Topical Bible: The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Strength and Power

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Topical Encyclopedia

The gifts of strength and power are significant aspects of the spiritual blessings bestowed by God upon His people. These gifts are not merely physical but are deeply rooted in the spiritual realm, enabling believers to fulfill God's purposes and live victorious lives in accordance with His will.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes that true strength and power originate from God. In the Old Testament, the psalmist declares, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped" (Psalm 28:7). This verse highlights the personal and relational nature of God's strength, which is available to those who trust in Him.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks of the divine power available to believers through the Holy Spirit. 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 spiritual growth and resilience.

Purpose and Function

The spiritual gifts of strength and power serve multiple purposes in the life of a believer. They enable Christians to withstand trials and temptations, as seen in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" . This empowerment is not for personal glory but for the advancement of God's kingdom and the edification of the church.

Moreover, these gifts equip believers for spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:10 exhorts, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" . This strength is essential for putting on the full armor of God and standing firm against the schemes of the devil.

Examples in Scripture

Throughout the Bible, numerous individuals exemplify the spiritual gifts of strength and power. Samson, though flawed, was endowed with physical strength by God to deliver Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13-16). His account illustrates that divine strength can manifest in extraordinary ways for God's purposes.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul is a profound example of spiritual strength. Despite facing immense persecution and hardship, he writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, "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" . Paul's reliance on God's power in his weakness underscores the transformative nature of this gift.

Application for Believers

Believers are encouraged to seek and rely on God's strength and power in their daily lives. This involves a conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit and a commitment to prayer and the Word of God. Isaiah 40:31 promises, "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 renewal is available to all who place their hope in the Lord.

In summary, the spiritual gifts of strength and power are vital for living a life that honors God. They enable believers to overcome challenges, engage in spiritual battles, and contribute to the growth of the church, all while reflecting the glory and might of the Almighty.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Spiritual Gifts.
... increasing still by the ever-renewed additions of spiritual gifts. ... will be jealous
of his brother's gifts and fear ... Lord and one flock, and bless God for giving ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii spiritual gifts.htm

Spiritual Power.
... Therefore, when we are thinking of God's gift of the ... careful also against any other
form of spiritual waste. ... that this Spirit, with its sevenfold gifts, is the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/xviii spiritual power.htm

Twelfth Lesson. Have Faith in God;'
... for some means to get more strength in his ... with full liberty to take them, the spiritual
power is wanting ... We seek God's gifts: God wants to give us HIMSELF first ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/twelfth lesson have faith in.htm

Of the Ordering of all the virtues through the Seven Gifts of the ...
... creatures, and possesses himself, powerful and free, through the gift of spiritual
Strength. ... feel the gushing in of all the graces and gifts of God; and we ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxiii of the ordering.htm

Of Two Spiritual Martyrdoms, Wherewith God Cleanseth the Soul that ...
... clogged by an inordinate desire of sublime Gifts, by the Appetite of feeling spiritual
Consolation, by ... think that thou hast altogether lost God; this will ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap iv of two spiritual.htm

Sermon for Septuagesima Sunday
... All these spiritual men who thus know how to resign ... at all times and seasons plunged
in God; they are ... are humble, noways remarkable for their gifts, outward or ...
/.../ix sermon for septuagesima sunday.htm

Letter xxvii. (AD 395. )
... as completely one with you, and bound to you by spiritual ties which owe ... man, thinks
highly of the great mercy and wonderful gifts which God has bestowed ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxvii a d 395.htm

The Work of God's Spirit
... so what is the use of praying for spiritual gifts to God ... through now a few of these
good gifts, which we ... you, young men and women"consider;"if God has given ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon iv the work of.htm

The Great Privilege of those that are Born of God
... is also justified; yea, that both these gifts of God ... breath of every soul which is
truly born of God. ... now awake, and capable of discerning spiritual good and ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 19 the great privilege.htm

Man the Image of the Creator, and Christ the Head of the Man ...
... heart and soul, [5564] with all thy strength, and with ... may now leave the subject
of spiritual gifts, facts themselves ... in claiming them for his God, and whether ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter viii man the image of.htm