What is power?

Power is the ability to do things, whether by strength, skill, resources, or because of authorization by someone. In the Hebrew of the Old Testament and the Greek of the New, there are several different words used for power. What the Bible says about power may be broken into four categories:

1. the unlimited power of God
2. the limited power God gives to his creatures
3. the power of God seen in Jesus Christ
4. the power of God (by the Holy Spirit) in the lives of his people

THE UNLIMITED POWER OF GOD

God is almighty, and all other power comes from him. Much that the Bible says is summed up in the words of 1 Chronicles 29:11-12: “Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD....thou rulest over all. In thy hand are power and might; and in thy hand it is to make great and to give strength to all” (RSV). Using human terms, the Old Testament often speaks of God’s “mighty hand” and his “outstretched arm,” the power of God in action (Exodus 6:6; 7:4; Psalm 44:2-3). His power is seen in creation (Psalm 65:6; Isaiah 40:26; Jeremiah 10:12; 27:5), in his rule over the world (2 Chronicles 20:6), in his acts of salvation and judgment (Exodus 15:6; Deuteronomy 26:8), and in all that he does for his people (Psalm 111:6). The New Testament, as well as the Old Testament, speaks of the mighty power of God. Ephesians 1:19 speaks of the immeasurable greatness of God’s power, and Jesus in Matthew 26:64 even substitutes the word “power” for the very name of God when he said that the Son of Man would be seen “seated at the right hand of Power.”

THE LIMITED POWER GOD GIVES TO HIS CREATURES

Animals have power: the wild ox, the horse, and the lion (Job 39:11, 19; Proverbs 30:30). There is power in wind and storm, thunder and lightning. Power is given to humans: physical strength (Judges 16:5-6), power to fight (6:12), and the power to do good and the power to do harm (Genesis 31:29; Proverbs 3:27; Micah 2:1). Rulers have God-given power and authority (Romans 13:1). The Bible also speaks of the power of angels (2 Peter 2:11) and of spiritual beings known as “principalities and powers.” Certain powers are given to Satan (see Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6). Sin, evil, and death are allowed to have some power over humans (Hosea 13:14; Luke 22:53; Romans 3:9). All of these, however, have only limited power, and God is able to give his people strength to conquer all these powers. He can save them from the power of animals (Daniel 6:27; Luke 10:19) and from the power of other people. To Pilate Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above” (John 19:11). He is able to deliver people from the power of sin and death, from Satan, and from all the spiritual forces of evil (2 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 6:10-18). The “ruler of this world” could ultimately have no power over Christ (John 14:30) and so cannot have power over those who rely on him.

THE POWER OF GOD SEEN IN JESUS CHRIST

The Gospels and the book of Acts bear frequent witness to the power of Christ. Power was shown in his miracles (Matthew 11:20; Acts 2:22), in his works of healing and exorcism (Luke 4:36; 5:17; 6:19; Acts 10:38). Power is shown supremely in his resurrection. Jesus speaks of his power to give up his life and power to take it again (John 10:18), but the New Testament speaks most frequently of the power of God the Father shown in the raising of his Son from the dead (Romans 1:4; Ephesians 1:19-20). In the end he will be seen coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matthew 24:30). On earth, however, he lived and did his mighty works in the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:14; Acts 10:38).

THE POWER OF GOD IN THE LIVES OF HIS PEOPLE

In the Old Testament it is often said that the weak are made strong by the power of God. He empowers those who are weak (Isaiah 40:29) so that they may increase from strength to strength (Psalm 84:7; see also 68:35; 138:3). We read in particular of his power being given to prophets (Micah 3:8) and kings (1 Samuel 2:10; Psalm 21:1), and it is said that in an outstanding way power will be given to the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6; 11:2; Micah 5:4). But power is offered to all God’s people so that they may live for him and serve him (Isaiah 49:5). When we turn to the New Testament, we read of the gospel itself as being the power of God for salvation-to everyone who has faith (Romans 1:16). “To all who received him [Jesus Christ], who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God” (John 1:12, RSV). In that life as children of God, power is received from the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:8), inner strength to live in his service (Ephesians 3:16), power to be his witnesses (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8), power to endure suffering (2 Timothy 1:8), power for ministry (Ephesians 3:7), power in the face of weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), power through prayer (James 5:16), and power to be kept from evil (1 Peter 1:5). Those who do great things in the service of Christ do not do them in their own strength (Acts 3:12); he sent out his disciples confident only that all things are under his authority and that they would have the power of his unfailing presence with them (Matthew 28:18-20).

THE POWER OF GOD

HOW DO WE EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF GOD?

BIBLE READING: Exodus 4:1-17
KEY BIBLE VERSE: The LORD told him, “Take hold of its tail.” So Moses reached out and grabbed it, and it became a shepherd’s staff again. “Perform this sign, and they will believe you,” the LORD told him. “Then they will realize that the LORD, the God of their ancestors-the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob-really has appeared to you.” (Exodus 4:4-5)

WE EXPERIENCE GOD’S POWER IN ORDINARY THINGS

A shepherd’s staff was commonly a three- to six-foot wooden rod with a curved hook at the top. The shepherd used it for walking, guiding his sheep, killing snakes, and many other tasks. Still, it was just a stick. But God used the simple shepherd’s staff Moses carried as a sign to teach him an important lesson. God sometimes takes joy in using ordinary things for extraordinary purposes. What are the ordinary things in your life-your voice, a pen, a hammer, a broom, a musical instrument? While it is easy to assume God can use only special skills, you must not hinder his use of the everyday contributions you can make. Little did Moses imagine the power his simple staff would wield when it became the staff of God.

BIBLE READING: Mark 4:35-41
KEY BIBLE VERSE: He asked them, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still not have faith in me?” And they were filled with awe and said among themselves, “Who is this man, that even the wind and waves obey him?” (Mark 4:40-41)

WE EXPERIENCE GOD’S POWER AS WE TRUST HIM

The disciples panicked because the storm threatened to destroy them all, and Jesus seemed unaware and unconcerned. Theirs was a physical storm, but storms come in other forms. Think about the storms in your life-the situations that cause you great anxiety. Whatever your difficulty, you have two options: You can worry and assume that Jesus no longer cares, or you can resist fear, putting your trust in him. When you feel like panicking, confess your need for God and then trust him to care for you.

BIBLE READING: Mark 5:21-43
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Holding her hand, he said to her, “Get up, little girl!” And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! Her parents were absolutely overwhelmed. (Mark 5:41-42)

WE EXPERIENCE GOD’S POWER THROUGH CHRIST

Jesus not only demonstrated great power; he also showed tremendous compassion. Jesus’ power over nature, evil spirits, and death was motivated by compassion-for a demon-possessed man who lived among tombs, for a diseased woman, and for the family of a dead girl. The rabbis of the day considered such people unclean. Polite society avoided them. But Jesus reached out and helped anyone in need.

BIBLE READING: Acts 1:1-11
KEY BIBLE VERSE: When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

WE EXPERIENCE GOD’S POWER THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT

At Pentecost (2:1-4), the Holy Spirit was made available to all who believe in Jesus. When we receive Christ by faith, the Holy Spirit comes to reside within us. From that moment, the Holy Spirit begins a lifelong process of change, drawing us into a close personal relationship with God and making us more like Christ (Philippians 1:6).

THE POWER OF PERSONS

HOW ARE WE TO VIEW THE USE OF POWER?

BIBLE READING: Esther 10:1-3
KEY BIBLE VERSE: His great achievements and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king had promoted, are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Media and Persia. (Esther 10:2)

HUMAN POWER CAN BE USED TO HELP THE OPPRESSED

Mordecai enjoyed a good reputation among the Jews because he was still their friend when he rose to a place of power. Corruption and abuse of authority often characterize those in power. But power used to lift the fallen and ease the burden of the oppressed is power used well. People placed by God in positions of power or political influence must not turn their back on those in need.

HUMAN POWER IS SUBJECT TO THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD

In the book of Esther, we clearly see God at work in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of a nation. Even when it looks as if the world is in the hands of evil people, God is still in control, protecting those who are his. Although we may not understand everything happening around us, we must trust in God’s protection and retain our integrity by doing what we know is right. Esther, who risked her life appearing before the king, became a hero. Mordecai, who was effectively condemned to death, rose to become the second highest ranking official in the nation. No matter how hopeless our condition, or how much we would like to give up, we need not despair. God is in control of our world.

BIBLE READING: Nahum 3:1-19
KEY BIBLE VERSE: O Assyrian king, your princes lie dead in the dust. Your people are scattered across the mountains. There is no longer a shepherd to gather them together. (Nahum 3:18)

HUMAN POWER IS TEMPORARY

All the nations hated to be ruled by the merciless Assyrians, but the nations wanted to be like Assyria-powerful, wealthy, prestigious-and they courted Assyria’s friendship. In the same way, we don’t like the idea of being ruled harshly, so we do what we can to stay on good terms with a powerful leader. And deep down, we would like to have that kind of power. The thought of being on top can be captivating. But power is seductive, so we should not scheme to get it or hold on to it. Those who lust after power will be powerfully destroyed, as was the mighty Assyrian empire.

BIBLE READING: Matthew 4:1-11
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Next the Devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him the nations of the world and all their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will only kneel down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:8-9)

WORLDLY POWER CAN BE SATAN’S TRAP

Did the devil have the power to give Jesus the kingdoms of the world? Didn’t God, the Creator of the world, have control over these kingdoms? The devil may have been lying about his implied power, or he may have based his offer on his temporary control and free rein over the earth because of humanity’s sinfulness. Satan was tempting Jesus to take the world as a political ruler right then, without carrying out God’s plan to save the world from sin. Satan was trying to distort Jesus’ perspective by making him focus on worldly power and not on God’s plans.

WORLDLY POWER CAN TURN US AWAY FROM GOD

The devil offered the whole world to Jesus-if Jesus would only bow down and worship him. Today the devil offers us the world by trying to entice us with materialism and power. We can resist temptations the same way Jesus did. If you find yourself craving something that the world offers, quote Jesus’ words to the devil: “You must worship the Lord your God; serve only him."

BIBLE READING: James 2:1-13
KEY BIBLE VERSE: My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others? (James 2:1)

WORLDLY POWER CAN VIOLATE KINGDOM VALUES

James condemns acts of favoritism. Often we treat a well-dressed, impressive-looking person better than someone who looks shabby. We do this because we would rather identify with successful people than with apparent failures. The irony, as James reminds us, is that the supposed winners may have gained their impressive lifestyle at our expense. In addition, the rich find it difficult to identify with the Lord Jesus, who came as a humble servant. Are you easily impressed by status, wealth, or fame? Are you partial to the “haves” while ignoring the “have nots"? This attitude is sinful. God views all people as equals, and if he favors anyone, it is the poor and the powerless. We should follow his example.

GOD’S WORD ON POWER

In business, power might mean the authority to hire and fire, the ability to create a successful market strategy, or the resources to buy and sell whole companies. In international politics, power is measured in terms of economic wealth or military might, both of which allow the nations possessing them to influence and control lesser states. The Bible teaches that God’s supreme power is manifest in Creation, demonstrated in his redemptive intervention in the history of his people and, most dramatically, displayed in the power of the Cross and subsequent triumph of the Resurrection. Only in Jesus, says the Bible, is found the power to transform a life for all eternity.

HOW IS THE POWER OF GOD SEEN IN A WORLD WHERE POLITICAL LEADERS HAVE THE POWER TO DESTROY THE PLANET MANY TIMES OVER?

• Psalm 29:3-11 . . . The God of glory thunders. The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.  God’s power is clearly seen in the wonders of creation.
• Psalm 20:6-8 . . . Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the Lord our God.  God’s power is greater than any army.
• Isaiah 45:13 . . . I will raise up Cyrus to fulfill my righteous purpose, and I will guide all his actions.
• John 19:1-11 . . . Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above.”  Earthly rulers and authorities have power only because God has allowed them to exercise it temporarily.
• Romans 8:1-14 . . . The power of the life-giving Spirit . . . has freed me from the law of sin and death.  The power of the Holy Spirit can transform any life for eternity.
• Revelation 1:8 . . . “I am the Alpha and the Omega-the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God . . . “the Almighty One.”
  Only Christ can rightfully claim to be the beginning and end of all things.
• Revelation 4:11 . . . You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power.  To Christ the King alone belong all honor and power.

HOW CAN I HAVE TRUE SPIRITUAL POWER?

• 2 Corinthians 3:5 . . . It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God.  Spiritual power comes from God alone.
• 2 Chronicles 16:9 . . . The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.  God gives strength to those who are fully committed to him.
• John 15:5 . . . “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”  Spiritual power comes from living in fellowship with Jesus Christ.

HOW DOES GOD EXERCISE HIS POWER?

• Psalm 65:6 . . . You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength.
• Jeremiah 10:12 . . . God made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. He has stretched out the heavens by his understanding.
• Hebrews 1:3 . . . The Son . . . sustains the universe by the mighty power of his command.  God exercises his power in creating and sustaining the universe and everything in it.
• Psalm 116:6 . . . The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and then he saved me.  God uses his power to protect those who trust in him.
• Luke 12:5 . . . I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill people and then throw them into hell.  By his power God will carry out his judgment.
• Revelation 20:10 . . . Then the Devil, who betrayed them, was thrown into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.  God by his power has conquered our enemy, the Devil.
• Matthew 9:6 . . . “I, the Son of Man, have the authority on earth to forgive sins.”  God uses his power to forgive sins.
• John 6:44 . . . People can’t come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them from the dead.  God draws people to himself by the power of his Spirit.
• John 10:28-30 . . . “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. So no one can take them from me. The Father and I are one.”  By his power Jesus gives eternal life to his followers.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 . . . Each time he said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. God exercises his power through our weaknesses.

PROMISES FROM GOD:

• Psalm 60:12 . . . With God’s help we will do mighty things.  Only with God’s power can you accomplish great things.
• Psalm 86:9 . . . All the nations . . . will come and bow before you, Lord.  All nations will recognize God’s power.
• Isaiah 40:29 . . . He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. God supplies power to the tired and weak.
• Acts 1:8 . . . When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere . . . to the ends of the earth.  You will receive power from the Holy Spirit.
• 1 Peter 1:5 . . . God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see.

Please stay tuned for more.