The Power to Fulfill Our Divine Destiny
Romans 8:26-30
Today we celebrate Pentecost Day, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon 120 disciples that empowered them to fulfill their divine destiny. The result was the birth of the church in power.
Just like the disciples who followed Jesus, we may be ordinary people dealing with various social, physical, emotional, or even spiritual issues. Yet, God has predestined us to be conformed (similar in form, nature or character) to the image of Christ (Rom.8:29), by which we become His instruments for changing the world. That destiny is fulfilled by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Through the working of the Holy Spirit in us, we become more like Christ in three main areas:
1. In Character: just like Christ, Christians need to live righteous and holy lives. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses by praying for us (Rom.8:26), empowering us to overcome temptation (Luke 4:1-2), renewing our minds with God’s Word (Rom.12:2) so we can see and hate sin as Christ does, working in us to change our will and actions to please God (Phil.2:13), and giving us power to put to death the deeds of the flesh (Rom.8:13). Then we can shine the light of Christ in a world darkened by sin.
2. In Power: Christ’s life was characterized by power through the anointing of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38). The Holy Spirit also empowered the previously fearful and weak disciples to preach the gospel for many to be saved, baptized and added to the church (Acts 2:41). By the Holy Spirit’s power, they taught God’s Word to transform believers to become like Christ (Acts 11:24-26). By the same power, they healed the sick, delivered people from demonic attacks, raised the dead, and performed unusual miracles (Acts 19:11-12). Individually and as a church, we can become like Christ in power to share the gospel, teach the Word, and do good works through the Holy Spirit.
3. In Glory: while living righteous and holy lives like Christ, preaching the gospel, teaching for transformation, and doing good works, we would sometimes go through suffering. If Jesus suffered, even though He only did good, so will we also suffer as we become more like Him (John 15:18). But the Holy Spirit gives us power to endure hardships and suffering for the sake of Christ by comforting us, strengthening us, and causing all things to work together for our good (Rom.8:28). We are thereby ushered into glory that surpasses our pain and suffering (Rom. 8:18, 30). Joseph, Daniel and his friends, and our Lord Jesus were all glorified after they suffered for doing the right things that pleased God.
May God pour out His Holy Spirit afresh on us to renew, revive, and empower us to become more like Christ in character, in power, and in glory. We will fulfill our divine destiny by His power. Shalom!