In Second Timothy 3, the Apostle Paul lists the lifestyles that will disqualify us from heaven. These are the significant infractions before the Lord. The list ends by stating: “having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” 2 Timothy 3:5 (NIV).
The word “Denying” is the Greek word arnéomai; meaning “To refuse or to reject…”[1] The word “Power” is the Greek word dúnamis; meaning “To be able or capable, especially achieving power.”[2]
Paul vividly describes those who deny or reject God’s power as a great offense that questions God’s capability. The Power of God is evident throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. Yet, we often fail to see this power manifest in our gatherings.
Paul understood God’s desire to manifest His power; however, we have been satisfied with preaching and teaching ONLY. We have substituted God’s presence with stages, smoke, lights, and big-screen TVs. We programmed and timed our gatherings; the focus became the speaker’s revelation and knowledge. We must preach and teach the Word, but our gatherings are incomplete without manifesting the Power of God.
Repeatedly, we have quenched the Holy Ghost, failing to let Him in. We have forgotten that Jesus left Him to guide us into all truth, teach us, and bear His fruit. Our gatherings must be filled with His gifts to edify His church. How arrogant it is for us to show up on our own, display our excellent knowledge, and abandon God’s power to transform.
“because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction…” I Thessalonians 1:5 (NIV)
Here, we see four elements that MUST be present in our gatherings:
- The Word of God
- The Power of God
- The Manifested presence of the Holy Ghost.
- Deep conviction.
But we have been satisfied with “just words” that often focus on the preacher but take our attention away from God. Where is God’s power? Where is the Holy Ghost? Do we even make room for HIM? And where is the deep conviction of sin? Where is the conviction that provokes and inspires us to surrender and change?
“I hold against you, your arrogance and your constant quenching of my Spirit,…” says the Lord. “I hold this against you, who mislead my people into charismatic movements, ignoring the authority of my Word. Seek the revelation of my Word and seek the manifestation of my power so my people turn from their wicked ways. I am destroying your traditions; they are an annoyance before me. This is the hour when I will pour out my Spirit and stop the artificial religion. … – and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God. – (2 Chronicles 5:14) I will paralyze you ministers who control the gatherings of my people; I will stop your programs and the order of service… I will manifest my power; my Shekinah Glory will interrupt your foolishness; my power will be evident in the gatherings of my people.”
[1] Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000).
[2] Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000).
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