Date: 28-Oct-2024
Name: Simon
Topic: INTIMACY WITH GOD: PART IV - THE SUPERNATURAL LIFESTYLE
Content:
Today, we will uncover the mystery of how intimacy with God fuels our supernatural lifestyle, empowering us to transform lives and shape the world.
Intimacy in our relationship with God unlocks supernatural power, propelling us to impact the world.
Intimacy with God provides the master key to unlock supernatural power, accessing divine resources and authority.
Many Christians shy away from the supernatural realm due to:
Misconceptions and Fear
1. Association with occultism: Some Christians mistakenly link the supernatural realm to occult practices, fearing involvement or contamination.
2. Fear of the unknown: The supernatural can be mysterious and unsettling, leading some to avoid the topic altogether.
3. Misunderstanding of spiritual warfare: Some Christians may feel unequipped or uncomfortable engaging in spiritual battles.
Lack of Teaching and Understanding
1. Limited biblical teaching: Some churches may not emphasize the supernatural aspects of Christianity.
2. Inadequate discipleship: Christians may not receive guidance on navigating
supernatural experiences.
3. Unfamiliarity with spiritual gifts: Some Christians may not understand or know how to operate in spiritual gifts, yet the Bible encourages us to desire to have spiritual gifts.
1Corinthians 12:31 NIV
Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
1Corinthians 14:1 NKJV
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
Cultural and Historical Influences
1. Enlightenment rationalism: Western culture's emphasis on reason and science has led some Christians to downplay the supernatural.
2. Historical abuses: Past misuses of spiritual power or charismatic experiences have created scepticism.
3. Secularism: The separation of church and state has contributed to a decline in discussing the supernatural.
4. Fear of extremes or charismatic excesses.
Key Principles
However, Scripture reminds us:
- Spiritual warfare is real
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
- God's power in us is greater than the enemies influences.
1 John 4:4 KJV
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
- We have been given authority over the enemy.
Jesus gave His disciples the authority empowering them to cast out demons and perform miracles.
Luke 10:19 NIV
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
Cultivating intimacy with God is the foundation of the supernatural lifestyle. It's experiencing His presence, hearing His voice, and living in harmony with His Spirit.
Tree Analogy:
" A tree's strength lies in its roots. Intimacy with God is the root system of our supernatural lifestyle, nourishing and sustaining us. "
Embracing the Supernatural
What does living a supernatural lifestyle mean to a believer, and why is it important to understand and embrace it?
Living a supernatural lifestyle as a believer means embracing and experiencing God's presence, power, and guidance in every aspect of life, beyond the natural or ordinary.
The supernatural is not just an occasional experience; it's a lifestyle.
Intimacy with God Unlocks Supernatural Power
"Deep connection with God releases divine power transforming us into world-changers."
Supporting Scriptures:
John 15:5 - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing."
Prayer :
Lord, I desire a deeper connection with You. Unlock Your supernatural power within me. Father, cultivate intimacy between us, that I may bear fruit and transform my world.
Intimacy Fuels Spiritual Growth and Authority
Closeness in our relationship with God cultivates spiritual maturity, empowering us to live boldly and influence others. It enables us to exercise spiritual authority over the enemy.
Supporting Scriptures:
1. Ephesians 3:16-19 - "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being."
2. Acts 4:13 - "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus."
3. Luke 10:17-20 NLT When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, "Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!" [18] "Yes," he told them, "I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! [19] Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. [20] But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven."
The disciples had seen tremendous results as they ministered in Jesus’ name and with his authority. They were elated by the victories they had witnessed, and Jesus shared their enthusiasm. He helped them get their priorities right, however, by reminding them of their most important victory—that their names were registered in heaven. This honor was more important than any of their accomplishments. As we see God’s wonders at work in and through us, we should not lose sight of the greatest wonder of all—our heavenly citizenship.
Prayer :
"Lord, grow me in spiritual maturity, that I may walk in Your authority."
"Father, fill me with Your Spirit, empowering me to live courageously."
", increase my faith, that I may boldly declare Your goodness and experience victory over the enemies schemes.
Intimacy Inspires Bold Witness and Impact
Abiding in God's presence compels us to share His love and transform our world.
Supporting Scriptures:
1. Matthew 28:18-20 - "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go and make disciples of all nations."
2. Acts 1:8 - "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."
3. 2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Prayer :
"Lord, ignite a passion within me to share Your love with the world."
"Father, use me as a vessel to transform lives and communities."
"Holy Spirit, fill me with boldness and courage to be Your witness.
Reflection:
Intimacy with God is the catalyst for supernatural power, spiritual growth, and impactful living. As we deepen our relationship with Him, we become bold, authoritative, and transformative agents of change in the world.
Positioning ourselves in God's presence through intimacy absorbs divine power and it empowers us to radiate the light of His presence bringing transformation to our world.
Prayer :
Heavenly Father, help me to seek intimacy with You and posision myself in Your presence. Help me to embrace the supernatural way of life. Give me a revelation of Your nature and anoint me for supernatural living. As I yield to the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit, help me to walk in Your supernatural power and presence in every aspect of my life.
Prayer Points:
Prayer :
Lord, I desire a deeper connection with You. Unlock Your supernatural power within me. Father, cultivate intimacy between us, that I may bear fruit and transform my world.
Prayer :
"Lord, grow me in spiritual maturity, that I may walk in Your authority."
"Father, fill me with Your Spirit, empowering me to live courageously."
", increase my faith, that I may boldly declare Your goodness and experience victory over the enemies schemes.
Prayer :
"Lord, ignite a passion within me to share Your love with the world."
"Father, use me as a vessel to transform lives and communities."
"Holy Spirit, fill me with boldness and courage to be Your witness.
Prayer :
Heavenly Father, help me to seek intimacy with You and posision myself in Your presence. Help me to embrace the supernatural way of life. Give me a revelation of Your nature and anoint me for supernatural living. As I yield to the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit, help me to walk in Your supernatural power and presence in every aspect of my life.
