There is something enamouring about power. Whether we speak of power in spiritual, physical, or economic sense, it is a fascinating subject. Seeing that the spiritual holds the rein on every other aspects of life, there is twice as much of interest in spiritual power than any other type. When Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8 offered money to Peter and John in exchange for what they got, it was the lure of power at work. Again, when the sons of Sceva commanded devils to come out of their victim in the name of Jesus whom Paul was proclaiming, they showed their interest in power. Power commands attention. It attracts other benefits like respect, money and grants leeway in many areas of life.

“Power commands attention. It attracts other benefits like respect, money and grants leeway in many areas of life. Laying claim to power without corresponding godly character by anyone is a scam.”

What most people who are interested in spiritual power often overlook is the fact that there is an established path to it. Seeking power before seeking personal holiness is like putting the cart before the horse. Speaking to the Baptist World Congress in 1905, Alexander Maclaren said: ‘’Power for service is second. Power for holiness and character is first’’. The same man had this to say to a group of ministers: “The first, second, and third requisite for our work is personal godliness…’’ Romans 1 is not just an introduction of Paul’s epistle to the Romans, it is also a revealing introduction of Jesus and His ministry. In our text, we see the secret of Jesus’ powerful ministry. It was made possible by the Spirit of holiness. The more we subject ourselves to the Spirit to help us develop personal holiness, the more our chances of walking in God’s power. Laying claim to power without corresponding godly character by anyone is a scam.