Spirit Empowerment
Throughout the Bible, when needed, God gives special abilities to those committed to serving him. The story of Moses and the seventy elders is an early example. It shows that God has acted in special ways among his people throughout history. When Moses had no more patience for rebellious Israel, God instructed him to choose seventy men to assist him (Numbers 11:1–15, 16–17; see also Exodus 18:14–26). Then, God shared the Holy Spirit that Moses had with these men, empowering them for service (Numbers 11:24–25).
God's Spirit-empowered Joshua to succeed Moses (Numbers 27:18; see also Deuteronomy 34:9). During the time of the judges, the Spirit of God helped Israel's leaders. This included:
Othniel (Judges 3:10);
Gideon (Judges 6:34);
Jephthah (Judges 11:29); and
Samson (Judges 13:25; 14:6, 19; 15:14).
King David drew strength from God's presence. His understanding of God's actions in history and his life made him a great leader (for example, 1 Samuel 16:13; 17:45; 18:12, 28). The prophets knew their special work was possible because of the Spirit's presence and power (for example, Isaiah 61:1; Ezekiel 11:5; Zechariah 4:6).
God's Spirit anointed Jesus and empowered for a special mission (see Matthew 12:18; Luke 4:1, 14, 18; John 3:34; Acts 10:38). He spoke about the Spirit's important role in the church (Acts 1:8). The Spirit's arrival allowed the gathered Christians to speak with power on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4–5, 16–18; compare Joel 2:28–29).
After Pentecost, the Spirit gave the church courage and strength (Acts 4:31; 19:6; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 12:1–31; Galatians 3:2–5). The Holy Spirit still remains with God's people today. The Spirit acts as needed to renew and strengthen God's people. He continues to prepare them for the tasks God calls them to do.
Passages for Further Study
Numbers 11:16–30; 24:1–9; 27:18–23; Deuteronomy 34:10–12; Judges 3:9–10; 6:34; 11:29; 14:5–6, 19; 15:14; 1 Samuel 16:13; Psalms 23; 46:1; 94:16–19; 116:1–9; 121:1–8; 143:10–12; Isaiah 61:1; Ezekiel 11:5; Joel 2:28–29; Zechariah 4:6; Matthew 12:18; Luke 4:1, 14, 18; John 3:34; Acts 1:8; 2:4, 16–18; 4:31; 10:38; 19:6; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 12:1–31; Galatians 3:2–5
Passages
Exodus 18:14–26 Numbers 11:1–15 Numbers 11:16–17 Numbers 11:16–30 Numbers 11:24–25 Numbers 24:1–9 Numbers 27:18 Numbers 27:18–23 Deuteronomy 34:9 Deuteronomy 34:10–12 Judges 3:9–10 Judges 3:10 Judges 6:34 Judges 11:29 Judges 13:25 Judges 14:5–6 Judges 14:6 Judges 14:19 Judges 15:14 1 Samuel 16:13 1 Samuel 17:45 1 Samuel 18:12 1 Samuel 18:28 Psalm 23:1–6 Psalm 46:1 Psalm 94:16–19 Psalm 116:1–9 Psalm 121:1–8 Psalm 143:10–12 Isaiah 61:1 Ezekiel 11:5 Joel 2:28–29 Zechariah 4:6 Matthew 12:18 Luke 4:1 Luke 4:14 Luke 4:18 John 3:34 Acts 1:8 Acts 2:4 Acts 2:4–5 Acts 2:16–18 Acts 4:31 Acts 10:38 Acts 19:6 Acts 20:28 1 Corinthians 12:1–31 Galatians 3:2–5