Topical Bible: Power of God: Strengthened By

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The concept of being strengthened by the power of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the divine enablement that believers receive to live out their faith and fulfill God's purposes. This empowerment is not merely physical but encompasses spiritual, emotional, and moral strength, allowing believers to overcome challenges and grow in their relationship with God.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the power of God is often depicted as a source of strength for His people. Isaiah 40:29-31 declares, "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 highlights the renewal and vigor that come from relying on God's power.

The account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 illustrates how God's power strengthens the faithful. David, a young shepherd, confronts the giant Goliath not with physical might but with confidence in the Lord's power. In 1 Samuel 17:45 , David proclaims, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." David's victory is a testament to the strength provided by God.

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, the power of God is made manifest through the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' promise to His disciples: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This empowerment is essential for the mission of the Church and the personal spiritual growth of each believer.

The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of being strengthened by God's power. In Ephesians 3:16 , he prays "that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being." This inner strength is crucial for living a life that reflects Christ's love and truth.

Paul also testifies to the sufficiency of God's power in his own life. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , he recounts the Lord's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Paul responds, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." This paradoxical strength in weakness underscores the transformative power of God in the believer's life.

Practical Implications

Believers are encouraged to seek God's strength in their daily lives. Philippians 4:13 affirms, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This verse is a reminder that reliance on God's power is essential for overcoming life's challenges and fulfilling His will.

The power of God is also a source of hope and encouragement. Colossians 1:11 speaks of being "strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully." This strength enables believers to endure trials with patience and joy, reflecting the character of Christ.

In summary, the power of God, as revealed in Scripture, is a dynamic force that strengthens believers to live victoriously, serve faithfully, and grow spiritually. Through the Holy Spirit, this divine power is accessible to all who trust in the Lord, providing the necessary strength to navigate the complexities of life and to fulfill God's purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Nave's Topical Index

Colossians 1:11
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, to all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness;
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

2901. krataioo -- to strengthen
... Cognate: 2901 (from 2904 ) -- to prevail by God's strength, ie as His power over
opposition (). ... NASB Word Usage become strong (2), strengthened (1), strong ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2901.htm - 7k

Library

The Great Power of God
... CHAPTER XIV THE GREAT POWER OF GOD. ... were silenced or banished, there were many of
God's true servants ... many who needed to be comforted and strengthened, for the ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xiv the great power.htm

Strengthened with Might
... me point you still further to the measure of this power. It is limitless with the
boundlessness of God Himself. ... to the riches of His glory to be strengthened.'. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/strengthened with might.htm

Waiting Faith Rewarded and Strengthened by New Revelations
... GENESIS WAITING FAITH REWARDED AND STRENGTHENED BY NEW REVELATIONS. ... Our power cannot
represent God's omnipotence, but our moral perfection may ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture k/waiting faith rewarded and strengthened.htm

Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work
... worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and
increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xii bearing fruit in every.htm

The Spirit of Power
... head, the infused power stiffened his muscles and strengthened him to ... the command
we realise and are conscious of the power. ... for it is God that worketh in you ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the spirit of power.htm

The Secret of Courage
... that he had 'strengthened himself in the Lord his God.' Our 'light affliction which
is but for a moment' leads on to a manifestation of the true power of God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the secret of courage.htm

Knowledge and Obedience.
... all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge
of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/v knowledge and obedience.htm

Written from Rome
... all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge
of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 45 written from rome.htm

Of the Wonderful Power of the Divine Love
... imperfect in virtue, I need to be strengthened and comforted ... all worldly affection,
lest its inward power of vision ... earth, for love was born of God and cannot ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter v of the wonderful.htm

Testimonies. 1. That Christ is the First-Born, and that He is the ...
... strong clouds above the winds, and when He placed the strengthened fountains under ...
3936] That He also is both the wisdom and the power of God, Paul proves ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/testimonies 1 that christ is.htm