KINGDOM DYNAMICS
Mark 1:15 The Holy Spirit, MINISTRY OF THE KINGDOM. Jesus’ ministry did not begin until He received His “anointing” as Messiah—the empowering that came through the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Him (v. 10). Though conceived and born by the Spirit’s power (Luke 1:35) and sinless His whole lifetime (John 8:46), He did not attempt ministry without the Spirit’s power. He insisted John baptize Him, not for repentance, but because He knew the Holy Spirit would come upon Him at that time (Matt. 3:13-17). From that time, He is led of the Spirit (v. 12) and moves into ministry—declaring the presence of God’s kingdom and manifesting its miracles, signs, and wonders (Luke 4:14, 15; Matt. 4:23-25).
This pathway points each believer to the need for power, if kingdom ministry is to be advanced through us—His church. Like Him, we, too, are “born of the Spirit” (John 3:5, 6). Though obviously, our spiritual birth is not as His biological Virgin Birth, the point remains. Spiritual rebirth saves, but spiritual enduement is needed for ministering in kingdom power. Similarly, our justification in Christ—being declared sinless (2 Cor. 5:21)—does not qualify for kingdom power in ministry. In His incarnation Jesus’ Person and perfection exceeded ours in every way, yet Jesus still acknowledged the need for His own receiving of the power of the Holy Spirit to pursue His ministry. What more needs to be said? Let each of us personally hear His command: “Receive the Holy Spirit!” (John 20:22).
Jack W. Hayford, ed., Spirit Filled Life Study Bible, electronic ed. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1997), Mk 1:9.
Shop for Spirit Filled Life Study Bible by Jack Hayford
month of October 2023 Logos Bible Software Discount code MINISTRYTHANKS GET 10% Off 50 12% Off 200 15% OFF 500 |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please only leave comment If you are interested in the topic discussed above. No spam will be tolerated so don't even try to spam my readers.