THE POWER OF CHRIST RESTING UPON YOU

THE POWER OF CHRIST RESTING UPON YOU

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 12:9

Key Verse: “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

Supporting Texts: Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:16-20; Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 4:7-10; Zechariah 4:6; Isaiah 40:29-31; Colossians 1:29; Acts 4:31-33; 2 Timothy 1:7

Description: The power of Christ resting upon a believer means living under the sustaining, enabling, and transforming power of Jesus Christ so that His strength is revealed through human weakness.

INTRODUCTION

Paul had experienced extraordinary revelations, yet he also faced a persistent weakness that he called a thorn in the flesh. He prayed three times for its removal, but the Lord answered him with a greater revelation: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul therefore learned to glory in his infirmities because the power of Christ could rest upon him.

The power of Christ is not merely a feeling or an emotional experience. It is the active working of Christ in the life of a believer, enabling us to endure trials, resist temptation, serve God, overcome opposition, and fulfil divine assignments. When human strength reaches its limit, Christ's power remains sufficient.

God does not want us to live entirely by our own strength. He wants us to become vessels through whom His power can be manifested. Our weakness does not disqualify us when we surrender it to Him. Instead, it can become a platform upon which His strength is revealed and His name is glorified.

1. UNDERSTAND THE POWER OF CHRIST

Before we can experience Christ's power, we must understand its source and purpose.

a. Christ Has All Authority (Matthew 28:18) — Jesus declared that all power and authority in heaven and earth had been given to Him.

b. Christ's Power Is Greater Than Human Power (1 Corinthians 1:24) — Christ is the power and wisdom of God, making His power superior to every human resource.

c. Christ Works Through His People (Colossians 1:29) — Paul laboured according to Christ's working, which worked mightily within him.

d. Christ's Power Is For God's Purpose (Acts 1:8) — The Holy Spirit gives power so that believers can become effective witnesses for Christ.

Biblical Example: The disciples were transformed from fearful followers into bold witnesses after the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 2:1-4, 14-41).

2. RECEIVE CHRIST'S POWER THROUGH DEPENDENCE ON HIM

Christ's power becomes evident when we stop depending entirely upon ourselves.

a. Acknowledge Your Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) — Paul recognised that his weakness created an opportunity for Christ's power to rest upon him.

b. Depend On God's Grace (2 Corinthians 12:9) — God's grace provides the strength needed when human ability is insufficient.

c. Abide In Christ (John 15:5) — Jesus taught that without Him we can do nothing of lasting spiritual value.

d. Trust God's Strength (Proverbs 3:5-6) — Dependence upon God requires trusting Him rather than making human understanding the final authority.

Biblical Example: Moses could not fulfil his assignment by his own ability, but God's presence and power enabled him to confront Pharaoh and lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10-12).

3. ALLOW CHRIST'S POWER TO REST UPON YOUR WEAKNESS

God's power is often most clearly displayed when human ability is inadequate.

a. God's Strength Is Made Perfect In Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) — Weakness does not prevent God from working; it can provide a setting for His power to be demonstrated.

b. Do Not Be Ashamed Of Your Limitations (2 Corinthians 12:10) — Paul learned to recognise that his weaknesses could become opportunities for Christ's strength.

c. Treasure Is Carried In Earthen Vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7) — God places His treasure in fragile human vessels so that the excellence of the power may be seen as belonging to Him.

d. God's Power Is Greater Than Your Inadequacy (Ephesians 3:20) — God can accomplish far beyond human expectation according to the power working within us.

Biblical Example: Gideon saw himself as the least in his father's house, but God's presence enabled him to become an instrument of deliverance for Israel (Judges 6:14-16).

4. LET CHRIST'S POWER STRENGTHEN YOU IN TRIALS

The presence of Christ's power does not mean the absence of difficulties. It means that difficulties do not have the final word.

a. You Can Be Pressed Without Being Destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) — Paul described severe pressure but testified that God's sustaining power prevented complete destruction.

b. God Gives Strength To The Weary (Isaiah 40:29) — The Lord gives power to the faint and increases strength to those who have no might.

c. Christ Gives Peace In Trouble (John 16:33) — Jesus warned His disciples about tribulation but assured them of His victory.

d. Grace Sustains You Through Suffering (1 Peter 5:10) — After suffering, God Himself strengthens, establishes, and settles His people.

Biblical Example: Paul and Silas were imprisoned, yet they prayed and sang praises at midnight. Christ's power sustained them until God opened the prison doors (Acts 16:22-26).

5. LET CHRIST'S POWER ENABLE YOU FOR SERVICE

The power of Christ is given not merely for personal benefit but also for effective service.

a. Power Makes You An Effective Witness (Acts 1:8) — The Holy Spirit empowers believers to testify about Christ with boldness.

b. Grace Makes Ministry Possible (1 Corinthians 15:10) — Paul acknowledged that his labour was possible because God's grace worked within him.

c. Christ Works Through Your Labour (Colossians 1:29) — God's servants labour with divine energy rather than relying solely on human effort.

d. Remain Steadfast In Service (1 Corinthians 15:58) — Believers should remain steadfast because their labour in the Lord is not in vain.

Biblical Example: Peter and John boldly proclaimed Christ before the authorities despite their earlier fear, demonstrating the power of God working through ordinary people (Acts 4:8-13).

6. LET CHRIST'S POWER PRODUCE BOLDNESS

The power of Christ gives believers courage to stand for truth even when opposition arises.

a. God Has Not Given You The Spirit Of Fear (2 Timothy 1:7) — God gives power, love, and a sound mind rather than a spirit of fear.

b. Pray For Boldness (Acts 4:29-31) — The early believers asked God for boldness, and the place where they gathered was shaken as they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

c. Do Not Be Ashamed Of Christ (Romans 1:16) — The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, giving believers reason to stand confidently for Christ.

d. Speak God's Word Faithfully (Acts 4:31) — Spirit-empowered believers speak God's Word with boldness.

Biblical Example: Stephen stood boldly before those who opposed him and proclaimed the truth, even when threatened with death (Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-60).

7. LET CHRIST'S POWER TRANSFORM YOUR CHARACTER

The power of Christ should not only produce outward results; it should transform the believer inwardly.

a. Be Strengthened In The Inner Man (Ephesians 3:16) — Paul prayed that believers would be strengthened by God's Spirit in their inner person.

b. Walk In The Spirit (Galatians 5:16) — Dependence upon the Spirit enables believers to resist the desires of the flesh.

c. Put On The Character Of Christ (Colossians 3:12-14) — Believers are called to demonstrate compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and love.

d. Become More Like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18) — As believers behold the glory of the Lord, they are transformed into His likeness.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus encountered Jesus and demonstrated genuine transformation by changing his attitude towards possessions and making restitution (Luke 19:1-10).

8. REMAIN UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF CHRIST'S POWER

Experiencing God's power should lead to continual dependence rather than spiritual pride.

a. Continue In Christ (John 15:4) — Fruitfulness requires continual abiding in Christ.

b. Remain Humble (James 4:6) — God gives grace to the humble but resists the proud.

c. Keep Growing Spiritually (2 Peter 3:18) — Believers must continue growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

d. Give Christ All The Glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) — Whatever we do should ultimately bring glory to God.

Biblical Example: Paul continued to depend upon Christ throughout his ministry and repeatedly acknowledged that God's grace was responsible for his effectiveness (1 Corinthians 15:10).

CONCLUSION

The power of Christ resting upon you is not dependent upon the absence of weakness. Paul discovered that Christ's power could be revealed precisely because he recognised his limitations and depended upon God's grace. The same Christ who strengthened Paul is able to strengthen every believer who surrenders completely to Him.

Therefore, do not run from God because of your weakness. Bring your weakness to Christ and allow His power to work through you. Depend upon His grace, abide in Him, seek His presence, and remain faithful in your assignment. When Christ's power rests upon you, you can endure what would have destroyed you, accomplish what would have been impossible, and bring glory to His name.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, let the power of Christ rest upon my life in a fresh dimension, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to depend completely upon Your grace and strength, in Jesus name.

3. Father, let Your power be revealed in every area of my weakness, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, strengthen me to overcome every trial, pressure, and opposition, in Jesus name.

5. Father, empower me to fulfil every assignment You have given me, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, fill me with boldness to proclaim Your Word without fear, in Jesus name.

7. Father, strengthen my inner man and transform my character into the likeness of Christ, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, deliver me from spiritual pride and teach me to remain dependent upon You, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let Your power make me fruitful and effective in every area of service, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let the power of Christ sustain me until I finish my race and fulfil Your purpose for my life, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. The power of Christ shall rest upon your life in a fresh and mighty dimension.

2. You shall receive divine strength where human strength has failed.

3. Every weakness that has limited your progress shall become an opportunity for the manifestation of God's power.

4. You shall receive grace to overcome every trial, pressure, and opposition.

5. You shall walk in divine boldness and fearlessly proclaim the Word of God.

6. The power of Christ shall make you effective and fruitful in your divine assignment.

7. You shall not be destroyed by the challenges you are facing; God's power shall sustain you.

8. Your inner man shall be strengthened, and your life shall increasingly reflect the character of Christ.

9. You shall remain humble, dependent upon God, and faithful in your service.

10. The power of Christ shall carry you through every season until you fulfil God's purpose for your life.