Topical Encyclopedia
The power of God, a central theme throughout the Scriptures, is vividly demonstrated in His actions and interventions on behalf of His saints. This divine power is not only a testament to God's omnipotence but also a profound expression of His love and faithfulness towards those who are called according to His purpose.
Old Testament Examples1.
Deliverance from Egypt: One of the most significant displays of God's power is the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Through a series of miraculous plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, God demonstrated His might and His commitment to His covenant people.
Exodus 14:21-22 states, "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left."
2.
Provision in the Wilderness: God's power is also evident in His provision for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. He provided manna from heaven, quail, and water from a rock, ensuring their sustenance. In
Exodus 16:4 , the LORD says to Moses, "Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day."
3.
Conquest of Canaan: The conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership further illustrates God's power working for His people. The fall of Jericho, where the walls collapsed after the Israelites marched around the city for seven days, is a prime example.
Joshua 6:20 records, "When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city."
New Testament Examples1.
The Resurrection of Jesus: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's power, affirming His victory over sin and death.
Romans 1:4 declares, "and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord."
2.
Empowerment of the Apostles: After Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to perform miracles and spread the Gospel.
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."
3.
Paul's Ministry: The Apostle Paul frequently experienced God's power in his ministry, enabling him to endure hardships and perform signs and wonders. In
2 Corinthians 12:9 , Paul recounts the Lord's assurance, "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."
Theological ImplicationsThe power of God exerted on behalf of the saints underscores several key theological truths:
·
Sovereignty: God's power affirms His sovereignty over creation and history. He orchestrates events to fulfill His divine purposes and to protect and guide His people.
·
Faithfulness: God's interventions are a testament to His faithfulness. He remains true to His promises, ensuring that His covenant with His people is upheld.
·
Empowerment: Believers are empowered by God's Spirit to live out their faith and fulfill their calling. This empowerment is not limited to miraculous acts but extends to the grace and strength needed for daily living.
·
Hope: The power of God provides hope and assurance to the saints, knowing that they are under the care of an omnipotent and loving God who works all things for their good (
Romans 8:28).
In summary, the power of God, as exerted on behalf of the saints, is a profound demonstration of His omnipotence, faithfulness, and love, providing believers with assurance, empowerment, and hope throughout their spiritual journey.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Chronicles 16:9For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein you have done foolishly: therefore from now on you shall have wars.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
God's Barriers against Man's Sin
... altogether ineffectual, without the accompanying power of irresistible ... God has a
controversy with you; he tames ... nothing but his marvellous grace exerted in you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/gods barriers against mans sin.htm
The Resurrection of Lazarus
... four days, but many years, stinking in God's nostrils. ... Thou mayest try the power
of thy own boasted free ... in religion); but all thy efforts, exerted with never ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the resurrection of lazarus.htm
Ephesians iv. 32 and v. 1, 2
... And if thou shalt have it in thy power to save another, wilt thou ... This it is to
"imitate God.". ... Acts 20:31.) And if so great was the zeal he exerted in behalf ...
/.../homily xvii ephesians iv 32.htm
The Gospel Message in Antioch
... His learning, wisdom, and zeal exerted a powerful influence over the inhabitants ...
God has invested His church with special authority and power which no ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 16 the gospel message.htm
Introductory Essays
... be guided, and within what limits it was to be exerted. ... simply a response to the
word and promise of God. ... was in Luther's mind the sole creative power of the ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/introductory essays.htm
Theology.
... of mercy (19), as well as of power and glory ... own; though things without life praise
God silently, by ... similar idea of the elevating influence exerted by natural ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/theology.htm
From the Close of the General Conference of 1800, to the End of ...
... their subsequent progress, and the influence they have exerted on society ... there were
remarkable displays of the power and grace of God, which eventuated ...
/.../chapter 5 from the close.htm
The Swiss Reformer.
... fervor than ever before; and his words exerted an unwonted ... had more fully experienced
in himself its renewing power. ... "Wherever there is faith in God, there God ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /9 the swiss reformer.htm
The Swiss Reformer
... fervor than ever before; and his words exerted an unwonted ... had more fully experienced
in himself its renewing power. ... "Wherever there is faith in God, there God ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 9 the swiss reformer.htm
The Pilgrim Fathers.
... Though the primitive faith and purity exerted a wide-spread ... state, of appealing to
the secular power in support of ... not, as in former ages, keep God's word from ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /16 the pilgrim fathers.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about how much power Christians possess? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we rely on the power of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs there power in the name of Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgPower: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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