Praize Blogs

“ And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Ephesians 1:19-23).

These verses pack quite a wallop. If you read both in Walvoord’s Commentary, and in Gill’s Exposition, you will find there many explanations for the word “power.” I’m going to attempt to consolidate these complimentary views. Mr. Webster says that power is a great marked ability to do or act; strength, might, force. It is also the possession of control or command over others; authority, ascendancy.

In verse 18 we found the first two facts Paul wanted us to understand about wisdom and revelation.

1. Our present hope lies in our past when we were called to repentance and salvation by the Holy Spirit.
2. Our future hope lies in the fact that God will claim His inheritance one day, which we are, and take us to Heaven.

Now, in 19 we see the third thing we should come to know. It is God’s “incomparably great power.” This power is dynamis, and means a dynamic power. Dynamis is the root word for dynamite, so gives us a grasp of the energy this power has. This power is directed toward believers. Walvoord and Zuck list 3 other words to describe God’s power. 

1. Working, or Energeian, or energetic power. This is where the word energy comes from.
2. Might which is Kratous, or power that overcomes resistance, such as the power Jesus used to perform miracles. Kratous power is used only of God.
3. Ischyos, or strength, is that given to Christians to do the work (I Peter 4:11). This gives us some indication of the power available to us as Christians.

John Gill says that the power here is directed toward believers. He says that this power is important to developing faith, and in the continuance and finishing of that work. This power contains all the elements of creation: Resurrection from the dead, Transformation of one man into another and new life. By this power we are able to overcome satan, and cast him out of our hearts. We are then regenerated, given a new heart, and the Holy Spirit comes in to dwell within us to give us energy to use the Ishyos power to work the works of God.  He also gives us the power to continue to overcome, and succeed in our maturity. It is the power to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

Walvoord and Zuck say that God’s power here is seen manifested in Christ three times.

1. Energetic power was displayed when God raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms (I Peter 3:21, 22; Acts 2:22-24; Psalm 110:1). The same power God used to raise Jesus is available to Christians today.  Let’s read Philippians 3:8-11 “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”
2. The second manifestation of God’s power in Christ is that He put all things under Christ’s feet. He said that Adam forfeited his position of power over creation when he sinned. Jesus was made the Head over all (Matthew 28:18; Luke 1:32, 33; Philippians 2:9; 10; I Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 2:8-10).
   1. Christ was made Head over the church (Ephesians 4:10-16; Colossians 1:18).

It is not Christ who is filled. God doesn’t need us to fill Him, but He fills the church with blessings. By the power of His Spirit we are filled with love, and with power to accomplish all He gives us to do (ICorinthians 12:1-11), from growing in faith, to leading others to Christ (Colossians 2:9,10).We are all part of the Christ (Romans 12:3-5).

More studies at http://www.newbeginmin1.org/BIBLESTUDYOPENING.html