How does Ephesians 1:19 describe God's power towards believers? The Exact Wording “and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His mighty strength” (Ephesians 1:19) Key Words Unpacked • Surpassing greatness – power that exceeds every imaginable benchmark • Power (dunamis) – dynamic, miracle-working force • Toward us who believe – directed specifically and continually at believers • Working (energeia) – active, effectual operation, never dormant • Mighty strength (ischus + kratos) – raw muscle coupled with dominion authority The Scale of This Power • Identical to the power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:20) • Greater than any earthly or spiritual authority (Ephesians 1:21) • Able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20) • The same Spirit-power that indwells and gives life to our mortal bodies (Romans 8:11) Illustrations from the Rest of Scripture • Creation: “He spoke, and it came to be” (Psalm 33:9) – the spoken word that birthed galaxies is the force now at work in you. • Exodus: The Red Sea parted (Exodus 14:21-22) – impossibility becomes pathway when His power engages. • Pentecost: Ordinary disciples empowered to speak in every language (Acts 2:4-11) – the same dynamic energy fuels your witness today. Why This Matters for Everyday Life • Victory over sin: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). • Courage in weakness: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Hope in suffering: The resurrection power that raised Christ guarantees our future raising and sustains us now (2 Corinthians 4:14-16). • Confidence in prayer: We approach God believing He can act with “surpassing greatness” on our behalf (Ephesians 3:12). Living in the Reality of That Power • Believe the promise—Paul links the power “to us who believe”; faith opens the floodgate. • Walk by the Spirit—yield daily, letting His “energeia” energize every step (Galatians 5:16). • Stand firm in spiritual battle—put on the full armor of God, supplied by His “mighty strength” (Ephesians 6:10-11). • Serve boldly—Paul “struggles with all His energy, which so powerfully works” in him (Colossians 1:29); the same resource fuels your ministry. God’s power toward believers is measureless, living, and actively operational—today, in you. |
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