Trusting in God's Power

Grace to You.org ^ | 1993 | John MacArthur, Grace Community Church

[metmom]

"I pray that ... you may know ... the surpassing greatness of [God's] power toward us who believe" (Eph. 1:18-19).

The same divine power that created, sustains, and controls the universe secures your salvation.

God's power is awesome! David wrote, "Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O Lord, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name" (1 Chron.29:11-13).

In Ephesians 1:19 Paul focuses on one key feature of God's power: His ability to secure the salvation of His people. And he prays for you to understand the surpassing greatness of that truth.

The Greek word translated "power" is dunamis, from which we get dynamite and dynamo. This power is active, dynamic, and compelling-and it is mightily at work on your behalf. You might not always sense it, but it's there nonetheless.

Peter expresses the same thought in 1 Peter 1:5, where he says you are "protected by the power of God through faith" in Christ. In that verse "protected" means "to keep or guard" and reflects Peter's confidence that salvation is inviolable.

The same limitless power that created, sustains, and controls the universe saved you and keeps you saved. That's why Jesus said no one can snatch you out of the Father's hand (John 10:29). Not even Satan has the power to do that. Paul confidently added that nothing therefore can separate you from God's love (Rom. 8:38-39). That's the confidence you should have as you live each day.

Suggestions for Prayer

Pray for greater spiritual enlightenment and a clearer understanding of your security in Christ. Nothing will rob you of your assurance quicker than unconfessed sin. If that has happened to you, confess it immediately and turn from it. Then ask God to restore to you the joy of your salvation.

For Further Study

Read 1 Chronicles 29:11-13.

What prerogatives did David attribute to God (vv. 11-12)? What was David's response to God's power (v. 13)?

[metmom]

Studying God’s Word ping

[Mark17]

We trust in God's power to save us from our sins, and give us assurance of salvation. It is not something we could EVER hope to achieve, not now, not ever.
Of course, after our once in a lifetime salvation experience, God leads us into a lifetime of good works. True faith will show itself in our works.
Do you suppose that would be the correct interpretation of James?

[MHGinTN]

Without any hesitation ... well and truly stated.

[Elsie]

Trusting in God's Power

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
John 6:68

[kosciusko51]

That definitely harmonizes Ephesians 2:8-10 with James, but the legalists and the antinomians will cry foul.

[Mark17]

That definitely harmonizes Ephesians 2:8-10 with James, but the legalists and the antinomians will cry foul.

They will indeed sir. There are many legalists out there, who do not understand the concept. Is the misunderstanding due to a deliberate refusal to get it? With many, I suppose it is, especially after they have been exposed to the truth.

[Elsie]

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." instituted the Seven Sacrements.
John 6:68

[terycarl]

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." AND instituted the Seven Sacrements. John 6:68

[terycarl]

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." AND instituted the Seven Sacrements. John 6:68

I helped.....

[Elsie]

Thanks; hoop jumper!

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Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

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John 6:28-29
Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?

 Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."

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1 John 3:21-23
Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.
And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

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James 1:27

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

 

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[MHGinTN]

Oh noes! Where’s the catholiciism sacramental highway to the gate?... Oh, you’re posting about Christianity not catholiciism. ... Never mind.