Topical Bible: Power of God: The Faith That Saints Rely On

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The concept of the "Power of God" is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the divine strength and authority that God exercises over creation, history, and the lives of individuals. This power is not only a demonstration of God's might but also a source of faith and reliance for the saints—those who are set apart for God's purposes.

Biblical Foundation

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. Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." This passage underscores God's sovereign power to bring the universe into existence by His word alone.

Throughout the Old Testament, God's power is demonstrated in His deliverance of Israel. In Exodus 14:21-22 , we read of the parting of the Red Sea: "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." This miraculous event is a testament to God's ability to intervene in human history and deliver His people from bondage.

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, the power of God is most profoundly revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 1:16 , "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." Here, the gospel itself is described as the power of God, emphasizing that through Christ's death and resurrection, believers are granted salvation and eternal life.

The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of God's power over sin and death. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 , Paul declares, "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." This event is the cornerstone of Christian faith, providing assurance that God's power is sufficient to conquer the greatest of human enemies—death itself.

Faith and Reliance

The saints, those who have placed their faith in God, rely on His power for strength and sustenance in their spiritual journey. Ephesians 6:10 exhorts believers, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." This call to strength is not based on human ability but on the divine power that God provides to His people.

Moreover, the Apostle Paul speaks of the sufficiency of God's power in 2 Corinthians 12:9 , where the Lord says to him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This assurance allows believers to embrace their own limitations, knowing that God's power is made perfect in their weakness, enabling them to endure trials and tribulations with confidence.

The Holy Spirit's Role

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in manifesting God's power in the lives of believers. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' promise to 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." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live out their faith boldly and to fulfill the Great Commission.

Conclusion

The power of God is an ever-present reality for the saints, providing the foundation for their faith and the assurance of God's active presence in their lives. Through creation, redemption, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, God's power is both a source of awe and a wellspring of hope for all who believe.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 2:5
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Book 3
... no promise; and therefore there is no faith; nor can ... from any other quarter would
be to charge God either with ... The power of God is likewise conspicuous in this ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/book 3.htm

Jacob --Israel --Jeshurun
... all-prevailing priesthood the security that your prayer shall have power, and the ...
through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.'. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/jacobisraeljeshurun.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... they who exercise themselves in these spiritual graces by faith, love and ... to eternal
light and joy in God's kingdom ... Who delivered us out of the power of darkness ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

Limiting God
... they know that Christ is able to save; they also doctrinally understand the duty
of faith, and its power to bring ... Dare for once to give God a little honor. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/limiting god.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... to our just Title, Defender of the Faith, and Supreme ... am profoundly ignorant, and
have not the power to judge ... believe, were we more true to God, more faithful ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ...
... alone." The boldness resulting from riches and worldly power is haughty ... have in our
hearts genuine faith toward God; and second, that faith should find ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/sixteenth sunday after trinity pauls.htm

Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Work of the Law, but by ...
... say, "Lord I am not going to repent at all I am not under any obligation to repent,
for I have not power to obey ... "By faith Abel offered unto God a more ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/knowing that a man is.htm

Articles of Religion of the Reformed Episcopal Church in America. ...
... obtain forgiveness directly from God, whenever by faith in that ... Christian ministers
are not commanded by God's law either to ... Of the Power of the Civil Authority ...
/.../articles of religion of the.htm

Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... unless we overcome through the blood of the Lamb, and through the power of divine ...
O faith! ... Every child of God is set apart by Christ, and in Christ, and the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm

The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection
... this word of the Holy Spirit in simple, childlike faith. ... learn it and forget it
not"almighty power lies with ... God is our witness, we who preach the gospel, we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the power of christ illustrated.htm