The Spirit of Power Zechariah 4:6, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: `Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.” Acts 1:8, “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.”

Empowerment for Leadership Joseph interpreted dreams (Gen 41:38) Prophecy was innate to leadership (e.g. Saul, 1 Sam 10:6, 10). Miracles validated the message (2 Ki 2:9, 15; Rom 15:19; 1 Cor 2:4; Heb 2:4). Moses who judged disputes – his power could be transferred to the 70 elders (Num 11:17, 25-29).

Empowerment for Leadership Joshua had military ability (Num 27:18; Deut 34:9). Likewise, Othniel (Jdg 3:10), Gideon (Jdg 6:34), and Jephthah (Jdg 11:29) became a powerful military leaders. While Samson became physically overpowering (Jdg 13:25; 14:6, 19; 15:14). Saul’s righteous indignation was stirred (1 Sam 11:6; cf. Eze 3:14) as part of his leadership.

N.T. Leadership Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit and preached. His message stressed social justice for the oppressed (Lk 4:14, 18). The Apostles adopted his emphasis (Acts 1:8) This brought Jesus joy in the Spirit (Lk 10:21).

N.T. Leadership Church Leaders were empowered by the Spirit for ministry (Acts 6:3, 5; 20:28) And enabled to defend the gospel (Acts 6:10; 11:24; 1 Thess 1:5, 2 Tim 1:14) As well as punish deviants (Ananias, Acts 5:3, 9; Simon Magus, 13:9).

Transfer of Leadership Elijah passed his mantle to Elisha (2 Ki 2:9, 15) Moses transferred leadership to Joshua (Num 11:17, 25-29) Paul/Elders and the elders bestowed spiritual power and gifts on Timothy, 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6)

Empowerment for Edification Bezalel who crafted the tabernacle (Exo 31:3; 35:31) and David was given architectural plans by the Spirit (1 Chr 28:12). Prophecy, Visions, Dreams: One of the characteristics of the last days will be that ALL God’s people will have access to the Spirit and his power (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:17-21), even Exorcizing demons (Mt 12:28).

Empowerment for Relationship Christians are strengthened by the Spirit to comprehend the love of God and live lives of faith (Eph 3:16-19): “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,” “may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

The Spirit Empowered Jesus! Luke 4:14, 18, “Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.… ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed.’”

Luke 10:21, At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.”

Acts 20:28, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”

Acts 6:10, “They could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.” 2 Tim 1:14, “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”

1 Tim 4:14, “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” 2 Tim 1:6, “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”