The Word, Spirit, and Power

Byron Wicker
Byron Wicker
March 27, 2025
Read time
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
- Acts 10:38

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

In the beginning, the Spirit of God hovered over the waters. Then God spoke creation into being (Genesis 1). The Bible’s compelling opening reveals a fundamental truth: God’s power is released when the Word and Spirit unite. The New Testament illustrates this pattern as the Holy Spirit energizes Jesus’ ministry and the early church through prophetic proclamation, miracles, and authoritative preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

I love how R.T. Kendall illustrates this beautiful truth: “We need the sun and the rain to bring beauty and balance to nature. Similarly, we need the Word and the Spirit to know God truly and understand His ways. The Word is like the sun, and the Spirit is like the rain. Without both, things can go awry. It’s been wisely said: ‘All Word and no Spirit, we dry up; all Spirit and no Word, we blow up; but with both Word and Spirit, we grow up.’”

Jesus emphasized this vital truth when He reproached the Sadducees for their disbelief in the supernatural and much of the Bible, telling them they were seriously mistaken because they didn’t understand the Scriptures or God's power (Matthew 22:29). We can never truly know God apart from His Word and His power. Jesus is the Word, and the Holy Spirit reveals God’s power. Without a genuine relationship with the Word and the Holy Spirit, we will possess a form of godliness without its life-changing power (2 Timothy 3:5).

The Holy Spirit not only reveals God’s power, but He also brings forth God’s presence. We are created to be a people of His presence and power. We embrace our identity as “more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37-39) by being rooted in two profound truths: God’s deep, unwavering love for us and His immense power working both within and upon us.

Although the Holy Spirit is always with us, becoming more aware of His presence can strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with Him. The Apostle Peter, quoting King David, emphasized this on the Day of Pentecost: "I have set the Lord continually before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken" (Acts 2:25). Intentionally honoring and respecting the Holy Spirit's presence, guidance, and works anchors us, providing stability even during challenging times.

We must welcome the Word, the Spirit, and His power with open hearts, allowing Him to work freely rather than trying to fit Him into our limited understanding or personal plans. When we attempt to control or manipulate His work, we risk diminishing His influence and suppressing His presence in our lives.

By surrendering to the Word and the Spirit, we experience His transforming presence and power. The Holy Spirit shapes us into Christ’s image, enabling us to reflect His light, share His love, and walk in His truth. Instead of trying to direct Him, let’s yield fully, trusting Him to guide us according to His perfect will.

Many Blessings, BW

Share this post