09/02/20 DLG FB NOTE... THE DYNAMITE OF GOD 07/18/11

09/02/20 DLG FB NOTE... THE DYNAMITE OF GOD 07/18/11

Matthew 22:29
(29)  Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.

The Sadducees were trying to trap Jesus in His own words, by asking a question concerning the resurrection (a doctrine they denied). Jesus responded by saying they were deceiving themselves by two things. First, they did not know what the Scriptures said concerning the resurrection of the dead, and second, they did not know the power of God. It is one thing to have an intellectual grasp of Biblical data, it is another to know or understand what it means. The Bible is a book that deals in spiritual realities. The Bible says that the natural man (the unregenerate man) does not understand the things of the Spirit of God, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Co. 2:14). There are people who try to be Godlike, but they have no spiritual life, therefore they are unable to demonstrate the true likeness of God. There is a form of godliness that denies the power of God (2 Tm. 3:5). There is a learning that never results in knowledge of truth. This is demonstrated by a life lived in resistance to God's will.

2 Timothy 3:1-7
(1)  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
(2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
(3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
(4)  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
(5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
(6)  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
(7)  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

THE REASON FOR THIS ARTICLE
The weak and ineffectual spiritual lives lived by so many who call themselves Christian indicates that there is a power outage in the Church. It is not because there is a power shortage, since the power comes from God. The outage is because believers are not drawing from the power of God. Though this is not an in depth study, if we take the time to focus on these passages that address the power God provides, we should see our own relationship and walk with Christ enriched.

THE PLAN OF THIS ARTICLE
There are several words in the New Testament that are translated as "power." These words can also mean authority, dominion and might. However, the word, "dunamis" is the word that I am focusing on in this article. The Greek word dunamis is the word from which we get our word, "dynamite." I have not included other translations of dunamis (mighty works, strength, virtue), or words derived from dunamis, translated as "strong" and "mighty." Though this is not an exhaustive study, I do include over fifty (50) passages, which use the word "power." I have chosen to categorize these verses as follows,

TIME/PERSON SPECIFIC,

GENERAL APPLICATION

FUTURE FULFILLMENT.
However, there are principles of faith and practice applicable for all believers found in each of these verses. I will categorize the verse and then add short comments to the verses (DLG note...). The main focus is what the Scripture says, the notes are simply aids. The notes are based upon word studies and additional, formal translations

TIME/PERSON SPECIFIC
People Who Were Present During Jesus Ministry

Mark 9:1
(1)  And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. 

DLG note... Jesus said that some of those present at the time He spoke would be present for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The promise of power that comes with the Holy Spirit would include all believers.

Angel Told Mary The Power Of The Highest Would Give Her A Child

Luke 1:35
(35)  And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

DLG note... The power of God is foundational to the fact of the virgin birth. This also demonstrates that God's power is manifested in the physical, natural realm.

Jesus Was Empowered For Ministry

Acts 10:38
(38)  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

DLG note... Even Jesus, the Man, was able to live a meaningful life because He experienced the power of God in His life. Notice that this verse includes all three Persons of the "Godhead," as Paul refers to the Trinity in Romans 1:20.

Romans 1:20
20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:.

Jesus Had The Power Of The Holy Spirit
Luke 4:14
(14)  And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

DLG note... Jesus overcame all of Satan's temptations during His testing in the wilderness. After the angels ministered to Christ (Mt. 4:11), He returned to His ministry in the power of the Spirit.

Jesus Had Power Over Evil Spirits
Luke 4:36
(36)  And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

DLG note... Jesus possessed both Authority and Power. Authority affords the Right and Power affords the Ability.

Jesus Had Power To Heal
Luke 5:17
(17)  And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

Jesus Gave Disciples Power Over Demons

Luke 9:1
(1)  Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

Luke 10:19
(19)  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Apostles Empowered By God To Minister Healing, Work Miracles, Proclaim Gospel

Acts 3:12
(12)  And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

Acts 4:7
(7)  And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

Acts 4:33
(33)  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Acts 6:8
(8)  And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

DLG note... As Paul told the Corinthians, the power to do good things comes from God, not ourselves.

2 Corinthians 4:7
(7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Paul Had Preached And Performed Miracles By The Power Of God

Romans 15:19
(19)  Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

GENERAL APPLICATION

After His Resurrection, Jesus Would Sit At Right Hand of God (Place Of Power)

Luke 22:69
(69)  Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

DLG note... From this seat of honor and power, He intercedes and dispenses His power to His people.

Jesus Promised To Give Holy Spirit Power To Believers

Luke 24:49
(49)  And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Acts 1:8
(8)  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Jesus Was Raised From The Dead By The Power Of God

Romans 1:4
(4)  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

DLG note... Remember, Jesus said He would raise Himself from the dead, which indicates His declaration of Deity.

John 2:19-22
(19)  Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
(20)  Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
(21)  But he spake of the temple of his body.
(22)  When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

The Gospel, The Good News Is The Power Of God

Romans 1:16
(16)  For 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.

DLG note... There are conditions for those who receive this power of salvation. Only those who believe are recipients of salvation (Ga. 3:26); only those who obey are recipients of salvation (He. 5:9).

Power Of God Active In Unregenerate

Romans 9:17
(17)  For the Scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

DLG note... Sometimes the power of God is demonstrated through His dealings with wicked men; even then He seeks to reconcile lost people. God is glorified in the good deeds of His children (Mt. 5:16; 1 Pe. 2:12), but He will also be glorified in the just way He judges the lost.

The Power of God Imparts Joy, Peace, Faith And Hope

Romans 15:13
(13)  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

DLG note... God is the provider of salvation and the benefits of salvation, including the fruit and gifts of the Spirit. Faith is the procurer or salvation and the benefits of salvation. Faith, joy, peace and hope are companions to the power of God.

God Has The Power To Establish Believers

Romans 16:25
(25)  Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

DLG note... God is greater than our sin (1 Jn. 4:4) and He is able to make all grace abound to us (2 Co. 9:8). Failure to get established is due to our lack of faith (which is sin Ro. 14:23), not His lack of power.

The Preaching Of The Cross Is The Power Of God

1 Corinthians 1:18
(18)  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

DLG note... The preaching of the cross, the message of the cross is not a magic incantation, but it is actual power. The preaching of the cross breaks down prison walls and unlocks sin's shackles (Lu. 4:18).

Christ Is The Power And Wisdom Of God

1 Corinthians 1:24
(24)  But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

DLG note... Not only does Christ have the power of God (Lu. 4:14, 36; 5; 17; Ac. 10:38), He is the power of God. If I want the power of God, I must have Jesus.

The Power Of God Stands In Contrast To The Wisdom Of Men

1 Corinthians 2:4-5
(4)  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
(5)  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God

DLG note... People depend on the wisdom of men, and pit it against the power of God. These two are mutually exclusive. Man's wisdom is demonic wisdom, earthly wisdom (Ja. 3:15). God's ways are higher than man's ways, and His thoughts are higher than man's thoughts (Is. 55:7-9).

Truth Is Proven By The Power To Perform, Not The Gift Of Gab

1 Corinthians 4:19-20
(19)  But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
(20)  For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

DLG note... Living the life of Christ is the result of the power of God. The witness of the Spirit is seen in the righteous life of the believer, not simply the subjective claim to some inner stirrings. We know that we are saved because the power of God has set us free from the power of sin and death (1 Jn. 2:3; 3:24; 5:18).

It Takes The Power Of God To Discipline Evil Doers In The Church

1 Corinthians 5:4
(4)  In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

DLG note... Discipline is an act of correcting the offender and protecting others. It is also an act of reconciliation. To exercise discipline in the Church, with love, equity. wisdom and courage, requires the power of God.

The Power That Raised Christ From The Dead Will Raise Us Also

1 Corinthians 6:14
(14)  And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

DLG note... The power of God is active in believers at the present time and will be the active force that raises our dead bodies (Ph. 3:7-11).

The Power Of God Is Manifested Through Our Frail Bodies And Weaknesses

2 Corinthians 4:7
(7)  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

DLG note... As Paul said, we do not boast in ourselves, but in Christ (1 Co. 1:31; 2 Co. 10:17).

The Gospel Is Proven By The Power Of God In Our Lives/Ministries

2 Corinthians 6:7
(7)  By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

DLG note... We prove ourselves to be Christian by the power of God in our lives. The proof of the message is evidenced by the life it produces (Ro. 12:1-2).

God Gives Us Power, When We Expend Our Own Power

2 Corinthians 8:3
(3)  For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

DLG note... Faith goes beyond the limits of human ability and lives in the realm of Divine ability; in this case, they gave gifts beyond their limited capabilities (2 Co. 8:5). Someone has said that when we come to the end of ourselves, we find God.

God's Power Rests Upon Those Who Are Weak, Not Sinful

2 Corinthians 12:9
(9)  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

DLG note... Weakness and infirmity are not to be confused with sin. God condemns sin (Ro. 8:3), but He helps our infirmities (Ro. 8:26); we glory not in our sins, but we glory in our infirmities/weaknesses (2 Co. 12:5); we do not think well of sin, but we do think well of infirmities, when surrendered to Jesus (2Co. 12:10); though Jesus knew no sin, He did know our weaknesses and infirmities (He. 4:15). While human weaknesses/frailties/infirmities may be the result of sin, they are not sin.

Paul experienced this power in his own life

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
(9)  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
(10)  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

The Christian Life Is Lived In The Power Of God

2 Corinthians 13:4
(4)  For 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.

DLG note.... As a human, Jesus died, He died the death of crucifixion; but He was raised from the dead by the power of God. His choosing the way of death opened the way of life for us (Ro. 6:10; 1 Pe. 3:18). Remember, Paul said that the last enemy to be defeated would be death (1 Co. 15:26).

God's Power Is Directed Toward Those Who Believe

Ephesians 1:19-20
(19)  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
(20)  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

DLG note... Salvation is a joint venture with God. He provides a measure of faith to His people and then He provides His power to those who live by that faith. Though His source of power is unlimited, and He gives it to us beyond our greatest expectations, it is our faith that serves as a valve. The more we believe, the more we receive. This principle is seen in what Jesus said, "According to your faith be it unto you" (Mt. 9:29). Paul tells us that we receive gifts according to our measure of faith (Ro. 12:3).

The Call To Ministry Is Accompanied With The Power Of God

Ephesians 3:7
(7)  Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

DLG note... We can only become what God wants us to become when we are empowered by God. Success in spiritual reality is not by human power nor human might, but by God's Spirit (Zec. 4:6).

God's Exceeding Abundance Is Related To The Power That Works In Us.

Ephesians 3:20
(20)  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,

DLG note... It is the power of God in us, both giving us the will and the ability to do His good pleasure (Ph. 2:13). It is through His empowerment that we see God do more than we ask or think.

We Are Called To Great Power, Not Puniness

Ephesians 6:10
(10)  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

(DLG note)... "Strong" is a form of "dunamis,"  but "power" and "might" comes from "kratos," which also carries the idea of dominion. Though the power is of God, the choice is ours. This is not a sovereign decree, but rather an Imperative placed upon believers.

The Power In The Resurrection Is Communicable

Philippians 3:10
(10)  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

DLG note... The power of the resurrection is not only something that believers should believe, it is something that believers should receive, experience, through obedient faith.

Delivered From The Authority Of Satan By The Power Of God

Colossians 1:11-13
(11)  Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
(12)  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
(13)  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

DLG note... Paul uses both dunamis and kratos in vs. 11. Notice, when a person is delivered from the power (authority) of Satan, he is brought into the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God stands in contradistinction to the power, authority of Satan. Believers are not only delivered from the authority of Satan by the power of God, we are delivered to the power of God.

Gospel Proclamation Is Accompanied With Power

1 Thessalonians 1:5
(5)  For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

DLG note... The proof of Paul's message was accompanied by the power of his godly life. People today often support or promote ministers, though they have no personal knowledge of the ministers personal life.

Worthiness Requires Power Of God

2 Thessalonians 1:11
(11)  Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

DLG note... In order for us to live in a way that is "worthy of our calling" and to "fulfill all the good pleasure of His will" and do "the work of faith," we must have the power of God.

Believers Are Given The Power Of God To Face Afflictions

2 Timothy 1:7-8
(7)  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
(8)  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;

There Is A Form Of Godliness That Is Powerless

2 Timothy 3:5(
5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

DLG note... When a person lacks the power of God, he lacks the likeness of God; when a person lacks the likeness of God, he lacks the salvation of God (Ro. 8:29, 12:2).

It Is By Christ Constantly Exerting His Power That The Whole Universe Exists

Hebrews 1:3
(3)  Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Life And Power Co-exist

Hebrews 7:16
(16)  Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

DLG note... Jesus has the right to hold the office of High Priest because He has the power of an endless life. There is a relationship between life and power in the New Testament. Without power there is no life, without life, there is no power.

Keeping Power Comes From God, But Is Obtained Through Faith

1 Peter 1:5
(5)  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

DLG note... While we are kept in a saving relationship with God by His power, He only provides His keeping power to those who trust Him

God's Power Provides Everything We Need For Life And Godliness

2 Peter 1:3-4
(3)  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
(4)  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

DLG note... The power of God is essential to a right relationship with God, since it provides everything we need to live and to live godly in this present evil world (Ga. 1:4). God's power endows us with divine nature and delivers us from carnal corruption, here and now. This godliness is profitable in the life that now is and in the life to come (1 Tm. 4:8).

God Promised Christ Would Return In Power

2 Peter 1:16
(16)  For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

FUTURE FULFILLMENT

Jesus Will Return In Power

Luke 21:27
(27)  And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

DLG note... This will fulfill the promise God made concerning the return of Christ.

We Will Be Delivered From All Our Weaknesses

1 Corinthians 15:43
(43)  It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

DLG note... God imparts His power to us when He raises us from the dead, spiritually (now) and physically (later).