Judges 1—3, Luke 4:1-30 • Key Verse: Luke 4:14

There is nothing wrong with the desire to have the Holy Spirits power in your life. Sadly,
however, teaching on the subject too often strays from biblical truth. In the quest for Holy Spirit
power, many people follow paths paved with emotion rather than doctrine.
There is an interesting sequence surrounding the temptation of Jesus. He was full of the Holy
Spirit and led by the Spirit (v. 1). Filling comes with surrender. Surrender allows the Spirit to
lead. The Spirit- filled believer will be an obedient believer.

In a setting of temptation, He withstood the direct attempts of Satan to get Him to sin. The Spirit-
filled believer also will resist temptation and live a righteous life.

After the temptation Jesus is described as returning to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit” (v. 14).
It is not incidental that “power” is noted after surrender, obedience and resisting temptation.
There is no short circuit to Holy Spirit power. One must start with surrender and proceed with
obedience. Righteousness also is required. A lack of spiritual power is not due to a shortage of
emotion. More often it is a shortage of the Christ like life.
If you want Holy Spirit power, follow the example of Jesus. Do riot start with emotion but with
truth.
To know the power of the Spirit, begin where these verses begin. Ask God to help you follow
these steps.
Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in