When we talk about the Power of God, we often think of the resurrection of Jesus. Today, I want you to see this power, but I also want you to see other manifestations of the Power of God.
Power of the Resurrection (G1411)
Apostle Paul presents us with the most remarkable scripture passage regarding resurrection power:
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection…
Philippians 3:10
Here we see Apostle Paul, a man who clearly understands, posesses, and uses the Power of God does not know God’s resurrection power.
We see this power mentioned in Second Corinthians:
Though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth 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.
2 Corinthians 13:4
Christ’s resurrection is the Power of God. But, what else?
Power of God and the Saducees (G1411)
Now, let’s look at a verse that references “the power of God.” Again, we have the context of the resurrection.
The Saducees were debating the resurrection with Jesus who replied:
Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
Matthew 22:29
Next, let’s move beyond the resurrection to learn more about the Power of God.
The Mighty Power of God regarding evil spirits (G3168)
They were all amazed at the mighty power of God… They wondered every one at all things which Jesus did…
Luke 9:43
Here, the term mighty power “almost always refers to the mighty acts or works of God” (TDNT 4:541).
This text discusses the Power of God with relation to the casting out of devils. This verse has no reference whatsoever to the resurrection.
Clearly, the power of God to cast out devils amazed the people in this context.
Now, an interesting concept is:
The Power of God is equal to God (G1411)
Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
Luke 22:69
Yes, God has power because He is Power!
God’s Power to Forgive Sins (G1849)
Jesus says in Matthew Chapter Nine, Verse Six…
That ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins…
Matthew 9:6
After saying that, Jesus healed a man.
The Gospel as the Power of God
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
2 Timothy 1:8
God’s power in salvation
1 Peter 1:5
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Romans 1:16
Preaching as the Power of God
The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18
Discernment Required
Don’t get so wrapped up with the results of Jesus’ Power that Satan deceives you
During Jesús’ temptation in the wilderness, the Devil offers Jesus supernatural power (Luke 4:6).
The devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
Luke 4:6
So, Satan has power and can distribute that power to whom He wills.
This reminds us of the account of Simon the Sorcerer in the Book of Acts.
There was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
Acts 8:9,10
Simon was of the Devil, yet many believed that he possessed the Power of God.
Conclusion
While the Power of God includes the Power of the Resurrection, scripture presents numerous contexts which exhibit the Power of God. Perhaps the most important point I discussed today is that the Power of God is God Himself.
