Topical Bible: The Power of God: Works In, and for Saints

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The power of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, manifesting in creation, redemption, and the ongoing sanctification of believers. This divine power is not only a testament to God's sovereignty but also a source of strength and transformation for the saints—those set apart for His purposes.

Divine Power in Creation and Sustenance

The power of God is first revealed in the act of creation. Genesis 1:1-3 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth... And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." This creative power is not only a historical event but continues to sustain the universe. Hebrews 1:3 affirms, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word."

Redemptive Power in Salvation

God's power is most profoundly demonstrated in the work of salvation through Jesus Christ. Romans 1:16 declares, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." This power is transformative, bringing individuals from death to life, as seen in Ephesians 2:4-5 : "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved."

Empowering the Saints

The power of God is not only for salvation but also for the empowerment of believers. Ephesians 3:16-17 prays "that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." This indwelling power enables believers to live out their faith, resist sin, and bear spiritual fruit.

Spiritual Gifts and Ministry

God's power is also evident in the distribution of spiritual gifts for the edification of the church. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 explains, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people." These gifts are manifestations of God's power, enabling the saints to serve effectively in various capacities.

Strength in Weakness

The paradox of divine power is that it is often perfected in human weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 records God's assurance to Paul: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This principle encourages believers to rely not on their own strength but on God's power, which is made evident in their dependence on Him.

Protection and Deliverance

The power of God also serves as a shield and deliverer for His people. Psalm 18:2 proclaims, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." This protective power assures the saints of God's constant presence and aid in times of trouble.

Hope and Future Glory

Finally, the power of God assures believers of their future hope and glory. Philippians 3:20-21 promises, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body." This future transformation is the ultimate expression of God's power working for the saints, culminating in eternal life with Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 13:4
For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 1:19
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 3:20
Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Perseverance of the Saints
... blemishes cleave even to the best works of the ... But God is faithful, who, having
conferred grace, mercifully ... of the flesh cannot prevail against the power of God ...
/.../anonymous/synod of dort/the perseverance of the saints.htm

The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
... Prayer works for good. Prayer is the bellows of the affection; it blows up
holy desires and ardours of soul. Prayer has power with God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the best things work for.htm

God's Works of Providence
... of meditation, when it surveys any of his works"this were ... eyes after them"that all
that is of God, that is ... at his command, it is, because his power gave it a ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xx gods works of.htm

Praying Without Doubting
... as understandable as the fact that a man works according to ... we can avail ourselves
of a power sufficient to ... We cannot doubt God's willingness to impart to His ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 5 praying without doubting.htm

Of Another Kind of Perverted Men
... holiest of all men living without the works of holiness. ... They confess, indeed, that
God is the Creator and Lord ... They confess that His power and His riches are ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxvii of another kind.htm

Select Works and Letters or Athanasius
... The same works divine and human. ... other parts of Scripture, which shew that He had
the power, &c., before ... He was God and man, and His actions are often at once ...
//christianbookshelf.org/athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/

Head of the Lord
... the heavens," that is, the books of the Law and the Prophets, "the works of Thy ... In
the apostle: "Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God;" [3661] and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/ix head of the lord.htm

The Prayer of Faith is the Only Power in the Universe to which the ...
... us. The power is only wanting to be used. ... disregard. God delights to have us pray. ...
activity. It works mightily; prayer itself is the greatest work. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter v the prayer of.htm

The Works of James Arminius, Vol. 2
... DISPUTATION LVII ON THE POWER OF THE CHURCH IN ADMINISTERING JUSTICE, OR ON ... OF MAN
AS A SINNER, BUT YET A BELIEVER, BEFORE GOD. ON THE GOOD WORKS OF BELIEVERS. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/

Holy Exercises of Pure Love to God.
... for Thy love do and perform, if it lay in my power, all their works, as well ... in all
the good things that are in the elect servants of God, but especially ...
/.../holy exercises of pure love.htm