In the book of 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul highlights the importance of moving in the power of God through the demonstration of the Spirit. He states that his preaching was not based on enticing words or man’s wisdom but rather on the demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Corinthians 2:4).
[1Co 2:4 KJV] 4 And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
To understand the concept of moving in the power of God, we need to explore the contrasting elements of the demonstration of Spirit and the demonstration of power. In 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul explains that the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every individual for their profit. These manifestations include the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophecy, the discerning of spirits, and different kinds of tongues, as well as the interpretation of tongues.
[1Co 12:7-11 KJV] 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
On one hand, we have the demonstration of power, which includes faith, healing, and miracles. These are visible acts that showcase the supernatural power of God at work. On the other hand, we have the demonstration of the Spirit, which encompasses wisdom, knowledge, prophecy, tongues, and interpretation. These pertain to the revelation and insight given by the Holy Spirit.
[Jhn 10:41 KJV] 41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.
To emphasize the importance of the demonstration of the Spirit, we can look at the example of John the Baptist. Scripture tells us that John did not perform any miracles (John 10:41). However, he played a crucial role in activating Jesus’ miracle ministry through the demonstration of Spirit. John baptized Jesus, and it was at that moment when the Spirit descended upon Him like a dove (John 1:29-33). This event marked the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, characterized by numerous miracles, healings, and supernatural demonstrations of power.
[Jhn 1:29-33 KJV] 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
It is essential to note that there was a 400-year gap between the time of the prophet Malachi and the ministry of John the Baptist. Throughout history, God has worked in 500-year strides, from Malachi to Jesus, from Jesus to the end of persecution, from the end of persecution to Charlemagne, from Charlemagne to Martin Luther, and from Martin Luther to the present day. We are currently living in a significant time of shift in the earth, similar in magnitude to the time of the Reformation.
In Hosea 6:1-3, the Lord speaks of a revival that is yet to come, where He will heal and raise up His people. This revival will be characterized by the former and latter rain, symbolizing the demonstration of Spirit in the Prophetic and the demonstration of power. The Spirit is speaking today and exhorts us to follow on, to pursue a deeper knowledge of the Lord as He comes to us in the outpouring of His Spirit.
[Hos 6:1-3 KJV] 1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. 3 Then shall we know, [if] we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter [and] former rain unto the earth.
The ultimate goal of the Prophetic is not to exalt a prophet but to bring every believer into a place of prophetic intimacy with God. In 1 Corinthians 14:31, Paul instructs that all believers have the potential to prophesy so that all may learn and be comforted. In Numbers 11:29, Moses expressed his desire for all the people to be prophets, experiencing the anointing of the Spirit upon their lives.
[1Co 14:31 KJV] 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
Furthermore, Jeremiah 31:34 prophesies a time when everyone will know the Lord, from the least to the greatest, and they will no longer need to be taught by others. Indeed, 1 John 2:27 assures us that the anointing we have received from God abides in us and is our teacher, leading us into all truth.
[Jer 31:34 KJV] 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
As believers, we need to discern who the prophet is in our lives. In Ephesians 4:7-15, Paul explains that Christ gave certain gifts to the Church, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These gifts are intended for perfecting the saints, the work of the ministry, and the edifying of the body of Christ.
[Eph 4:7-17 KJV] 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Recognizing and honoring the prophets God has placed in our lives is crucial. They serve as spiritual guides, helping us grow and mature in our faith. However, we should also be aware that false prophets and deceptive teachings exist. By speaking the truth in love and growing in our relationship with Christ, we can become grounded in all things and be protected from the deceitfulness of false doctrines.
In conclusion, moving in the power of God is not simply about talking the talk but demonstrating the Spirit and power. The demonstration of Spirit and demonstration of power work hand in hand, with the former providing insight and revelation and the latter showcasing the supernatural works of God. As we enter this significant time of shift in the earth, we are called to pursue a deeper knowledge of the Lord and embrace the former and latter rain – the outpouring of the Spirit and the demonstration of power. Let us follow on, learning from the Prophetic and allowing the anointing within us to teach and lead us into truth.
Deborah Peoples says:
My husband and I so appreciate your ministry and daily glean from it. It is as if the Lord himself is speaking directly to us, every day.. (Especially within the last 2 months as our daughter passed and my husband had a heart attack. We are assured she is with the Lord and my husband survived.) It’s our devotion together every morning and we are encouraged by the prophetic word you speak. This teaching today is also uplifting and all the saints need to hear it. We should all prophesy ant only be ministered to, but minister. Thank you for the time you spend before the Lord in study, meditation, and prayer! Please, be encouraged and never stop. Our Prayers and Blessings are with you.