Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the "Power of God" is a central theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God's supreme authority, strength, and ability to sustain and govern all creation. This power is not only demonstrated through miraculous acts and divine intervention but is also a sustaining force that upholds the universe and the lives of believers.
Scriptural Foundations1.
Creation and Sustenance: The power of God is first revealed in the act of creation.
Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This creative power is further emphasized in
Hebrews 1:3, which declares, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word." Here, the sustaining power of God is attributed to Christ, who maintains the universe by His word.
2.
Divine Sovereignty: God's power is also evident in His sovereign rule over all things.
Psalm 115:3 affirms, "Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases." This verse underscores the absolute authority and freedom of God to act according to His will, unhindered by any external force.
3.
Protection and Deliverance: The power of God is a source of protection and deliverance for His people. In
2 Samuel 22:33, David proclaims, "God is my strong fortress and He makes my way clear." This reflects the belief that God's power is a refuge and strength for those who trust in Him.
4.
Empowerment of Believers: The New Testament reveals that the power of God is not only a cosmic force but also an empowering presence in the lives of believers.
Ephesians 3:20 states, "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." This verse highlights the transformative power of God working within individuals to accomplish His purposes.
5.
Resurrection Power: The ultimate demonstration of God's power is seen in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:4 declares, "and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord." The resurrection is the definitive act of God's power over sin and death, offering hope and assurance of eternal life to believers.
Theological ImplicationsThe power of God, as upheld by His word and will, is foundational to understanding His nature and relationship with creation. It assures believers of His constant presence and ability to intervene in human affairs. This power is not arbitrary but is exercised in accordance with His character, which is holy, just, and loving.
Practical ApplicationsBelievers are called to rely on the power of God in their daily lives, trusting in His ability to sustain, guide, and empower them. This reliance is expressed through prayer, obedience, and faith, recognizing that human strength is insufficient apart from divine enablement. As
Philippians 4:13 affirms, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
In summary, the power of God is a multifaceted concept that encompasses His creative, sustaining, and redemptive work. It is a source of comfort, strength, and hope for believers, assuring them of God's active presence and ultimate authority over all things.
Nave's Topical Index
Psalm 37:17For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholds the righteous.
Nave's Topical IndexIsaiah 41:10
Fear you not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Work, for God Works in You
... everywhere present, there can be no spiritual life but as it is upheld by His ... faith
in God's working in us, the more freely will the power of God work in us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/x work for god works.htm
Comparison of Christ's Power Over Winds and Waves with Moses' ...
... to have remained up to this time in ignorance of what the power of the ... And what sort
of god will that be who helped the lying, and upheld his detractors? ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xx comparison of christs power.htm
The Gift of the Spirit
... power that sustained the patriarchs, that gave Caleb and Joshua faith and courage,
and that made the work of the apostolic church effective, has upheld God's ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 5 the gift of.htm
God's Restraining Power.
... still closed against the Spirit of God, who desires to ... Christian Church itself, the
blessed power of overcoming ... Lord's beneficent rule and order may be upheld? ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xii gods restraining power.htm
The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
... 27). What upheld Daniel in the lion's den? Jonah in the whale's belly? The
three Hebrews in the furnace? Only the power of God. Is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the best things work for.htm
God's Providence
... us that that curse of nature is upheld by a ... against the truth have been used by God
as instruments ... to purify it from human additions, and to exhibit its power. ...
/.../chapter vi gods providence.htm
Paul's Last Letter
... by effort and pure by sacrifice, upheld and strengthened ... The true minister of God
will not shun hardship or ... those who sincerely seek for divine power, he draws ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 49 pauls last letter.htm
Witnessing in Power.
... so should the Christian be linked to His unerring Guide, and be safely upheld. ... in
the Church, is because there is not in them the power that God can use. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/witnessing in power.htm
His Legacy.
... been fed upon His gracious, comforting words and have been strengthened and upheld. ...
same day" the day when He arose, when the mighty power of God opened the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/his legacy.htm
Psalm LIII. (LIV. ).
... involved the inseparable possession of divine power,"yet in ... so that while without
thinking upon God they seek ... against Him, He is saved and upheld, and they ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/psalm liii liv.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about the power of words? | GotQuestions.orgHow much power does Satan possess? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the power of prayer? | GotQuestions.orgPower: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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