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With Power Comes Responsibility- A Challenge

D A OLIVA/01/16/2022

Introduction

 A. Last statement in a Spiderman movie was " With great power comes great responsibility."

 1. True spiritually speaking and not only in a make-believe story.

 2. God has given to Christians great power to change the world and along with comes great responsibility

 B. Strategy/ approach in this study/ discussion

 1.Meaning of this spiritual power and the positive and negative effects

 2. Our great responsibility towards this great spiritual power

 3. Challenges to face in 2022 and onwards

Discussion

 A. The meaning of this Great Power- the positive and negative effects

 1. Not a political, financial, or physical power but a Spiritual Power

 2. The Greek word " dynamis" is the source of " dynamo, dynamite and dynamic!"

 3. Positive effects of this power (the gospel of Christ)

 a. It gives eternal life, John 3:16

 b. It turned Saul from persecutor to apostle Paul, I Timothy 1:12-13

 c. Gentiles left their sinful lives and turned to God, Ephesians 2:1-2

 d. It gives spiritual salvation, Mark 16:16

 e. Those saved received the " gift of the Holy Spirit," Acts 2:38; I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19

4. The negative effects of this spiritual power

  a. It destroys sin, pride, false doctrines and evil thoughts, 2 Corinthians 10:5

 b. Eternal Destruction to those who do not obey the gospel, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

 c. Spiritual Death, Romans 6:23

 d. Spiritual Condemnation, Mark 16:16; Romans 8:1

B. Our Great Responsibility Towards This Great Spiritual Power

 1. Know this great power as " knowledge is power!"

   a. Jesus said "You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free," John 8:32

  b. There is need to really "know and experience" this great power

 2. Not to be ashamed of this great power (the gospel of Christ)

 a. Not to be hesitant, reluctant, fearful and unbelieving in preaching the " powerful gospel."

 b. Lead people to Christ through this spiritual power

 c. The example of the Samaritan woman, John 4:39

 d. We must " let our lights shine before men," Matthew 5:16

 e. We must " do good to all men," Galatians 6:10

Conclusion

 A. Challenges towards this great power for 2022 and onwards

 1. As God's children, personally and collectively- be aware of this spiritual power and responsibility

  a. Use our three R's (time, talent and treasure)

  b. Make disciples for Christ and Teach them all His Lessons/ Examples, Matthew 28:19-20

B. Rewards and Punishments

 1. To the obedient- crown of life, Revelation 2:10

 2. To the coward, unbelieving and other sinners- outside of God's city, Revelation 21:8

 3. All men, including Christians, are accountable to God, Ezekiel 3:18; I Peter 4:17

 C. Be a Christian first to fully know this great spiritual power and responsibility

  1.Christ invites you to come to Him, Matthew 11:28-30

  2. Now is the day of salvation, 2 Corinthians 6:2