4) Power
Jesus Christ came not only to make the abundant life possible, but he also gives us the power to live it by His Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Our power comes from the Holy Spirit who dwells in every believer. John 16:7 says, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” When Jesus ascended into heaven to sit at the Father’s right hand, He sent the Holy Spirit to be our Helper. How amazing! The Holy Spirit helps us – He gives us the power to say ‘No’ to our sin and ‘Yes’ to obeying God. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” And Isaiah 40:29: “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”
- Do you feel powerless and stuck in your sin?
- Are you surrendering every part of your life to be controlled by the Holy Spirit?
- Look to the Holy Spirit to give you His abundant power to live the Christian life.
The Abundant life is one of complete dependence upon our Triune God. And an Abundant Christmas is much the same – it’s a holiday to remind us of our utter helplessness in our sinful condition and God’s abundant pardon, peace, purpose and power that He lavishes on all those who will call on Him in faith. I close with this wonderful promise from Titus 2:11-14. May it be the source of our joy and hope for an abundant Christmas!
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”
Merry Christmas!
