Authority Over SinSpeaker: Dr. Paul Dhinakaran Gist: How can we gain authority over sin? It is through the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit descends on us, the rivers of living water spring forth from us, which makes the people around us new creations in Christ. The Lord Jesus not only forgives our sins but also gives us authority over that sin. When we read John 20:22,23, having got all authority, Jesus wrought victory over sin and curse; and before ascending up to heaven, He appeared to His disciples and breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; I give you authority over sin today."
How can we gain authority over sin? It is through the Holy Spirit. The Bible says that Jesus will convict the world of sin (John 16:8). He has dominion over sin. That is why the Lord said, "My children, I shall not only forgive and forget your sins, but I also give you authority over sin as I have it."
In Matthew 9:6, He proves that He has power on earth to forgive sins. When the paralytic man was brought to Him, Jesus understood in a moment that the paralytic's sins were the cause of his disease. He decided to remove the disease which the sin had brought and He said, "Your sins are forgiven you." When his sins were forgiven, He said, "Arise, take up your bed and go to your house." Immediately he was healed, and he took his bed and went to his house joyfully. Jesus can give you that authority only through the filling of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit comes into you, rivers of living water shall arise out of you and would flow among the people (John 7:38).
Many years ago, when I was speaking in a special youth meeting in Coimbatore, a young man was there in the crowd. His friend had said to him, "You wait for me at 10 a.m. We shall go to the morning show at the theatre." So he had been waiting there for a long time, but his friend did not turn up. To pass the time he stepped into the auditorium and listened to the words which I spoke that day. He mocked at every word that I spoke and at the youth who were rejoicing by the filling of the Holy Spirit. During the time of prayer, the Spirit of the Lord descended on every young person there. Everyone glorified the Lord, filled with the Holy Spirit. They shouted and praised God. The Holy Spirit did mighty deeds. Suddenly the Spirit of the Lord descended on that young man too. At that moment, a voice spoke in his heart, "Their lives are clean; but what about yours?" Again and again these words sounded in his heart. Without his knowledge he fell down and lamented, "Lord, forgive me". Nobody could control him even after the meeting was over. Only then, his friend came to take him to the movie. The life of that man turned totally on that day. Today he is mightily serving the Lord.
When the Holy Spirit descends on us, the Lord gives us the authority to forgive sins. From us, the rivers of living water spring forth which removes the sins of the people and makes them new creations in Christ. That is what the Lord does when we minister to Him. Shall we seek the Lord who forgives us? Let us seek His Holy spirit by which we can forgive others' sins and their lives can be changed.
When the Holy Spirit comes in, not only are sins forgiven, but also the curses that sin brings in. We will be transformed. Without the Holy Spirit, no man can forgive sins. The Lord alone can forgive sins and He can work through us by the Holy Spirit.
Dear friend, are you sure that your sins are forgiven? Come to Jesus who has the authority to forgive sins. He will remove your sins, forgive your transgressions and destroy the consequences of sin. He will grant you power over sin. You shall be a blessed person in this world.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
I thank and praise You for the promise of giving me authority over sin, not only mine, but also that of others, through the Holy Spirit. Father, grant me the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Help me to live a life useful to myself and to others. Grant me power over sin. Keep me in the centre of Your will. I bring every word, deed and thought of mine under the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the victorious name of Jesus Christ, I pray.
Amen. |