Empowered By His Spirit

[Paul prayed that we may be] “strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power,

for all patience and longsuffering with joy…” Colossians 1:11

By God’s Spirit, ordinary folks have done great things! If you’re not feeling it, consider this. Paul was inspired and empowered to write most of the New Testament. When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans, it was the greatest love letter ever written. To this very day, Bible scholars believe that no letter is more powerful or has more meaning. Why? Simply stated, because Paul penned it through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, but its author is God! All seven thousand, one hundred and eleven words were written by God to you. In its verses, Paul unlocked the doctrine of the gospel of Christ, which is the power of God that saves everyone, whether Jew or Greek. The Word of God is powerful unto salvation.

Although Paul was an average man, he towered above all men when he wrote or spoke. His divine wisdom and insight silenced many and gripped their hearts with fear. Truth always confirms itself, and God’s Word does it repeatedly. We would agree that Paul knew the scriptures and how to use them. Paul used God’s Word to cut to their core with expert precision.

Although Paul confessed that he was not a great communicator, what he communicated was powerful – the message was great. God’s Word has been identified as the most excellent message - ever - because it is living, active, and leads to life. It’s always been the only truth, and when the mountains melt like wax, God’s Word – His truth shall remain. So although Paul was pretty ordinary, like us, his message wasn’t.

What’s the takeaway? What sets believers apart is not so much what we do but primarily what we believe. That, and what we confess or bear witness toward. But watch this. Not only does our belief and confession set us apart, but the power of His Spirit in us sets us apart from all others. When His Spirit moves within us, supernatural things occur. That’s when we love the unlovable and touch the untouchable – just like Jesus. Faith compels us to believe what we can’t see, but trust that we will! No doubt, we are empowered, and people take notice.

Note: This blog and others featuring lessons from the book of Romans are excerpts from

Anne Nicholson’s study in the book of Romans.