Topical Bible: The Power of God: The Wicked: Know Not

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The concept of the power of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, illustrating His omnipotence, sovereignty, and authority over all creation. However, the wicked, those who live in rebellion against God, often fail to recognize or acknowledge this divine power. This lack of understanding is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the spiritual blindness and moral corruption that characterize the wicked.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 10:4 : "In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God." This verse underscores the arrogance of the wicked, who, in their pride, refuse to seek God or acknowledge His power. Their self-reliance and denial of God's existence prevent them from understanding His might and authority.

2. Psalm 14:1 : "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good." Here, the psalmist equates wickedness with foolishness, as those who deny God's existence are unable to comprehend His power and righteousness. Their corruption blinds them to the reality of God's omnipotence.

3. Romans 1:18-21 : "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts." This passage from Romans highlights the willful ignorance of the wicked, who suppress the truth of God's power despite the clear evidence of His creation. Their refusal to glorify God results in futile thinking and spiritual darkness.

4. Job 21:14-15 : "Yet they say to God, 'Leave us alone! We have no desire to know Your ways. Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?'" In the book of Job, the wicked openly reject God's authority and question the benefit of serving Him. Their lack of desire to know God's ways reflects their ignorance of His power and the blessings that come from a relationship with Him.

5. Proverbs 28:5 : "Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully." This proverb contrasts the wicked with those who seek God, emphasizing that the wicked lack understanding of divine justice and power. In contrast, those who pursue a relationship with God gain insight into His ways and His might.

Theological Implications:

The failure of the wicked to recognize the power of God is not merely an intellectual oversight but a moral and spiritual deficiency. Their rejection of God's authority is rooted in pride, self-reliance, and a desire to live independently of divine accountability. This spiritual blindness leads to a life characterized by corruption, injustice, and ultimately, separation from God.

The Scriptures consistently portray the power of God as evident in creation, history, and the lives of believers. Yet, the wicked, in their rebellion, choose to ignore these manifestations, resulting in a lack of understanding and appreciation for God's omnipotence. This ignorance is both a cause and a consequence of their estrangement from God, highlighting the need for repentance and a turning towards the truth of God's power and sovereignty.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 22:29
Jesus answered and said to them, You do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Reply to an Objection Founded on the Words of St. Paul (2 Cor. Iv. ...
... is after the working of Satan, with all power, and signs ... working of Satan; but the
coming of the wicked one, whom ... do not read in that passage, "the god of this ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter vii reply to an objection.htm

How the Apostle Maintains that Christ is the Power of God and the ...
... persecute Him with the arms of a wicked belief, you ... He who was crucified is not only
the power and wisdom ... entered into the heart of man, what God hath prepared ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter x how the apostle.htm

The Great Gain of Godliness
... righteous man hath better than the riches of many wicked.' They who ... scientist, and
all other thinkers and students, draw their power from God, and should ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the great gain of godliness.htm

The Growth and Power of Sin
... Sin has the awful power of blocking our way to God. ... is unfashionable now to draw
that broad line between the righteous and the wicked, believers and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the growth and power of.htm

The Angels and the Creator of the World could not have Been ...
... Lord, men were saved both from most wicked spirits, and ... the existence of Him who
is God over all ... tremble every creature, and principality, and power, and every ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter vi the angels and the.htm

Thwarting God's Purpose
... of the universality or of the adequacy of that power, but is ... you do you are suicides;
and neither God, nor man ... I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.'. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/thwarting gods purpose.htm

He Proves against Trypho that the Wicked Angels have Revolted from ...
... LXXIX."He proves against Trypho that the wicked angels have ... there were magicians
who emulated [2256] the mighty power displayed by God through the ...
/.../chapter lxxix he proves against trypho.htm

God's Approbation of his Works
... As wicked spirits are tormented day and night without any intermission of their
misery; so holy ... There was no defect at all in the power of God, any more ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 56 gods approbation of.htm

The Intercourse of God and his Friend
... of the divine and human friends in its familiarity, mutual confidence, and power. ...
The friend of God must be the friend of men; and if they be wicked, and he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the intercourse of god and.htm

This World is Ruled by the Providence of one God, who is Both ...
... endowed with infinite justice to punish the wicked, and with ... God was both just and
good, having power over all ... being converted to the Church of God, may be ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxv this world is ruled.htm