the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Dictionaries
Power
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary
or Some English versions of the Bible use the word ‘power’ to translate different Greek words. In some cases the meaning has to do with great strength or the ability to exercise that strength (1 Corinthians 1:18; Ephesians 1:19; Revelation 5:13). In other cases it has to do with authority, or the right to exercise authority (Matthew 21:23; Matthew 28:18; John 1:12; Romans 13:1). The present article is concerned with the first of these meanings. For the second meaning see AUTHORITY.
Evidences of God’s power
The Old Testament repeatedly speaks of God’s immeasurable power. This power was demonstrated through his creation of the universe (Psalms 33:6-9; Isaiah 40:21-23; Jeremiah 10:12-13), his activity in nature (Psalms 29:3-10; Psalms 66:5-7), his control of history (Exodus 9:16; Psalms 33:10; Isaiah 40:15-17) and his saving acts on behalf of his people (Exodus 15:4-12; Exodus 32:11; Psalms 106:8; Psalms 111:6; Isaiah 40:10-11).
These evidences of God’s power are referred to also in the New Testament (Luke 1:49; Romans 1:16; Romans 1:20; Romans 15:19; Hebrews 1:10-12; Revelation 7:12; Revelation 15:8). The life and ministry of Jesus Christ provide particularly clear evidence of God’s power (Luke 4:14; Luke 4:36; Luke 5:17; Luke 9:1; see MIRACLES; KINGDOM OF GOD). The supreme demonstration of God’s power is the resurrection of Jesus (Romans 1:4; Ephesians 1:19-20).
Saving power at work
God’s promise to believers is that the same power as raised Jesus from death is available to them. Just as Jesus conquered sin and death, so can those who trust in him. They have victory over sin now and are assured of victory over death at Jesus’ return (Romans 6:5-11; Romans 8:9-11; Philippians 3:9-11; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44; 1 Corinthians 15:54-56).
The entire salvation God has made available operates by his power. This salvation includes saving sinners from eternal condemnation and giving them victory over sin in their lives as believers (Romans 1:16; Romans 6:14; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Corinthians 2:5; Ephesians 1:18-20; Ephesians 3:20; 1 Peter 1:3-5). This power becomes theirs through the Spirit of God within them (Acts 1:8; Romans 15:13; Ephesians 3:16; cf. Micah 3:8; Zechariah 4:6; see HOLY SPIRIT).
Although they have this power of God within them, believers are not to seek exhibitions of it that will draw attention to themselves (2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Corinthians 13:4). They should be humble and dependent on God, so that he alone may be the one in whom people trust and to whom they give praise (Acts 3:12-16; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Philippians 4:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Peter 1:3).
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Fleming, Don. Entry for 'Power'. Bridgeway Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/bbd/p/power.html. 2004.
