Power to Thrive in the Marketplace

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,  in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 

Ephesians 2:1-6

There are powers in the unseen realm. At salvation, we moved from the systems and influences of the world to Christ.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 

Ephesians 1:18-22

God wants us to know the exceeding riches of his power worked in Christ when He was raised from the dead. We were moved to the highest corridor of power. All things are under the feet of the believer.

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Colossians 2:15 

Jesus conquered the principality on the cross and bestowed upon us that same power, which operates within us. The God who cannot lie has seated us in heavenly places. This power is meant for us to thrive in the marketplace, to exert influence and authority

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

Acts 10:38 

How should we thrive?

How are we differentiated from the people of the world? 

We will use Peter’s life to show us the picture of this new life.

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”  “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

Matthew 26:30-35

Peter denied Jesus three times, even though he had sworn that he would never do it. However, in Luke 22:49, Jesus told Peter to wait to receive power 

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 

When He had received the Spirit and power, He stood up boldly, and that preaching of Jesus led to 3000 souls. The first use of the power is to preach Christ, to proclaim His mandate to the whole world. It is to disarm principalities and power.

In Acts 4:19 the powers that be told Peter and John not to preach again, but Peter spoke boldly against them, deciding whether to obey them or God. He could not help but tell of the things Christ had done. The power of the Holy Spirit is to witness in the marketplace, to preach Christ.

Do people know you are a Christian? Are you ashamed like Peter was? Are you a follower of Christ from a distance?

The power we have received makes us bold in the power of Christ. This world needs Jesus. Now is the time to declare him boldly in the marketplace. People are dying, and we have the peace and life of the Word for them. 

How do we do it? Peter used a sword to fight. We do not wage war with the tools of men. We don’t establish the Kingdom with physical means. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. This is a spiritual mandate.

Peter understood this when He received the power. It was by preaching Christ, by sharing the message of love. 

We wage war with the love of God. 

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 

We must instruct in love, in meekness, in patience.

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Romans 2:4 

It is the goodness of God that leads to repentance, and we bring that same virtue to the marketplace.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 

Romans 1:16 

Only the gospel saves; It is the power of God to all that believe. How do we bring God’s influence to the marketplace if we avoid everyone? Jesus did not judge the Samaritan woman but spoke with her,  offering her the water of life contrary to tradition (John 4:4-26).

Paul became all things to all men so that by all means he may win some (1 Corinthians 9:22). Believers ought to do the same. The power we have received is to preach the message of Christ in the marketplace.

You can have fleshly enthusiasm and excitement. It is not the same as faith. After Peter received the Spirit, He met a lame man at the gate (Acts 3:1-9) and spoke in the name of Jesus. 

In conclusion, We have something more than gold. The real thing men need is Christ. Speaking Christ to people is wholeness to them. We should bring Christ into the world we live in and  be His witness by bringing His light, peace, joy and healing everywhere we go.