Written by Pastor Mark Driskill
October 26, 2011

Read Ephesians 4:8

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives and gave gifts to people.”

Too many Christians live in ignorance of the authority and power Christ has already given them. They keep waiting for some grand moment when the Lord will finally make them able to be effective for him. The moment never happens because like the midnight train it has already come and gone and we are standing around waiting in vain. The power you need has already come. The good news is it is still available for you.

Jesus died a cruel death to carry our sins. Then He rose from the dead to conquer the grave and break open the doorway into eternal life. But the miracle of Christ’s work doesn’t stop there. After Jesus’ resurrection, the Bible tells us, that He appeared to his followers over a period of forty days. Then after giving his disciples final instructions, to wait for the promised Holy Spirit to come upon them, He ascended into the heavens and took his place at the right hand of God the father, the place of power and authority. In Jesus’ ascension to this place of power at least two things resulted for the believer, as Paul tells us in today’s verse. Understanding these two things is crucial for any believer who wants to live victoriously as a follower of Christ. What are they?

First, “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives.” Jesus’ ascension to the right hand of God the father sealed forever his victory over the demonic powers of hell. In Colossians we are told that on the cross, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them. When that first drop of sinless blood fell to the ground it may have been silent to human hearing but every demon in hell heard the thunder of its crash to the ground. Like a meteorite from outer space it blasted into the realm of darkness and Satan knew his defeat was sealed. Then as Jesus ascended to the throne and took his rightful place the victory over hell was made final. So what does this have to do with you? It means dear friend, that since you are “seated with Christ in the heavenlies” you live in his authority over sin and death and hell. Satan can tempt and taunt but he cannot have you. He may rail against you and dance over your minor setbacks and failures, but even in your worst moments he can still hear the thunder of that first drop of blood echoing in his dark mind. You live in Jesus authority over sin and Satan.

Second, “He gave gifts to people.” Jesus ascension had to take place before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (John 16:5-7). When he took the throne the Holy Spirit was dispatched into the earth to gift and anoint those who call on the name of Jesus. Jesus had said, “Whoever believes in me, out of his inner most being will flow rivers of living water.” i.e. the Holy Spirit. This is your birthright, yet so many, like Esau, have sold their birthright for the flavor of the month. It must grieve the heart of our Lord to see his children shy away from the gifts of the Spirit, some even picking and choosing which ones they will tolerate in their churches. How it must grieve him to see saints struggling along on their own power, trying to do the work of the gospel with only an outward form of godliness and no power within.

Friend, don’t listen to those who want to tell you which gifts we no longer need, as if God were asking their opinion. These so called experts want to replace God with their own machinations. The gifts and callings of God are without repentance. They have not been repealed, and certainly not been replaced by our human resources. How arrogant to push away the gifts God has lavished on us by His Spirit! Stop trying to be your own god and walk in his power. It is part of your birthright. Receive whatever gift and calling God has given you and let God glorify his name in it. Put away your religious rationalizing and receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has been crucified for our salvation, risen for our justification and has ascended for our sanctification. Part of sanctification is walking in his power and authority. So walk in it today…and every day.

Pastor Mark Driskill
Web Minister of Begotten By the Word web ministry
See our website at http://ourchurch.com/member/b/bbtw
and
www.facebook.com (to group “begotten by the word”)
Begotten By the Word is a ministry of Helping Hands Christian resources-Evangelism Outreach
www.hhcr05.org
(Feel free to copy in any way that will bring glory to God and further his kingdom.)