INTRODUCTION
Divine Empowerment is the Holy Spirit’s dunamis power given to believers to live, serve, and fulfill God’s purpose while Manifestation speaks of the visible proof and operation of that power in our lives.
God has already empowered us, but some things can block, delay, or quench that power from becoming operative and evident in our lives.
SOME MAJOR HINDRANCES TO MANIFESTATION OF DIVINE EMPOWERMENT
1. UNCONFESSED SIN
Every sin must be confessed and repented of.
▪︎ Sin breaks fellowship with God and grieves the Holy Spirit. See Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you.”
▪︎ The Spirit left Samson because of sin (Judges 16:20).
▪︎ The remedy is repentance and cleansing (1John 1:9).
2. UNBELIEF AND DOUBT
Unbelief makes the power of God of no effect in your life.
▪︎ Mark 6:5-6 says “Now He (Jesus) could do no mighty work there (His own country)… And He marveled because of their unbelief.”
▪︎ If you doubt the efficacy of the power in you, it will not manifest as it should.
▪︎ The disciples could not cast out the demon because of little faith (Matthew 17:19-20).
▪︎ The remedy is to ask God to increase your faith (Mark 9:24).
WORLDLY LIVING & CARNALITY
Apostle Paul said that the flesh fights against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17) “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.”
▪︎ He also says in Romans 8:7-8 “The carnal mind is enmity against God”
▪︎ Carnality means a strong focus on the physical needs, desires, and passions of the body rather than on spiritual and mental things.
▪︎ The Corinthians had gifts but were carnal, so the power was limited (See 1 Corinthians 3:1-3).
▪︎ The remedy is to walk in the Spirit daily (Galatians 5:16).
4. DISOBEDIENCE
Disobedience blocks the flow of the Spirit.
▪︎ To obey is better than sacrifice.
▪︎ Saul lost the kingdom because of partial obedience (1 Samuel 15:1-3,9,14-15,22-23)
▪︎ The remedy is prompt obedience, even in small things.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Share a time when you felt the power of God was blocked. What did you think was the cause?
2. How can we create an atmosphere in our home/cell where the Spirit can manifest freely?
Prayer of Consecration
_“Holy Spirit, search me and know me. Remove every hindrance. Fill me afresh for divine fulfillment.”_ _Psalm 139:23-24_
…To be continued.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, forgive me of every sin that has grieved Your Spirit.
2. Lord, break every spirit of fear, doubt and pride in my life.
3. Let every power holding back my manifestation be destroyed in Jesus name.