God Has Given Us A Spirit of Power, Love and Sound-Mind

Here's what Paul says to Timothy in 2Timothy 1:7. It says, "The spirit that God gives us does not make us afraid. His spirit is a source of power and love and self-control". So what's the implication here? God has equipped Timothy for the work that He has called him to do. And the Holy Spirit will continue to equip him for that particular purpose. And so that's an encouragement for anyone who feels inadequate and unsure about what it means to be a witness. The Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people like Peter and Timothy and all of us here to do extraordinary things in the lives of others. So we're not just called to believe in the resurrection, we are called to live as it is true by the power of the Spirit.

Here's how we learn in Mizizi(Rooted discipleship pathway). We learn that before Jesus ascended into heaven, after His resurrection, He showed up to his disciples and gave them this new life purpose for their lives. It is written in Matthew 28:19-20, "Therefore, go and make disciples of our nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I've commanded you. And surely, I'm with you always to the very end of age". You see, this commission is not just for pastors or missionaries or leaders or those who feel comfortable talking about God. I'm sure you've probably heard someone say, I'm not just comfortable talking about God. But in God's plan of salvation, in his plan of redemption, Matthew 28:19-20 is a job description for every follower of Jesus Christ. And still, Jesus knew that the disciples would not be able to carry out this mission on their own, and neither can we. The task that Jesus gives is so vast and so important that it can only be fulfilled through the power of the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit will not just help for a moment as Jesus promised. He would stay with all who have received him and provide power from within. That's why you and I need to tap from the Holy Spirit's help. We should be eager and willing and open to ask for help, especially when we are called to communicate God’s message, His love, His hope, and His goodness.

 Going back to John 14:15-17, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit will come and live in His followers forever. And that promise came true on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit was given to everyone, not just the few who were there. And guess what? Once the Holy Spirit is in your life, you will never be the same. Dr. David Kim says this, "Pentecost has altered our lives forever. God has made His home in us, and through the Spirit, we experience God's love intimately. The Spirit makes us a new creation, conforming us into the likeness of Christ in His holiness and righteousness".