Power of God
The Power of God
Introduction: The word “power” refers to influence, energy, or ability. The word used for God’s power in the NT is a strong word that refers to abundant strength, mighty force, or even violence.
We are aware of course that God’s power is ultimately unlimited. Why then do so many churches today seem to have so little of it? Every true church is already equipped to be a powerhouse for God. Even the gates of hell are powerless to overcome it! But whether or not that potential power becomes an active reality is another story. Isaiah 59:1 reminds us that although God’s power has not diminished, our sins can limit its effectiveness. God will simply refuse to unleash it. Let’s do a NT study on this subject looking at what the power of God does, where it comes from, and how to obtain it in our lives.
I. The significance of God’s power (what it does)
A. Saves Rom. 1:16
1. From Satan’s presence Lk. 9:43
2. From sin’s power Mt. 22:29 (cf. Ex. 3:6,15,16); Rom. 1:4; I Cor. 6:14; 15:43; Eph. 1:19,20; Phil. 3:10
3. From self’s performance I Cor. 2:5
B. Strengthens Eph. 3:16
1. In serving Acts 4:33
a. By endowed gifts Rom. 15:19; Eph. 3:7
These are not natural talents but supernatural abilities They will often be granted in areas of natural weak-
ness.
b. By empowering grace I Cor. 2:4,5; II Cor. 6:7; Eph. 3:7,20; I Thes. 1:5
It is only because of God’s grace that any of us have the privilege or power to serve Him. In fact the word “gift” comes from the Greek word for “grace.” The supernatural abilities God has given us to serve Him are products of His grace, and He supplies abundant amounts of that same grace for us to use them.
2. In suffering Rom. 15:13; Col. 1:10,11
God’s power grants hope in the midst of despair, joy in the midst of sorrow, and peace in the midst of turmoil.
God never promised to save us from trials but to give
victory in them (Jn. 16:33; Rom. 8:35-37). This en-
ables us at the point of weakness to become testimonies
of His strength.
C. Secures I Cor. 2:5; I Pet. 1:5
God’s power is staying power. It does not just bring us to salvation but keeps us there.
II. The source of God’s power (where it comes from)
A. God’s persons
1. Father Lk. 22:69; II Cor. 4:6,7
2. Son I Cor. 1:24; II Cor. 12:9
3. Spirit Rom. 15:13,19; I Cor. 2:4,5; Eph. 3:16
B. Gospel preaching Rom. 1:16; I Cor. 1:18
Preaching the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ unleashes the power of God to save and change lives.
III. The securing of God’s power (how to get it)
A. Relinquish your own power II Cor. 4:6,7; 12:9; 13:4
God is a creator, not a completer. When He gives life, it is not just an improvement over what already exists but a re- placement for it. Eternal life follows the death of earthly life (I Cor. 15:50-54). When God grants wisdom, it is not a refining of earthly wisdom, but a replacing of it (I Cor. 1: 19, 20, 25; Ja. 3:13-17). So God’s power is not given to those who see themselves as already strong but just want God to add the finishing touches. It is granted to those who know they have no strength of their own and humbly cast themselves upon God as totally sufficient.
B. Rely upon God’s power Rom. 15:13; Eph. 1:19; I Pet. 1:5
Biblical faith is an abandoning of my own way and provi- sion for God’s way and provision. It is not self-confidence but God-confidence. My trust and dependence is in Him, not myself.
C. Receive God’s Spirit Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:8
Point two made it clear that God’s power resides in all three of His persons. Ultimately, man gets to the Father through the Son (Jn. 14:6; I Tim. 2:5), and he is led to the Son through the Holy Spirit. On the most foundational level, we cannot be filled with the power of God unless we are filled with the Spirit of God.