Building Your Legacy – Pillar 7 – Power
By Pastor George Lehman
Without God’s Power we will never live a Legacy leaving life.
“God opens doors…but it is your job to walk through them.”
– Joe Pellegrino
There is absolutely nothing holding you back.
1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV) – For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
We have lots of talkers but few walkers.
This a very encouraging verse for all those who belong to the Kingdom of God. We have power available 24/7.
What Power? God’s Power!
First, we have to realize that God is a King and He rules His Kingdom
In God’s Kingdom He is in charge – what He says goes.
When we choose to follow Jesus, we leave our little kingdom where we tried unsuccessfully to control everything.
We have entered a Kingdom where He reigns supreme (Jesus is Lord)
If we are going to build a lasting legacy, we are going to have to rely on the power that is within us.
1 Corinthians 3:16 (Amp) – Do you not know and understand that you [the church] are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells [permanently] in you [collectively and individually]?
NOTE: the “YOU” in this passage is plural (more than one) in the Greek
Paul was speaking to Christians collectively as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Then he says:
1 Corinthians 6:19 (Amp) – Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God, and that you are not your own [property]?
Here he addresses the individual believer.
Not only does the Holy Spirit dwell in the church, as a group of believers but dwells within each individual believer.
We have access to His unlimited power through the Holy Spirit. “Let us use it!”
Romans 8:11 (NIV) – And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
This speaks of a legacy living power filled life, God living through us!
When we come to church it’s because we want to learn how to walk in the Power of almighty God
Christ doesn’t just want to modify our behavior; He wants to *revolutionize our lives.
*change something radically (Afrikaans – Draai / Verandering bring)
Power in the Pillars of our Legacy:
John 14:16 (CEV) – Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you.
We need His Power to pray #1
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) – And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. There is no excuse not to pray.
We need His Power for Purity #2
Philippians 4:8 (NIV) – Finally, brothers and sister, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things
We need His power to change our Persona #3
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) – For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:6 (Amp) – That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flames of, and keep burning) he [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination].
We need His power to establish our Priorities#4
Matthew 6:33 (NIV) – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
We need His Power to Persevere#5
James 1:12 (NIV) – Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
We need His Power to live on Purpose #6.
2Timothy 1:8-9(NIV) – 8So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9He has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.
We need Gods Power #7 if we are going to leave a Godly legacy.
How would your life look differently if you were walking in God’s power in greater ways?
What is stopping you?
Have you settled for just being a Sunday Christian?
One who doesn’t really read the word or seek to live it out in your daily life.
In what areas do you need to wave the white flag and surrender to Jesus and ask for a fresh touch of His power?
Psalms 62:11-12 (NIV) – 11One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God 12and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and “You reward everyone according to what they have done.”
