THURSDAY 16TH MARCH.,2017
TOPIC: THE PRINCIPLES OF POWER
TEXT: John 3:14-15 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life…”
If Christianity is to progress, we must follow the divine way. Christ knew that the world would expand. There are now sixty times more people alive than when he was here. He expected that the entire world would hear his quiet words spoken so long ago in an absolute Roman province, not by normal propaganda methods, but by His power. Because the world hovers between spiritual life and death, utmost consideration must be given to anything that can secure the destines of precious people.
Just as in the wilderness, Jesus was tempted to misuse divine powers when he has been filled with the Holy Spirit…so others are likely to be tempted in the same way. The temptation springs from pride which corrupts our sincere motives for the power gifts and produces flamboyant behaviour and egotistical display. Jesus was tempted by satan to throw himself off the pinnacle of the Temple. One thing to be taken to heart is that the supernatural is not always sensational. We may attract personal admiration by our gifts, but our job is to set people’s eyes on Jesus- the reason for our existence. When Paul and Barnabas were offered worship at Lystra, they were horrified, running among the people to assert that they were not divinities. [see Jn 3:14-15]
“Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he”. Jesus said that this generation seeks a sign, sensation always has a market. We can exploit a situation and use the gifts of God for our own advantage. Uzza died for his presumption in putting his hand upon the ark of testimony. If anyone says, “I would like the gift of healing” or some other gift, the proper response is “Why?” Motive is vital. Be certain your motives are Christ centered. Our job is to set people’s eyes on Jesus.
MEDITATION: John 8:28-32
BIBLE STUDY
Exodus 27; John 6; Proverbs 3; Gal. 2