THE MIGHTY POWER

1. Introduction

a) The word "power" means to have the ability (right, strength or authority) to do, to act, or to accomplish something.

b) Do we know that God is so powerful beyond our comprehension? There is none that can equate our God with the gods of this world.

c) Why? This is because the Bible talks so much about the wonderful power of God that radiates his greatness that amazes us continually.

d) God has performed extraordinary miracles in Egypt, in the wilderness and even in the promised land.

e) In the case of Moses, 10there has never been another prophet like him. 11, 12And at God's command he performed amazing miracles which have never been equaled. He did great and terrifying wonders before Pharaoh and his entire court in Egypt, and before the people of Israel in the wilderness. (Deuteronomy 34:10-12 TLB)

2. What can the mighty power of God do for us?

a) Forgives sin

i) 5Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 6But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he (Jesus) said to the paralyzed man, "Get up, take your mat and go home." 7Then the man got up and went home. 8When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe (profound respect or wonder inspired by the greatness, superiority etc.); and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. (Matthew 9:5-8 NIV)

ii) Jesus is the Son of God. On earth, he was called the Son of man. He can forgive sins.

b) Provides healing of diseases

i) 17He (Jesus) went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, 18who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, 19and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. (Luke 6:17-19 NIV)

ii) 1Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. (Matthew 10:1 NIV)

c) Gives power, love and self-discipline

i) 7For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid (fearful), but gives us power, love and self-discipline (sound mind). (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)

d) Gives wisdom

i) 24... but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom (application of knowledge) of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24 NIV)

ii) 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17 NIV)

e) Gives strength

i) 35You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! (Psalm 68:35 NIV)

@1. In our weaknesses

#1) 9But he (the Lord) said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10 NIV)

@2. In our fight against the devil's schemes

#1) 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. (Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV)

#2) We rely upon the armor of God:

1. Belt of truth (loin).
2. Breastplate of righteousness (chest).
3. Gospel of peace (feet).
4. Shield of faith (defence).
5. Helmet of salvation (head).
6. Sword of the Spirit (offence - the word of God).

f) Gives boldness

i) 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8 NIV)

g) Gives salvation for everyone

i) 16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. (Romans 1:16 NIV)

h) Causes our enemies to cringe (fall due to fear) before us

i) 3Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. (Psalm 66:3 NIV)

ii) 25No one will be able to stand against you. The Lord your God, as he promised you, will put the terror and fear of you on the whole land, wherever you go. (Deuteronomy 11:25 NIV)

iii) 7The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven. (Deuteronomy 28:7 NIV)

3. Prayer focus

a) Pray for the mighty power of God to rest upon us so that we can be strong and bold to carry out his given assignments.

b) Pray for wisdom, love and self-control.