Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of God's power as the ultimate source of strength is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the omnipotence of God and His ability to empower His people. This divine strength is not merely physical but encompasses spiritual, emotional, and moral fortitude, enabling believers to overcome challenges and fulfill God's purposes.
Old Testament FoundationsThe Old Testament frequently highlights God's power as the foundation of strength for His people. In
Exodus 15:2, Moses and the Israelites sing, "The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him." This verse underscores the deliverance from Egypt as a demonstration of God's mighty power, which becomes the source of strength and salvation for His people.
In the Psalms, David often acknowledges God as his strength.
Psalm 28:7 states, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I will thank Him with my song." Here, the psalmist recognizes that reliance on God's power brings protection and joy.
Isaiah 40:29-31 further illustrates this theme: "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 those who trust in Him, providing renewed strength beyond human limitations.
New Testament RevelationThe New Testament continues to affirm that God's power is the source of all strength, particularly through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In
Philippians 4:13, the Apostle Paul declares, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This verse encapsulates the belief that Christ's power enables believers to endure and accomplish all things according to God's will.
Ephesians 6:10 exhorts believers to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." This instruction precedes the description of the armor of God, emphasizing that spiritual strength and protection come from God's power, not human effort.
The Apostle Paul also speaks of God's power in
2 Corinthians 12:9, where he recounts God's response to his plea for relief from a "thorn in the flesh": "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." This passage highlights the paradox that God's power is most evident in human weakness, demonstrating that true strength comes from reliance on Him.
Theological ImplicationsThe power of God as the source of all strength has profound theological implications. It underscores the sovereignty of God, affirming that He is the ultimate authority and sustainer of all creation. This belief calls for humility and dependence on God, recognizing that human strength is insufficient apart from His divine empowerment.
Furthermore, the power of God is closely linked to the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers.
Acts 1:8 promises, "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." The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith and fulfill the Great Commission, demonstrating that God's power is active and transformative.
In summary, the Bible consistently teaches that the power of God is the source of all strength, providing believers with the ability to overcome obstacles, endure trials, and accomplish His purposes. This divine strength is accessible through faith, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Chronicles 29:12Both riches and honor come of you, and you reign over all; and in your hand is power and might; and in your hand it is to make great, and to give strength to all.
Nave's Topical IndexPsalm 68:35
O God, you are terrible out of your holy places: the God of Israel is he that gives strength and power to his people. Blessed be God.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Source of Power
... is apt to make us forget the true source of all ... is weak, and the Church's true power,
at her ... of man's weakness at his haughtiest, and God's strength even in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the source of power.htm
Work, for God Works in You
... and accepted the work, and yet the power be lacking ... of the Father in Him was the
source of all ... This is indeed fellowship with God: God Himself working in us to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/x work for god works.htm
"Give Ye them to Eat"
... forward in faith, believing in the all-sufficient power of God ... If the work be of
God, He Himself will provide the ... If we go to the Source of all strength, with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 39 give ye them.htm
That God May be Glorified
... This is the one purpose of God, the great worker in heaven, the source and master ...
This is the great purpose of the Holy Spirit, the power that worketh in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xxxi that god may be.htm
Unfailing Stabs and Fainting Men
... Source of all strength, breaking the union between ourselves and God. If a star
could shake off its dependence, and shut out the influx of the sustaining power ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/unfailing stabs and fainting men.htm
A River of Peace and Waves of Righteousness
... of the sea are the ordinary emblem of rebellious power. ... it ever attains while in
opposition to the Source of all ... God has yet a method to accomplish His loving ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a river of peace and.htm
"God with Us"
... and joyous service, a tide of love, to the great Source of all ... be lightened, that
the world might be brought back to God, Satan's deceptive power was to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 1 god with us.htm
The City and River of God
... them the waters of the river"the power of Assyria ... of God, which is living water,
is God Himself, considered as the ever-imparting Source of all ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the city and river of.htm
The Spirit of Supplication
... you heard of His dwelling in you, and His being the power of God in you ... and inworking
have been something vague and indefinite, and hardly a source of joy ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter x the spirit of.htm
The God who Dwells with Men
... which all the links of the chain of being depend, and not Himself a link, the fontal
Source of all ... The Gospel of Christ 'is the power of God unto salvation ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the god who dwells with.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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