Prevailing in Life by Jesus Christ

1. This is the Church's Hour of Empowerment 

  - Our true identity as the Church is an active, manifest Church. 

  - We are empowered by Jesus to carry forward His mission. 

  - Promise: When we, as believers fan the altar’s fire through obedience, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against” them (Matthew 16:18).

3. Prevailing in Life

  - Definition of “prevail”is to overcome, reign, succeed, triumph, and win. 

  - Keys to victory: 

    • Ongoing, fervent prayer 

    • Firm identity in Christ 

    • A lifestyle of righteousness 

    • Regular engagement with Scripture 

    • Reliance on the Holy Spirit 

  - True prevailing in Christ flows from prevailing in communion with God. 

  - Biblical examples: 

    • The early Church’s boldness and healing ministry (Acts 3) 

    • Jesus’ promise that obedience and revelation secure the Church against evil (Matthew 16:18).

4. Rising Up in Faith 

  - Prevailing faith refuses to quit and trusts God’s promises despite opposition. 

  - Give thanks to God for every victory, reflect on every good thing he does and has done in your life—how God’s Word has brought fresh insight, boldness, and breakthrough.

5. Walking in God-Given Authority 

  - All believers share in the authority Jesus delegated: “these signs shall follow them” (Mark 16:17–18). 

  - That authority is to be exercised, not merely studied. 

  - The enemy fears our obedience more than our ignorance. 

  - Practical steps: 

    • Humble yourself and resist the devil (James 4:7) 

    • Stand firm in faith 

    • Observe the enemy fleeing 

    • Expand your sphere of influence by repeating small acts of obedience.

6. The Holy Spirit: Person, Power, and Promise 

  - The Holy Spirit is a divine Person—the Parakletos—rather than merely a force. 

  - John 14 says we have “another Comforter”: 

    • John 14:16–17 – “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate… the Spirit of truth.” 

    • John 14:26 – “But the Advocate… the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things…” 

  - Role of the Spirit: make Jesus real, reveal God’s love, empower greater works. 

  - John 16 (John 16:8–13) says He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, judgment, and guides believers into all truth.

7. Sensitivity and Surrender to the Spirit 

  - Don't quench or grieve the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19; Ephesians 4:30). 

  - Yield to His refining fire for purification and holiness. 

  - Evidence of a Spirit-filled life: 

    • Increasing righteousness 

    • Deep hunger for God 

    • Love for and obedience to Scripture

8. Personal Invitation to New Birth and Refilling 

  - Invitation for those who have never trusted Christ to call on Jesus and receive new birth (John 3:3–7). 

  - Encouragement for Spirit-baptized believers to seek fresh infillings—deepening awareness of His presence. 

  - Assurance: simply inviting the Holy Spirit afresh unlocks His counsel and power for daily life.

9. Final charge: embrace the Parakletos fully and expect multiplied testimonies, revival fire, and personal and corporate awakenings for God’s glory.

Scripture References

• Matthew 16:18 (“…and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”) 

• Acts 3 (healing of the lame man; Peter’s bold witness) 

• John 14:16–17, 26 (“…another Advocate… the Holy Spirit…”) 

• John 16:8–13 (convicts the world; guides into all truth) 

• Additional implied references: Mark 16:17–18; James 4:7; John 3:3–7; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Ephesians 4:30