God's Power Working In Us

HIS GUARANTEE FOR SUCCESS IS GOD'S POWER WORKING FOR US -- THE SAME POWER THAT RESURRECTED AND EXALTED CHRIST TO HIS POSITION AS HEAD OVER ALL -- BOTH IN THE UNIVERSE AND IN THE CHURCH WHICH IS HIS BODY

Introduction: We need this power

1) We are in a war

2) Our commander-in-chief is invisible

1. God's Power is more than Sufficient by Definition

a. the Nature of His Power -- uses 4 different Greek words to convey something of its all-surpassing character

1) dunamis -- strength, might, power -- general word

2) energeia -- power in action; working power

3) kratos -- the strength exercised in the activity; dominion; over-powering mastery

4) ischus -- inherent ability -- whether exercised or not; strength possessed

b. the Measure of His Power -- "the exceeding greatness"

2. God's Power is more than Sufficient by Illustration

4 great acts of God described (2 groupings of 2) -- what He already did for Christ:

a. the Resurrection

3 reasons God wants us to look at a resurrected Christ

1) God's supreme seal upon His Son

2) God's guarantee for the believer's future

3) Provides power in believer's life right now

b. the Exaltation -- signif of sitting = a mark of honor or authority

1) sitting as King in royal court -- to receive His subjects

2) sitting as Judge in legislative court -- to render judgment

3) sitting as teacher -- taught with evident authority (Matt. 5:1)

4) sitting as high priest (Heb. 10:11-14) -- all others stood; Jesus was the exception

c. the Dominion of Christ over the Universe -- "put all things under His feet" Ps. 8:4-6; 1 Cor. 15:27; Heb. 2:8-9

d. the Headship of Christ over the Church