The Power to Function (How Spiritual Power Works)
By Apostle Joshua Selman

Pray:

Father, let there be an evidence in my life, let there be a testimony for my knowing you, my loving you and my serving you.

Psalm 86:17

Gratitude is very important. Psalm 67:7

It is important not to get too familiar with the things that God is doing - as your current realm is someone’s prayer point.

2 Peter 1:3

There are things that pertain unto Godliness - these are matters that deal with your overall spiritual health and progress. Examples: Your knowledge of the word, strength of your prayer life, everything that makes for your spiritual life, progress and efficiency.

Then there are things that pertain unto life - things that must be present in your life, to be efficient and effective as a person as far as your surgeon on earth is concerned. Examples: Finances, welfare/well being of your family… etc.

The bible tells us that the power of God is so vast that it is able to attend to things that pertain unto Godliness and life.

The believer in Christ cannot live the fullness of a life of victory without power.

What is power?

1. Power is the capacity to influence outcome
2. Power is the force that compels compliance
3. Power is the capacity to create and sustain a thing/process

Genesis 1:2 - 4

The ability to divide light from darkness is real power

1 Chronicles 29:11 - 12, Ephesians 1:19

Why do we need spiritual power?

Spiritual power is not limited to those in ministry. Anyone desiring to live the victorious life and or frontier the program of God must need power.

1. To subdue the forces of darkness and unfavourable conditions that fight against our destinies and peace. Psalm 66:3
2. To fulfill our God ordained assignment and advance God’s program on the earth.

   Skill and human abilities can only take us so far. It shouldn’t be downplayed but in a world whose root is from the realm of the spirit, you will need more than skill and intelligence to work in dominion.

   Psalm 127:1

There are keys to accessing and utilizing spiritual power to its fullness.

1. You must identify and connect to the source of all power. Luke 10:10

   In discussing the power of God, classically speaking, there are 3 levels.

   1. The highest dimension of spiritual power is accessed through intimacy.
   2. The second level of spiritual power is accessed through laws, and it doesn’t not depend on knowing him.

      Job 38:33, Philippians 3:10

   3. Covenant alignment - becoming a beneficiary of the spiritual atmosphere of one who understands these laws and is engaging them. For example: Lot.

   Psalm 62:11

2. You must understand the various kinds and expressions of spiritual power alongside a working knowledge of how they operate. This is the missing link in our understanding the theology of spiritual power.

5 Expressions of spiritual power

The power of God doesn’t work generically

1. The power to become - It is responsible for growth, change and transformation. Genesis 1:3-4, John 1:12

   It is the power than is responsible for salvation, the one that turns a student to a master, resurrection power is an expression of this. 1 Chronicles 12:1, Amos 3:12, Luke 1:35, Acts 1:8

2. The power against - This is the manifestation of spiritual power as a defense. It is an expression of God’s power that empowers the believer to resist the operation of demonic spirits, the activities of evil men and to counter satanic operations. Matthew 10:1, Ephesians 6:12

   This is the dimension of spiritual power that is released when you engage in warfare prayers. Activating and releasing this power demands a thorough knowledge of redemption realities, the finished works of Christ, the believer’s authority, alongside a rich and consistent prayer life.

   Satan is attracted to anything and anyone that glorifies God, and he will not leave by default; he must be resisted.

   James 4:7, 1 Timothy 1:18, Matthew 4:1-7, Luke 22:32, James 5:16

   Power against demands knowledge and confidence that is derived from the certainty of the things that you have learnt. Backed up by an extended period of prayer investments.

3. Exemption power - Power over. This is an empowerment to rise above the realm and reach of wicked spirit, territorial forces and man-made limitations. The character of this power is that it exempts and enthrones Luke 10:19, Psalm 18:29, Ephesians 1:19-23

   Working in the experience of this power demands thorough understanding of the word, seasons of strategic warfare and practical ascension through a life of consistent prayer. Daniel 3:25

4. The staying power. This is the ability to endure and survive seasons(particularly negative or unfavourable seasons) until growth occurs or victory is established - the power to wait, endure, and remain.

   If you do not have the staying you will never even survive until the word of God manifests. In the economy of victory, it takes time for victory to manifest. Proverbs 24:10, Isaiah 40:29 - 31, 2 Corinthians 4:8, Mark 4:28, 1 Corinthians 15:48, Psalm 126:6

5. The power to get - the power to obtain. Deuteronomy 8:13 - 18, Psalm 44:3, Ecclesiastes 5:19

   This is a supernatural empowerment that attracts people, conditions and resources to your life. It furthermore empowers your mind to think profitably and birth supernatural solutions. It is the empowerment that makes value and intelligence to deliver. It works in the presence of wisdom, favour, faith, and the prophetic. Psalm 127:2 This is what makes the labour of many profitless John 21:1 - 6

Keys to receiving, activating, maintaining and increasing spiritual power

1. A genuine encounter of with Jesus
2. The ministry of prayer and fasting as a culture, as a lifestyle with revelation and understanding.
3. A thorough and progressive revelation of the mysteries of the kingdom
4. A desire to please the Lord and to bring to pass his agenda for the nations.Acts 1:8, Matthew 10:7, Acts 4:33
5. Impartation from carriers of these graces Romans 1:11, Numbers 27:18 - 19, Deuteronomy 34:9
6. Faithfulness Luke 16:10, Matthew 13:12