Memory Verse: Matthew 26:34– “Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.”
In the natural, a lamp light works when the cord is plug into electricity. In the spiritual, the Holy Ghost gives us power to be faithful to our God. Throughout the scriptures, men and women had good intentions on doing what is right and acceptable to God. As we walk our Christian journey, we learn that it is the power of God that makes all things possible. It is the anointing of the Holy Ghost Power that makes the difference. (Act 17:28; I John 2:20)
In this lesson, we will study that the anointing power that comes from God helps us to do whatever we need to do. Peter is a prime example of how one is before the anointing is manifested. Peter was one of the disciples that were in the inner circle with Christ. He was with Jesus when he healed the lame, cast out demons, at the transfiguration and when he reprimanded the Pharisees and Sadducees for their lack of spiritual understanding. Christ called the twelve disciples to teach them and to make them ready to spread the gospel of salvation. Peter was an impulsive man, but he had tremendous faith and strength, which were manifested after the ascension of Jesus. He was blessed to be present when the Day of a New Era took place, the end of the law and beginning of Holy Ghost Power. (Luke 22:31, 32; Acts 2:1)
Christ had told Peter that before the cock crow three times he would deny him. Peter failed for the same reasons that we fail sometimes. The power to do right and to stand up for Jesus does not come on our own strength. Our strength will fail. That night Peter followed Jesus from a distance. A damsel accused him of being with Jesus. But he denied that he knew what they had spoken of. (Matthew 26:69-70; Isaiah 40:29)
Peter went out into the porch and there another damsel accused him of being with Jesus of Nazareth. Peter’s attitude appeared to be more agitated. He could not bring himself to admit that he knew Christ. The second time, he replied that “I do not know the man”. Peter had just told Jesus hours before that though he should die with him, he will not deny him. I do believe that Peter really thought that he would never deny Christ. We can’t do anything on our own will and strength. Our will must be God’s will. Often, we will find ourselves saying “Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief.” (Matthew 26:71-72; 16:16)
A little later Peter was noticed by others that stood around that night. This time it was his speech that betrayed him. This is his third denial. He was so offended by the accusation that he cursed and swore that “he did not know the man.” (Matthew 26:73-74)
Peter’s life before his conversion is very relevant to us. If we have no Holy Ghost power, we will not be faithful to God. It will be words with no power. To be faithful and to love Christ openly takes power, For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (I Corinthians 4:20)
The Holy Ghost Power is a constant need for the believer in Christ. This power is what sparks the Holy Spirit that abides in us. We need his power to live right. When we set out for specific task, we need power to speak words of hope, to speak healing to the sick. etc. The anointing makes the difference. Often times, we can still find ourselves as Peter was before his conversion, yet we have been converted. Again the will is present, but the strength is not. In Romans 7, Paul wrote “for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” (Romans 7:15-20)
After the third denial, the cock crowed. Peter remembered the words of Jesus and went away and wept bitterly. Thank God for Jesus! Peter was converted. Jesus did not hold that night against him. When Jesus returned for that short period after his resurrection, he openly asked Peter three times did he love Him. Just as Peter denied him thrice, he was given three times to confess Him. (Matthew 26:75)
Peter’s life was never the same after Pentecost. In his first sermon, he proclaimed his knowledge and love for Jesus before many men. Whatever fear or shame he had experienced, it was dissolved with the anointing power. One his greatest sermons’ was with Cornelius. God revealed to Peter that he has no respect of person and that he will accept any nation that fear and work to be righteous. (Acts 10:34-35)
In conclusion, Jesus commands us to ask, seek, and knock. He was not only referring to things that make our life—food, clothing and shelter– more enjoyable. We must ask, seek and knock for spiritual blessings. Pray daily for God’s fresh anointing. We want to do well in all things, seek for his power. He promised to give us the desire of our hearts. Keep knocking for his power. If it is your will to do his will, God will give you what you need to get your task at hand successfully completed. But remember that success is measured by God’s standards. The anointing does make a difference in our lives. Pray for his Holy Ghost Power! “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” (Matthews 7:7- 8; Jude 20)
Pastor Tylvia E. Koromah The Path of Righteousness Church in Christ
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