Dr. Filimao Chambo

Luke 4:18-20 (NRSV)

Acts 1:1-2, 5 (NRSV)

1. The Role of the Holy Spirit in empowering/anointing Jesus to inaugurate His ministry: The Holy Spirit empowered the radical work of Jesus. (Luke 4:18): "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me..."

- Jesus, empowered by the Spirit, inaugurated a missional work of "release" and "liberation."

- He proclaimed freedom from the bondage of sin and restoration, fulfilling the expectations of Israel's end-time restoration.

2. Three Dimensions of Liberation (release/freedom) According to Luke (Joel Green). (Luke 4:18-19) "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

3. Release from Sins: Jesus grants forgiveness of sins, which is synonymous with God's salvation. For example, Israel's idolatry led to its exile, and its restoration would be contingent on God extending forgiveness to God's people.

- For Luke, release from sins includes Countering Diabolic Oppression: Scenes of exorcism demonstrate Jesus countering demonic oppression and bondage. "This emphasis comes to the fore most obviously in scenes of exorcism, as Jesus expels demons from the demonized, but it is often present, too, in episodes of healing."

- For Luke, release extends into the realm of economics. Economic Liberation goes beyond issues related to wealth and poverty; Jesus' mission obliterates economic enslavement, embracing those on the fringes and inviting them to experience the transformative power of God.

We are invited to participate in God's work/mission, but we cannot accomplish this without God's help. Hence, Jesus said, "…..you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit..." Acts 1:5 and 1:8, He said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you."

The role of the Holy Spirit is to empower/anoint the Church to continue the transformative work initiated by Jesus.

- As followers of Christ today, we are called to embody the same anointing, offering healing in a broken world, and extending the invitation of the Kingdom - empowered by the Holy Spirit.

- What does our ministry/mission empowered by the Holy Spirit look like?

- Release from Sins: to lead people to faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit awakens, illuminates, and convicts the world about sin. Still, our witness in words and praxis, enabled by the Holy Spirit, is a living witness of the power of saving and sanctifying truth found in Jesus Christ alone. Hence, we remain open to the work of the Spirit in our lives to teach and remind us of what Jesus taught and provide continuing guidance as we seek to faithfully interpret the Word of God for our daily walk with Him.

- Countering Diabolic Oppression: Healing.

- Economic Liberation: those on the fringes in need of a Savior.

In Jesus' ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we witness a radical commitment to human transformation.

The Holy Spirit helps us (bestows upon us) the fortitude to shatter the shackles of sin, enabling us to emerge as conduits of healing amidst the multifaceted brokenness that plagues our physical, emotional, and spiritual landscapes. Moreover, the Holy Spirit empowers us to foster reconciliation in our relationships and communities.

We are invited to partner with the Holy Spirit to usher in the Kingdom of God, bringing true freedom in every area of life.

Are you willing to let the Holy Spirit dwell within you to help you carry out God's mission in the world?