the source (originator) of sin.
However, the individual has a choice either to obey or disobey him. If a man yields himself to the devil, he becomes a servant of the devil. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”, Romans 6:16.
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Where does the power for Holy Living come from? John 1:12; Acts 1:8; Joel 2:28; Zechariah 4:8
The power to live a holy life does not come from any individual. We understand from Scriptures that, “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23, and that there is none righteous; no not one, Romans 3:1. David also confessed, “…in sin did my mother conceive me”, Psalm 51:5.
The power to live a holy life comes from God. He empowers us to live for Him through the Holy Spirit which comes to live in us when we give our lives to Christ. The Holy Spirit produces in us the character of God (the fruit of the Spirit). See Galatians 5:22-23.
Thus the first step in living a holy life is to give one’s life to the Lord Jesus. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God, John 1:12-13. Thereafter, the believer must train himself in the way of the Lord, Psalm 119:9-11; Proverbs 4:20-22; listening to and yielding to the voice and direction of the Holy Spirit. As we do this, God’s character will be revealed through us to the world and holiness will be manifested in our lifestyle.
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Holy Living will attract persecution. Acts 4:1-3, 5:17-42
It is to be recognized or accepted by the believer that efforts to obey God and walk in holiness may attract persecution or hatred by men. Obviously our refusal to partake in ungodly decisions/actions in our offices, schools, business/market places will make men criticize and/or hate and persecute us. It may lead to denial of promotion/entitlements.
Many believers today do not want to hear of trials/persecutions. The result is that they easily yield to the threats of men. Let us learn from the examples of our forefathers in faith who declare boldly before the Jewish council, “…we ought to obey god rather than men”, Acts 5:29.
While no one prays for persecution, however the believer should willingly go through persecution if it so happens. The Bible declares in 2 Timothy 3:12, “Yea and all that will godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Believers today should be taught and encouraged to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit in us, give us boldness to stand for the Lord even in the face of opposition, threat and persecution.
It is “heartwarming” and delightful to note that God does not abandon His children in times of trials and persecution. Several instances in Scripture attest to this fact. God was with the three Hebrew children in “the burning fiery furnace”, Daniel 3, and brought them out unhurt. He shut the mouths of the lions in the “Lions’ den” and brought Daniel out unhurt, Daniel 6. He was with Joseph in the prison and eventually brought him out to become “next to Pharaoh” or a “Prime Minister” in Egypt where he was a foreigner, Genesis 37-39. He was with the apostles and delivered them from the evil intentions of the Jewish Council (Sanhedrin) in Acts 5:17-42, He was the Paul and saw him through all his trials. At the end of it all, he had liberty to continue to proclaim his faith to all, Acts 28:30-31.
God has assured us that He will give us what to say in moments of opposition. Luke 21:12-15 declares, “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay or resist.”
The believer is assured that the Lord will make a way of escape and deliver His children from the hands of the enemy, 1 Corinthians 10:13.
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What are the benefits of holy living?
There are very many benefits for holy living both in this world and in eternity. A life of holiness gives the believer peace and inner satisfaction that he/she is delightfully doing God’s will. God preserves and protects the individual who chooses the path of holiness. Their prayers may not be hindered. Also the believer who makes holiness his watchword may earn the respect of those around him.
The congregation/local assembly corporately also benefits from an atmosphere of holiness. God’s power is manifested in such congregation and numerical increase may also be witnessed.
Apart from earthly benefits, there are also eternal benefits for a holy lifestyle. A believer who practices holiness in this world will be welcomed into heaven after life on earth, Hebrews 12:14. Such a believer will receive gifts from the Lord which may include crown of righteousness, new name, eating of the tree of life, etc, 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2 and 3.
Daily Living Application:
A believer is called to a life of holiness. We must conduct ourselves in a manner that brings glory to God’s Name. We should not in any way bring reproach to Him by the way we live.
Obedience to God’s word is the key to holy living and holy living is the key to the manifestation of God’s power.
Memory Verse:
1 Peter 1:15-16 – “But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”