Abiding in the Prince of Peace | How to Win Your Mental War Sample

Walk empowered by the Spirit

From the beginning to the end of the Bible, the Holy Spirit is at work on behalf of Christ and God the Father. As you grow in your fellowship with God, the Holy Spirit will be there in as much of a role as you allow. He always glorifies God and confirms the Word. He brings conviction, truth, peace, help, strength, guidance, and power for daily living. He helps us in prayer and prays on our behalf. His job description is endless. The Holy Spirit serves to help you experience God. I encourage you to look for the Holy Spirit’s role in your life as you read the Word and pray.

From Genesis to Revelation, the Holy Spirit was an active participant, yet many Christians today have no clue about Him. When Jesus talked about who He was going to send to be another Helper, He meant another one like Him. This person would come alongside believers and fulfill the role that Christ had had in their lives up until that point. This is so very important because he made it clear that He would not leave them orphans or unprepared to fulfill the Great Commission. He gave them everything they needed to abide in Him, mature in their faith, and become successful abiding leaders. It’s not about a destination or goal but a person. 

Don’t you think that Jesus knew what He was doing? He was not making a mistake when He taught the disciples this. If you are going to abide in Christ and encourage others to abide in Christ, you must understand the importance of what Jesus was instituting here.

I love the thought here. Jesus reminded them that there was so much more He could not cram into the brief time He was with them, but that was okay. Jesus was giving them more than an answer book. He was giving them the answer. He was giving them the key to staying connected to the vine. He was giving them the way to abide, the Holy Spirit.

Jesus was saying, “You need what I am giving, and you are going to love Him.” The Greek word translated as “power” is dunamis. The definition is “force,” “miraculous power,” “ability,” “abundance,” “might,” “power,” or “strength.” Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to act as a miraculous power in our lives, that we might lean on His strength to help us move forward into a new, abiding relationship with God as an empowered abider in Christ.

In addition to the dunamis power that Jesus promised, we see other places where the Spirit uniquely empowers us with His presence. (Acts 1:8)

Charis: (empowering) grace, favor, gift (Acts 4:33) 

This speaks to another work of God’s grace that is more than unmerited favor. This is God’s empowerment to walk in obedience and holiness. 

Charisma: (empowering) gift of grace, free (spiritual) gift, ability or power the Holy Spirit gives to the church (1 Corinthians 12:4)

This word refers to the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are given to all believers for the edification of the Body of Christ and the glory of God. Without the giver, you have no gifts. 

Charisma: anointing, unction, something smeared like an ointment (1 John 2:20)

This word is the giving of ability by the Holy Spirit in a moment as needed and directed by Him. 

Throughout the New Testament and church history, we see examples of people who yielded their lives to the Holy Spirit, and signs followed them. Are you yielding to the Holy Spirit? Have you understood and walked with Him and experienced the fruits and gifts? Are you experiencing the fruits of the Holy Spirit in your life? 

Take Away

1. Throughout the New Testament and church history, we see examples of people who yielded their lives to the Holy Spirit, and signs followed them. Are you yielding to the Holy Spirit? Have you understood and walked with Him and experienced the fruits and gifts?

2. Write down a couple of practical steps you can do in the next week that you have learned in this book to win the battlefield of your mind. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct this process.