The Power of God

The theme of power runs throughout the book of Ephesians. There are five words used to describe power, strength, might, authority or the effectual working of it in the Greek language. All five of these words are found over 20 times in the short book of Ephesians. Four of these words are contained in one verse of chapter one where Paul prays that the saints may know “the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.” Paul first shows us what the power of God has done for us, then what it is presently doing in us, and, finally, what it enables us to do – all to the praise of His glory.

In chapter one, the apostle Paul sets forth all the spiritual blessings we have in Christ Jesus; chosen to be holy, predestined for adoption, redemption through His blood, and an inheritance sealed with the Holy Spirit. The only thing that could accomplish this for us is the immeasurable power of God, the same power that “He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.”

Paul recalls to our minds what we once were in Ephesians two. Dead in our trespasses and sins, we were separated from Christ and without God in this world. We followed after the prince of the power of the air and fulfilled the lusts of our flesh. In short, we were utterly depraved and without hope. Does it surprise us then that it would take the power of God, the very power that raised Christ from the dead, to give us life, seat us in heavenly places with Christ, and make it possible that children of wrath should walk in good works? This power has brought those that are far near, united Jew and Gentile into one new man, given us access to the Father through the Spirit and made us “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”

Not only has the power of God brought all this about for us in the past through the work of the cross, but in chapter three Paul declares that even at the present time this power is at work in us, strengthening the inner man so that we may know and understand the immeasurable love of Christ and “be filled with all the fullness of God.” Let’s rethink that a moment. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is now, this moment, working in us for the express purpose of revealing the vast and unfathomable love of Christ so that we may be filled with the virtues and excellencies of Christ. Oh, if only we could be here, drinking this truth in moment by moment. This can only be a foretaste of heaven.

In chapter four, five and six this power enables us to live with our brethren in unity and equips us with spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ. It is the strength needed to turn from our wicked works and walk in the light. It is the power needed for a wife to submit to her husband, for a husband to sacrificially love his wife, for a child to obey his parents, and for a slave to obey his master as he would Christ.

Paul wraps up his letter with three power words in one sentence. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” The efficacy of His power is so complete that we can withstand the principalities and powers and the rulers of darkness that work against us. Outfitted in the whole armor of God, we are able to stand before Satan himself.

I can only say with Paul, “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."