Topical Encyclopedia
The concept that the power of God is the source of all strength is a foundational tenet in Christian theology, emphasizing the omnipotence and sovereignty of God. This belief is deeply rooted in Scripture, where God's power is depicted as the ultimate source of strength for His creation, particularly for those who place their trust in Him.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible consistently affirms that God is the ultimate source of strength. 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 aspect of God's strength, which is available to those who trust in Him.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his letter to the Philippians: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (
Philippians 4:13). Here, Paul attributes his ability to endure and accomplish all things to the strength provided by Christ, underscoring the belief that divine power is essential for overcoming life's challenges.
God's OmnipotenceThe power of God is often described in terms of His omnipotence, meaning that He is all-powerful and capable of doing anything that is consistent with His nature. This is evident in the creation narrative, where God speaks the universe into existence by His word alone (Genesis 1). The prophet Jeremiah affirms this by proclaiming, "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You" (
Jeremiah 32:17).
Strength in Human WeaknessA recurring theme in Scripture is the paradox of strength in weakness. The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, writes about a "thorn in the flesh" and how he pleaded with the Lord to remove it. God's response was, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness" (
2 Corinthians 12:9). This passage reveals that God's power is most evident when human strength is insufficient, encouraging believers to rely on divine strength rather than their own.
Empowerment for ServiceGod's power is not only a source of personal strength but also empowers believers for service and ministry. In the Book of Acts, Jesus instructs His disciples, "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" (
Acts 1:8). The empowerment of the Holy Spirit enables believers to fulfill the Great Commission, demonstrating that divine strength is essential for effective witness and ministry.
Spiritual WarfareThe power of God is also crucial in the context of spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul advises the Ephesians to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" (
Ephesians 6:10) as they put on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil. This passage underscores the necessity of relying on God's strength to resist spiritual adversaries and remain steadfast in faith.
ConclusionThe power of God as the source of all strength is a central theme in the Bible, providing believers with assurance and confidence in their spiritual journey. Through His omnipotence, God offers strength in times of weakness, empowers for service, and equips for spiritual battles, affirming His role as the ultimate source of strength for His people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
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.
Torrey's Topical TextbookPsalm 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
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 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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