Topical Bible: Power of God: Have Confidence In

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The concept of having confidence in the power of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the believer's trust in God's omnipotence, sovereignty, and faithfulness. This confidence is not merely an abstract belief but a profound assurance that influences the life and actions of the faithful.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding the power of God and the confidence believers can have in it. In the book of Exodus, God's power is vividly demonstrated through the plagues in Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea, showcasing His ability to deliver His people from bondage (Exodus 14:21-22). The Israelites' journey through the wilderness further illustrates God's power in providing for and protecting His people, as seen in the provision of manna and water from the rock (Exodus 16:4, 17:6).

The Psalms frequently express confidence in God's power. Psalm 46:1-2 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas." This passage highlights the believer's assurance in God's unchanging power amidst life's uncertainties.

Prophetic Assurance

The prophets also affirm the power of God and encourage confidence in His ability to fulfill His promises. Isaiah 40:29-31 states, "He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." This passage reassures believers that God's power is available to sustain and uplift them.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the power of God is most fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The miracles of Jesus, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and calming the storm, demonstrate His divine authority and power (Matthew 8:26-27, John 11:43-44). These acts serve as a testament to His identity as the Son of God and provide a basis for believers' confidence in His power.

The apostle Paul frequently speaks of the power of God in the context of the gospel and the believer's life. In Romans 1:16, he writes, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." This underscores the transformative power of the gospel and the assurance it provides to those who trust in it.

Living in Confidence

Believers are called to live in confidence of God's power, which is at work within them. Ephesians 3:20-21 proclaims, "Now to Him who is able to do infinitely more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." This passage encourages believers to trust in God's ability to accomplish His purposes beyond human understanding.

The power of God is also a source of strength in times of weakness. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul recounts the Lord's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This teaches that God's power is most evident when believers rely on Him rather than their own strength.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that believers can have confidence in the power of God. This confidence is rooted in God's demonstrated faithfulness throughout history, His promises, and His presence in the lives of His people. As believers trust in God's power, they are empowered to live boldly and faithfully, assured of His ability to accomplish His will in and through them.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 20:11
But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... you can believe a promise, and at the same time not have the faith to ... it is the faith
that only God can give . ... do not struggle in the power of the will ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

Library

'Quietness and Confidence'
... To have confidence in God should bring us power to which all other power is as nothing.
He who can feel that his foot is on the rock, how firm he should stand! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/quietness and confidence.htm

The Intercourse of God and his Friend
... We have seen that the fruit of Abraham's faith ... he was called the friend of God.'
This incident ... human friends in its familiarity, mutual confidence, and power. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the intercourse of god and.htm

Confidence in God.
... Let us go to God, then, my soul, in abandonment, and ... are in our way; the more we
have to endure ... ourselves entirely to the wisdom, goodness, and power of our ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/section i confidence in god.htm

Impossible with Man, Possible with God
... Remember what we have said about Peter, his self-confidence, self-power, self-will,
and how he came to deny ... Have you believed that Almighty God is able so ...
/.../murray/absolute surrender/impossible with man possible with.htm

2 Thessalonians iii. 5-Mar
... and, "that ye do and will do the things which we command you," he would have made
them more slothful, by casting everything upon the power of God. ...
/.../homily v 2 thessalonians iii.htm

John iv. 40-43
... of his journey, and thenceforth he is ambitious of appearing not to have exerted
himself ... Not to wait for miracles, nor to seek pledges of the Power of God. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxv john iv 40-43.htm

Peter's Repentance
... Oh, beloved, we have to realize that it is just because ... of that self-life in us that
the power of God ... Do you realize that the great God is longing to double ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/peters repentance.htm

The Power of Prayer
... for a fortnight in the glad tidings you have to tell ... if I were not a believer in
the power of prayer ... would give herself daily to prayer until GOD should answer ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter i the power of.htm

Christ Our Life.
... God as an object of trust, but I must have Christ within as the power to trust ... in
that wonderful story of Paul, the Apostle, the beloved servant of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/vi christ our life.htm

Lord, Teach us to Pray or the Only Teacher.
... Him into the Father's presence, whom He can clothe with power to pray down God's
blessing on ... of another believer who knows what it is to have prayer heard ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/lord teach us to pray/lord teach us to pray.htm