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Read: Job 42:2; Ps. 115:3; Is. 14:26-27
What Does "All-powerful" Mean?
God accomplishes everything He chooses. He is capable
of doing all those things which are logically possible
and consistent with His perfect nature.
Biblical Teaching
God’s name [El Shaddai] implies strength/power.
(Gen. 17:1; Ex. 6:3; Is. 1:24; Amos 4:13; Jn. 17:11)
God says of Himself and angels declare that He is
all-powerful.
(Gen. 18:14; Is. 46:10; Jer. 32:27; Lk. 1:37)
God’s power is incomparable to anything/anyone
in all of creation.
(2 Cr. 20:6; Is. 40:25-26; Eph. 1:19-20)
God’s power is displayed in miracles for redemptive
purposes.
(Acts 3:1-4:4; 9:32-42)
God’s power is supremely demonstrated in accomplishing
and completing our redemption.
(Is. 52:10; Mt. 19:26; Jn. 5:21; Heb. 7:25; 1 Pt.
1:5; Jude 24-25)
God displays His power sometimes:
- Directly: in creation ex nihilo (out of nothing),
Gen. 1:1; spiritual re-creation, 2 Cor. 5:17; judgment,
Gen. 11:5-9; miraculous birth of Isaac and Christ,
Gen. 21:1-2; Lk. 1:35; Gal. 4:29; resurrection of
Christ, 1 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 1:19b-20; divine healings
wrought by Christ, Lk. 5:17; 6:19.
- Indirectly, in the cosmic disturbances that brought
judgment upon Sodom & Gomorrah, Gen. 19; the plagues
of Egypt, Ex. 8:2; 9:3, 14; 10:14; by revealing Himself
in creation, Rom. 1:20.
- Both directly and indirectly through human agency
and divine causation, e.g., Cyrus, Is. 45:9-13. And
through the Jews, Romans (= "wicked men"),
our own sin, and God’s purposes, Acts 2:23.
Are There Limitations to God's Power?
Sometimes God is able to accomplish more than He actually
does, Mt. 3:9; Rom. 9:22; Eph. 3:20
But, some things God could never accomplish. He cannot:
- Change His mind so as to alter his purposes, Num. 23:19-20
- Lie, Tit. 1:2; Heb. 6:18
- Be tempted by evil nor tempt anyone with evil, Jm. 1:13
- Condone sin, Hab. 1:13
- Cease to exist, Gen. 21:33; Is. 40:28; Ps. 90:2
- Do what is logically impossible, 2 Tim. 2:13
Note: All of these ‘inabilities’ are really
signs of strength rather than weaknesses.
Practical Implications
God’s power gives us:
- Confidence that all His purposes will succeed(Job
42:2; Pr. 16:4; Dan. 4:35; Acts 4:28; 5:38-39; Eph.
1:11)
- Certainty that all his promises will be fulfilled
(Num. 23:19; Josh. 23:14; Rom. 4:20-21; Heb. 6:13-15;
10:23; 1 Pt. 1:5)
- Courage that He empowers us for service and dispels
our fears (Ezra 7:28; Mt. 14:27; Acts 1:8; 23:11)
- Comfort that all His enemies will be defeated (Ps.
66:3; Rev. 11:17-18; 20:11-15)
- Cause to continue developing Christian character
(2 Pt. 1:3-8; Phil. 2:13)
- Capacity to engage and disable evil in our lives
(Lk. 10:19-20; Eph. 6:10-13)
Read Eph. 1:19-20. When was the last time you earnestly
prayed for God’s power to transform your life?
Explain.
Read Eph. 3:14-17. How often do you pray for God’s
power to change your inner being so that your character
reflects Christ’s presence more and more?
Read Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:18; 2:4-5; 1 Thess. 1:5.
The gospel is "the power of God for salvation."
How much do you really depend upon the gospel to impact
those with whom you are sharing?
Read Mk 14:35-36. Just like Jesus, do you honestly
want God’s will to be done more than you want
your prayer request answered in a certain manner?
Read 2 Cor. 12:9. What specific event can you point
to that illustrates God’s power made perfect
in your weakness?
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