When we consider the entomology of words, it gives us a deeper sense of understanding. Let’s do that now, as we consider the challenge to empower others, as we seek to serve.
Em - "put in or into, bring to a certain state,"
Power – “the ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way.”
When studying scripture, it is also important to consider the words used in the original language, as sometimes, meaning can be lost in translation.
In Acts 1:8, the early disciples received the following encouragement:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Dunamis is the same word translated “power” throughout the gospels. Power translates dunamis, from which the English word “dynamite” derives. All believers have in them spiritual dynamite for use of gifts, service, fellowship, and witness. (John F. MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary Acts 1-12, p.19.)
The early disciples didn’t just have the ability or capacity. They were given an explosive, radical and positively destructive power. They were given the mission to witness, to give testimony of the good news of Jesus.
Our challenge in our worship this week is to empower others. The example of the Holy Spirit making a radical difference in the lives of those early believers, becomes our challenge too. But the source of our power, our abilities and our strength can be the same power that the early disciples received. The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in our lives, available to all who believe and ask.
We read in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 of the gifts the Holy Spirit gives. We read in Galatians 5 of the fruits of the Spirit. In all of these, just like the early disciples, the Holy Spirit gives up power to serve.
Ask God today to fill you with the Holy Spirit and to empower you to serve.
