Study #2: ZAYIN
- THE PICTORIAL OF ZAYIN AS A WEAPON
A. AS A KINGLY WEAPON IN THE OLD TESTAMENT.
Yesterday we pictured ZAYIN as a sceptre of the Messianic King.
Since its root word comes from “nourishment or food” , ZAYIN is sometimes equated – not just as a decorative sceptre denoting authority – but as a hunting or warring tool, a weapon of offence befitting a king who satisfies all the needs of his people.
B. AS A SECRET WEAPON ( HOLY SPIRIT ) IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
When we come to the New Testament, we discover that – as born-again believers – we are a “royal priesthood” belonging to a kingdom of kings and priests to serve our Risen Saviour as the Messianic King of kings. And we discover in ZAYIN a wonderful coded revelation of the Holy Spirit – as our secret weapon in spiritual warfare.
His power was first given in Acts 1:8 – ” You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”.
Here is a short summary of His empowerment available to us for a lifetime.
1. His power comes at salvation.
Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 1:21- 22 that Jesus “anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come”.
2. His power comes with obedience.
If we give in to the flesh, then we are powerless in the fight against sin.But if we walk in obedience to God’s commands, we are empowered with the fruit of the Spirit i.e. with love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness and goodness, faithfulness , gentleness, and self-control ( Gal.5; 22-23 ).
3. His power is available for witnessing
We have:
- conviction to speak out for Christ.
- courage to speak up for Christ
- confidence to speak about Christ
- capacity to speak for Christ
4. His power helps us understand and remember the Bible
5. His power for service.
We are empowered with ” spiritual” gifts – divine enablements to be used ” for the common good” (1Cor.12:7 ).
Father God, we have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to successfully accomplish Your work. This power was given for spiritual purposes to obedient believers. On our own, we are weak and inadequate. Help us to rely on the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He is truly our secret weapon in the good fight of faith.
