VICTORY THROUGH GOD'S POWER
READ Ephesians 1:19-23
Today's message is about how you and I can claim God's power and experience victory as we lay hold of His power. "And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, 20Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, 21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, 23Which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all." The extent of Christ's power is evident in that no one or anything, now or in the future, will equal or surpass His power. That mighty power can be imparted to you, to enable you to be victorious in your daily life.
vs. 19 - This verse begins the conclusion of Paul's prayer for the Ephesian believers. He prayed that they might understand “what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe.” He concluded his threefold request that they might understand the overwhelming greatness of Christ’s power which is available on the behalf of all who believe. That power is “according to the working of his mighty power.” There are two words translated as power in verse 19. The first is “dunamis” which has the general sense of ‘unleashed energy’ or ‘power.’ The latter is “kratos” which has more to do with ‘great strength.’ Hence, the spiritual power available to us is derived from the infinite strength of our Savior.
vs. 20 – It is implied that the same power is available to us in our Christian lives. This is the same power and strength which raised Jesus and set Him at the right hand of God.
vs. 21 - That same power also exalted Jesus Christ "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come." The Lordship and even Deity of Christ are clearly implied. Noted are four words for both human as well as spiritual authority—principality, power, might, and dominion. Implied is not only human government but also Satan’s evil empire. Yet, Jesus Christ has been exalted far above all power and authority in the universe. This is true “in this world”—the latter being translated from “aion”, which, among other things, has the sense of ‘age,’ thus this age. But it is also true in the ages to come. He is over all. The reason is simple. Jesus, as God, is part of the Godhead and thus over all.
vs. 22 - "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church." Moreover, God has “put all things under his feet.” This likely is quoted from Psalm 8:6 and is referenced in I Corinthians 15:27. It may be an indirect reference to Genesis 3:15 where Jesus Christ would someday crush Satan’s head with his heel. In addition, God “gave him to be the head over all things to the church.” The obvious is stated. Jesus is the head over all aspects of the church. Though the church at Ephesus was indirectly alluded to in the salutation of verse 1, here is Paul’s first direct mention thereof in the epistle. The simple truth is that Jesus Christ is the head of the church.
The word church is translated from “ecclesia” and literally means, ‘a called-out assembly.’ The term is derived from the ancient Greek city/states which were pure democracies. Each adult citizen was a voting member. When city business was to be done, the ‘ecclesia’ was called together and then voted upon whatever. This term, initially political, was the word the Holy Spirit chose to apply to what we today call the church. Historically it always referred to a local visible assembly. Accordingly, in the New Testament, the usage of the word ‘church’ is almost always a reference to visible local assemblies.
A vast, universal, mysterious, invisible church is not found in the New Testament. The possible consideration thereof is when the collective church assembles in glory someday, upon the Rapture, as the bride of Christ. Otherwise, its usage in the New Testament is meant to be local rather than universal, visible rather than invisible, and tangible in many locales rather than mysterious. Jesus is its head.
vs. 23 - "Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." The church “is his body.” Reference is not to his physical body to be sure. Rather, it is the body of believers in each local church. The local church thus is “the fulness of him” in any given community or neighborhood. It is the “fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Thus, in the local church is the potential fulness of Him who can, and at His discretion may, fill all believers in all places. Again, Jesus is the head over all things.
Have a great day walking in God's power and enjoying living in daily victory!
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. Have you experienced the power of God in your life? When? Is there an area of your life that lacks God's power? Why isn't God's power at work in that area?
2. Explain in your own words why the resurrection is important to the Christian.
3. Why do you think God wants you to have His power after He saves you?
4. According to Scripture, where is Christ right now? Why is this important?
5. Is there anything above Christ? What kinds of things do men attempt to place above Him?
6. What institution has God ordained to work out His eternal plan on earth?