Energized by God's Spirit
Believers can experience the resurrection power of Christ in their lives by appropriating it by faith and walking in resurrection life and power.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that those who maintain unwavering faith will experience the glorious power of Christ's resurrection. He illustrates how Jesus was constantly renewed and energized by the Spirit, demonstrating compassion and strength even in the face of overwhelming crowds and personal weariness. Wilkerson reassures believers that they too have access to this same energizing life through the Holy Spirit, which empowers them to overcome their struggles and live in resurrection power. He encourages the faithful to appropriate this life by faith and to embrace the greatness of Christ in their daily lives.
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Those who hold on in unswerving faith are in for a glorious manifestation of Christ's resurrection power. Only you and the Lord will know all the intimate workings but he will astonish you; he will thrill you; he will show you his glory!
The present greatness of Christ can be summed up in one powerful verse: "In Him was life" (John 1:4). He was -- and is now -- energizing life. Jesus was constantly being renewed as he drew on a secret reservoir that was never depleted. He never wearied of the crowd pressing in on him and his patience never wore thin.
When Jesus called his disciples to come aside for a while to rest, they departed to a quiet place across the lake. The crowds were waiting there too. But not once did he say, "Oh, no! It's that problem bunch again with their silly complaints and dumb questions. Won't it ever end?" Instead, he saw the multitudes and was moved to compassion. He was energized by the Spirit and went to work. And even though he had days of toil and nights of prayers, he still had time for the little children.
In a weary moment, Jesus stopped to rest at a well, but a lost woman needed help and once again he was energized. His disciples found their Master so relaxed, so refreshed! "He said to them, 'I have food to eat of which you do not know'" (John 4:32). That is the secret energy of resurrection life!
Today's believers have been promised the very same energizing life of Christ. "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8:11).
It is clear in Scripture that the Holy Spirit dwells in us to bring forth constant life. God has provided his very energy to come to our mortal bodies and give us physical strength: "And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him" (Colossians 2:13).
Thank God for the present greatness of our Lord Jesus Christ! Appropriate it by faith and walk in resurrection life and power!
Sermon Outline
- The Resurrection Power of Christ
- The Secret to Jesus' Energizing Life
- The Promise of Resurrection Life for Believers
- The Holy Spirit dwells in us to bring forth constant life
- God's energy to give us physical strength and vitality
Key Quotes
“In Him was life” — David Wilkerson
“He was -- and is now -- energizing life” — David Wilkerson
“I have food to eat of which you do not know” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Believers can draw on the secret reservoir of God's power to maintain patience and compassion in the face of challenges.
- The Holy Spirit dwells in us to bring forth constant life and give us physical strength and vitality.
- Appropriate the present greatness of our Lord Jesus Christ by faith and walk in resurrection life and power.