Not by Word but by Power

that the mountains might quake at your presence— as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil— to make your name known to your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence!

When you did awesome things that we did not look for, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.

From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.

V.1-5 The Apostle continues the theme of the mysterious nature of God’s revelation,

A message conveyed, not by clever speech or impressive academic prowess

Rather, conveyed by the convicting power of the holy spirit.

Review v. 27-29

What spoke to you when you first believed?

Decide to know nothing but Christ. (Not arguments, “right things”) (1 Peter 3:15)

Qualifications of a representative of Christ,

Weakness

Fear, and much trembling

V 6-10

What might have happened if he was not hidden and they knew who Jesus was?

Jesus keeps some of His miracles hidden (Jn 2 Cana)

instructs some not to tell others how they were healed (Mark 8:30, 16:20; Luke 5:14, 9:21)

does not allow himself to be taken as king (Jn 7:6, 8, 30)

taught in parables

Jesus kept the final goal of his own sacrifice on the cross in full view, all the way through his ministry. He would not allow anything to foil the mission.

This helps set our minds at ease when we feel like God is hiding Himself.

When we finally are able to see what God has been doing the whole time, we will give him a standing ovation!

The Word Delievered in Power

GOTO Acts 2:1-8, 37-41.

A transformed Peter preaches a transforming message- conversion

When God cuts man to the heart- Godly sorrow that leads to repentance (2 Cor 7:10)

When is the last time you heard the word of God, through whatever means, so powerfully that things could simply not be the same?