"Attributes of God = Omnipotence"
Notes
Transcript
We live in a world that often feels out of control—problems, pressures, and uncertainties everywhere. But the Bible reminds us of a foundational truth:
👉 God is omnipotent—He has all power.
Jeremiah declared:
“Ah Lord GOD!… there is nothing too hard for thee.”
The question is not whether God is powerful—but whether we are trusting His omnipotence.
Proposition - As we continue this morning in our study of the attributes of God we will zoom in on God’s omnipotence today. We will look at three aspects: 1) The foundation of God’s omnipotence, 2) the explanation of God’s omnipotence, and 3) the ramifications of God’s omnipotence.
Interrogative question -How can we actively trust in God's omnipotence during uncertain times in our lives?
1. The Foundation of God’s Omnipotence -
1. The Foundation of God’s Omnipotence -
The Attributes of God, Volume 2: Deeper Into the Father’s Heart (Chapter 4: God’s Omnipotence)
It comes, of course, from omni, meaning “all,” and potent, meaning “able to do and to have power “And so omnipotent means” able to do all and to have all power.” It means having all the potency there is.
The Attributes of God, Volume 2: Deeper Into the Father’s Heart (Chapter 4: God’s Omnipotence)
Then we come to a second word, Almighty, which is also in one of these Scripture passages. Now that means exactly the same thing as omnipotent, only it is from the Anglo-Saxon, while omnipotent is from the Latin. In the Bible, the word Almighty is used fifty-six times and is never used about anyone else but God. In our English Bible the word omnipotent is only used once and it refers to God. And there’s a reason for this. Almighty means “having an infinite and absolute plenitude of power.” When you use the words infinite and absolute you can only be talking about one person—God.
Dogmatic Theology (Omnipotence)
Omnipotence is manifested in the works of the actual creation, but it is not exhausted by them. God could create more than he has, if he pleased. He can do more than he has done, should it be his will. He could have raised up children to Abraham from the stones in the bed of Jordan; he could have sent in aid of the suffering Redeemer twelve legions of angels.
Divine power is limited only by the absurd and self-contradictory. God can do anything that does not imply a logical impossibility. A logical impossibility means that the predicate is contradictory to the subject; for example, a material spirit, a corporeal deity, a sensitive stone, an irrational man, a body without parts or extension, a square triangle. These are not objects of power, and therefore it is really no limitation of divine omnipotence to say that it cannot create them.
Dogmatic Theology (Omnipotence)
The manifestations of divine power are seen
(1) in creation: the peculiar characteristic of this exertion of power is that it originates ex nihilo. The miraculous is the same kind of exercise of omnipotence. The miracle is creative from nothing: “God calls those things which be not, as though they were” (Rom. 4:17; Isa. 44:24; Gen. 1:1).
(2) In providence, by which what has been created is preserved, evolved, and controlled: “Upholding all things by the word of his power” (Heb. 1:3). The omnipotence of God exerted in the act of creation is denominated potentia absoluta. In this instance, there is no use made of anything that is in existence. It is the operation of the first cause alone. Divine omnipotence exerted in providence is called potentia ordinata. In this instance, there is use made of existing things. God in providence employs the constitution and laws of nature which he created for this very purpose. The first cause uses second causes previously originated ex nihilo. God causes the warmth of the atmosphere by the rays of the sun, and not by an exertion of absolute omnipotence. All evolution belongs to the province of God’s potentia ordinata.
(3) In redemption: “Christ is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:24); the gospel is “the power of God” (Rom. 1:16); “Messiah is the arm of the Lord” (Isa. 53:1); Messiah is “the man of your right hand” (Ps. 80:17).
Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (Omnipotence)
God’s omnipotence describes his ability to do anything consistent with his nature.
Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (Scriptural Evidence > Omnipotence)
Scriptural Evidence. Biblical evidence for God’s omnipotence is visible in the following observations:
1. God’s names and titles display his power:
el, elohim (God),
el shaddai (“God Almighty”),
adonai, Yahweh,
Yahweh-tsabaoth (“LORD of hosts”),
“the Mighty One of Israel” (Isa. 1:24),
“King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 19:16),
“the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor. 6:18; cf. Rev. 1:8; 4:8; 11:17), and
“the blessed and only Sovereign” (1 Tim. 6:15).
2. Nothing is too hard for God; nothing is impossible (Gen. 18:14; Job 42:2; Jer. 32:27; Zech. 8:6; Matt. 3:9; 19:26; 26:53; Luke 1:37; 18:27; Eph. 3:20).
3. God does whatever he pleases (Ps. 115:3; Isa. 14:24, 27; 46:10; 55:11; Dan. 4:35).
4. God’s works reveal his omnipotence (Psalms 8; 18; 19; 24; 29; 33; 104):
creation (Genesis 1; Ps. 8:3; Isa. 42:5; 44:24; 45:12, 18; 48:13; Zech. 12:1; Rom. 1:20),
providence (Heb. 1:3), and
redemption (Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:24).
5. Power belongs to God (Pss. 62:11; 96:7; Rev. 4:11; 5:12; 7:12; 19:1).
4952 The right of God’s sovereignty is derived from his omnipotence.
Thomas Hobbes (Philosopher)
It is the glory of Omnipotence to work by improbabilities.
Charles Spurgeon
There are some things which God cannot do, and that because of the very reason of his omnipotence.
Saint Augustine of Hippo
God’s omnipotence means that God is able to do all his holy will.
Wayne Grudem
what can we do without your prayers? They link us with the omnipotence of God. Like the lightning rod, they pierce the clouds and bring down the mighty and mysterious power from on high.—23.445
Charles Spurgeon
It is easy to get black by sin, but remember that it is so hard to get clean that only God’s Omnipotence, in the Person of Christ, could provide a Cleanser for your sins.
The Guilt And The Cleansing, Volume 53, Sermon #3056 - Psalm 51:7
Charles Spurgeon
God’s omniscience, which in the previous section has been attributed to his omnipresence, is now attributed to his omnipotence. God can search man out not only because he sees him, but because he made him.
James Montgomery Boice
Omnipotence means that God is all-powerful and able to do anything consistent with His own nature.
Charles Caldwell Ryrie
Fight on! For God himself is with you; Jehovah Nissi is your banner, and Jehovah Rophi is the healer of your wounds. Fear not, you shall overcome, for who can defeat Omnipotence? Fight on, “looking unto Jesus”
Charles Spurgeon
Divine omnipotence is the doctrine of a revival.
Charles Spurgeon
Faith links me with divinity. Faith clothes me with the power of God. Faith engages on my side the omnipotence of Jehovah. Faith ensures every attribute of God in my defence.
Charles Spurgeon
To contend against Omnipotence is insanity.
An Earnest Entreaty, Volume 63, Sermon #3550 - Psalm 2:12
Charles Spurgeon
There is no greater proof of the omnipotence of God than his longsuffering, for it shows the greatest possible power for God to be able to control himself, to be able to keep in an anger which naturally must boil, and restrain a fury which else must burn.—8.477
Charles Spurgeon
2. The Explanation of God’s Omnipotence -
2. The Explanation of God’s Omnipotence -
God is all-powerful, and He is able to do whatever He wills. His power is limited solely by His character.
God is Omnipotent -
14 “Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”
1 The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The Lord has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.
27 Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”
36 And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.”
37 “For nothing will be impossible with God.”
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
God’s omnipotence cannot be thwarted -
12 “Were He to snatch away, who could restrain Him? Who could say to Him, ‘What are You doing?’
2 “I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
27 “For the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?”
God’s names reveal His omnipotence -
The uniqueness of God’s omnipotence -
6 There is none like You, O Lord; You are great, and great is Your name in might.
God is the Almighty - “the Almighty” is Hebrew “El Shaddai” -
3 “May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples.
11 God also said to him, “I am God Almighty; Be fruitful and multiply; A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, And kings shall come forth from you.
14 and may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man, so that he will release to you your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.”
3 and I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name, Lord, I did not make Myself known to them.
7 “Can you discover the depths of God? Can you discover the limits of the Almighty?
2 “And what is the portion of God from above Or the heritage of the Almighty from on high?
God is the Lord Almighty and God Almighty - “Almighty” in these verses is usually Hebrew “Sabaoth” -
10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.
8 O Lord God of hosts, who is like You, O mighty Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.
16 The portion of Jacob is not like these; For the Maker of all is He, And Israel is the tribe of His inheritance; The Lord of hosts is His name.
18 “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty.
17 saying, “We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.
6 Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.
God is the Mighty One -
24 But his bow remained firm, And his arms were agile, From the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),
22 “The Mighty One, God, the Lord, the Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows, and may Israel itself know. If it was in rebellion, or if in an unfaithful act against the Lord do not save us this day!
1 The Mighty One, God, the Lord, has spoken, And summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
24 Therefore the Lord God of hosts, The Mighty One of Israel, declares, “Ah, I will be relieved of My adversaries And avenge Myself on My foes.
21 A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God.
16 “You will also suck the milk of nations And suck the breast of kings; Then you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
62 And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name.
God’s omnipotence is seen above all in His acts of redemption -
God is powerful to save -
17 “The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.
God shows his omnipotence in the exodus -
9 “And it shall serve as a sign to you on your hand, and as a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth; for with a powerful hand the Lord brought you out of Egypt.
31 When Israel saw the great power which the Lord had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses.
8 but because the Lord loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the Lord brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
26 “I prayed to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord God, do not destroy Your people, even Your inheritance, whom You have redeemed through Your greatness, whom You have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand.
29 ‘Yet they are Your people, even Your inheritance, whom You have brought out by Your great power and Your outstretched arm.’
10 “They are Your servants and Your people whom You redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand.
21 ‘You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and with wonders, and with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm and with great terror;
God shows his omnipotence through the work of Jesus Christ -
24 “But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.
4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,
19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.
God shows His omnipotence through the proclamation of the good news about Jesus Christ -
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.
12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
God’s omnipotence is shown in Jesus Christ’s incarnation -
God’s omnipotence in Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry -
17 One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing.
19 And all the people were trying to touch Him, for power was coming from Him and healing them all.
46 But Jesus said, “Someone did touch Me, for I was aware that power had gone out of Me.”
38 “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
God’s omnipotence in Jesus Christ’s heavenly ministry -
10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by this name this man stands here before you in good health.
4 For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.
16 who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life.
God’s omnipotence seen in Jesus Christ’s second coming -
26 “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.
9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed.
The Holy Spirit exemplifies God’s omnipotence -
8 On the other hand I am filled with power— With the Spirit of the Lord— And with justice and courage To make known to Jacob his rebellious act, Even to Israel his sin.
8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
38 “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.
5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
God’s omnipotence in the world -
God rules the created order -
1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
6 Who establishes the mountains by His strength, Being girded with might;
34 Ascribe strength to God; His majesty is over Israel And His strength is in the skies.
26 Lift up your eyes on high And see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing.
26 He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.
19 Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He said to it, “No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.” And at once the fig tree withered.
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
God’s works are omnipotent -
24 ‘O Lord God, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours?
18 And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.
12 I will meditate on all Your work And muse on Your deeds.
4 One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts.
17 ‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You, 18 who shows lovingkindness to thousands, but repays the iniquity of fathers into the bosom of their children after them, O great and mighty God. The Lord of hosts is His name; 19 great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, giving to everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds;
51 “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
God’s omnipotence in the lives of His children -
God gives His own power to His children -
10 “Those who contend with the Lord will be shattered; Against them He will thunder in the heavens, The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; And He will give strength to His king, And will exalt the horn of His anointed.”
11 “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. 12 “Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.
27 Daniel answered before the king and said, “As for the mystery about which the king has inquired, neither wise men, conjurers, magicians nor diviners are able to declare it to the king. 28 “However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the latter days. This was your dream and the visions in your mind while on your bed.
3 since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. 4 For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
God’s power reaches His purposes in His children’s lives -
4 And He will arise and shepherd His flock In the strength of the Lord, In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God. And they will remain, Because at that time He will be great To the ends of the earth.
28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.
4 In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus,
20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
11 To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power,
God’s power completes His work of salvation in His children’s lives -
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy,
God’s power gives His children inner strength -
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might
16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;
11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously
God’s power is seen through human weakness -
1 Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty That we should look upon Him, Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. 3 He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
4 For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.
God’s power gives help to His children in suffering -
8 “But if you do go, do it, be strong for the battle; yet God will bring you down before the enemy, for God has power to help and to bring down.”
1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
17 “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
7 in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.
God’s Omnipotence is limited only by His character -
God cannot deny himself -
13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
God cannot tolerate evil -
13 Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, And You can not look on wickedness with favor. Why do You look with favor On those who deal treacherously? Why are You silent when the wicked swallow up Those more righteous than they?
God cannot be tempted -
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.
God cannot lie -
19 “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
29 “Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind.”
18 so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us.
Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (What God Cannot Do)
What God Cannot Do. There are things that Scripture says God is unable to do because they would contradict his character or revealed will: repent (like a man) or lie (Num. 23:19; 1 Sam. 15:29; Heb. 6:18); deny himself (2 Tim. 2:13); be tempted (so that he succumbs) (James 1:13); or change in his essence, purposes, or promises (James 1:17; Mal. 3:6).
Correct Distinctions in God’s Power. While recognizing distinctions in God’s power, one must distinguish between faulty and biblical ways of describing them.
Faulty distinction. In the history of thought, many have contended that God has absolute power in the sense that he is able to do anything, including sinning, suffering, dying, changing himself into a stone or animal, changing bread into the body of Christ, making contradictory things, changing the past, and making the true false or the false true. Others have said that God can do only what he wills (ordinate power).
Biblical distinction. Scripture reveals that God in his power is (technically) able to do more than what actually occurs but that his power operates within the context of his will and all his other perfections (Gen. 18:14; Jer. 32:27; Zech. 8:6; Matt. 3:9; 19:26; 26:53; Luke 1:37; 18:27; Eph. 3:20). So the correct distinction in God’s power is that he has a theoretically absolute power to do more than what he actually does but not anything inconsistent with his essence. The only real divine power is God’s “ordinate power,” that is, his ability to do everything that he has decreed he will do. Since God’s decree is the result of all his perfections, then he would only do what he has decreed he will do. Therefore, his ability is confined to what he eternally wills to do.
3. The Ramifications of God’s Omnipotence -
3. The Ramifications of God’s Omnipotence -
The response to God’s omnipotence -
13 Be exalted, O Lord, in Your strength; We will sing and praise Your power.
35 O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!
14 The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.
16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”
Illustration #6: The Strong Foundation
A building is only as secure as its foundation.
👉 Our security rests on God’s unshakable power—not our weak grip.
SO WHAT?
God is never depleted
Your weakness does not limit Him
The One who created all things rules all things
Nothing in your life is beyond His reach
You are not held by your strength—but by His
Rest in His keeping power
Because God is omnipotent:
1. Fear Him
He has absolute authority and power.
2. Trust Him
Nothing is beyond His control.
3. Obey Him
His commands are backed by His power.
4. Rest in Him
You are sustained by His strength.
Final Challenge
Are you limiting God in your thinking?
Are you trusting His power—or your own ability?
