POWER BELONGS TO GOD
Study Text: Psalm 62: 11
Introduction:
- Power is an inherent characteristic of God that cannot be compared to any other personality.
- Truly, there are many other powers but there is a power greater than every other powers which is the power of Jehovah, the Almighty God.
- God is supreme. All power belongs to Him----it is indisputable. He is the Almighty; no power on earth can be compared to His.
- His power extends over all the earth, over all His creation; for He made the heavens and the earth along with everything that exists within it. God has no beginning and no end; He existed before the Beginning. Isaiah 45:21.
- This power of God is in Jesus Christ. He has the name above every name, and was given all powers in Heaven and on Earth. Matthew 28: 18.
- We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings:
1. The Distinction of His Power
2. The Dimensions of His Power
3. The Dominion through His Power
1. The Distinction of His Power
There are various categories of power which had been manifested at various times and for various reasons. Some of these include:
1. The Power of Position
- This is exhibited by people in a position of authority, and is applicable to both the spiritual and the secular sectors.
- An example of such power was the threatening of King Nebuchadnezzar against the three Hebrew men. He was asking them, who is that God that will deliver them. Daniel 3: 13 - 15.
- This power is limited because, the people in possession of such power, only became who they were for a period of time. They may die or finish their tenure of office.
- If any one is using the power of position to torment you or oppress you in anyway, the power of the Most High God can be engaged to crush such power.
2. The Power of Personality Connection
- This is exhibited by people that are connected to those in highly placed position. They exercise this power, not because of who they are, but because of who they know.
- Sometimes, people use this power to get something they wanted easily, and to deal with some people negatively.
- We have the example of Harman, who used his connection with the king to plot the destruction of Mordecai and the entire Jews. Esther 3: 5 - 10.
3. The Power of Seduction
- The power exhibited by women when they influence a man to bid their requests in exchange for sexual gratification.
- A lot of men had been so influenced and enticed to give or do something against their natural willingness.
- Samson was a victim of such influence and enticement by two different women, and that led to his separation from God and destruction. Judges 14: 15 - 18, 16: 4 - 20.
4. The Power of Wealth Possession
- This is when people use their wealth possessions to influence others and get what they wanted at all costs.
- Naaman came with a lot of material rewards as a means of getting his healing easily and assuredly. 2 Kings 5: 5 - 12.
- The Magician in Samaria offered money to the Apostles to obtain the power they had. Acts 8: 18 - 24.
5. The Power of Divination
- This is the power exhibited by people operating in Satanic supernatural. They include the false prophets, sorcerers, magicians and diviners.
- They use this power to see into people's lives and future, and by so doing, gain access to manipulate the people's destinies.
- The magician in Samaria deceived people for a long time with this power, and people took him for a true servant of God before the arrival of Philip. Acts 8: 9 - 11.
- Also, a damsel with the spirit of divination was testifying about Paul and Silas, until her secret was exposed by the Holy Spirit. Acts 16: 16 - 18.
6. The Power of Demonic Oppressions
- This is the power exhibited by demons and everyone operating in the kingdom of darkness, in oppressing and afflicting unprotected people.
- We can see the example of a man living among the tombs in Gadarene, under the operations of demonic powers. Luke 8: 28 - 39.
7. The Power of the Holy Spirit
- This is the power of the most high God. The greatest power that can not be resisted or limited.
- This power is in Jesus Christ, who shared same with the faithful followers in His kingdom. Luke 10: 19 - 20, Acts 1: 8.
2. The Dimensions of His Power
- There are different dimensions that the power of God has been in operations, and which is still possible and visible today.
1. The Dimension of Creation
- God created everything in heaven and on earth by the workings of His power. Colossians 1: 16.
- We can engage His power today for any creative miracle or blessing required. He promised to make a way for us where there seems to be no way, and give us rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43: 18 - 19.
2. The Dimension of Protection
- The power of God has capacity to protect and preserve His people from all forms of evil, dangers and disasters. Mark 4: 37 - 40, Isaiah 54: 17.
- By faith in His words and His power, we should commit ourselves unto Him continually for our safety and security.
3. The Dimension of Restoration
- The power of God has capacity to bring back to life what was dead, stolen or destroyed by the enemy. John 10:10, Joel 2:25.
- His power of restoration can recover and restore our health, our strength and our wealth, when we call upon Him by faith.
4. The Dimension of Destruction
- The power of God can destroy all the works of the Devil in the lives of His children. 1 John 3:8.
- We must engage His power regularly to destroy all traces and manifestations of evil and satanic operations in every area of our lives.
- By His mighty power, he can confront and destroy all unrepentant enemies and stubborn pursuers of our glory and destiny, like He did against Pharaoh and his armies. Exodus 15:1, 19.
5. The Dimension of Redemption
- The power of God has capacity to arrest and redeem all categories of sinners: the wicked, the injurious, the ignorant and the religious.
- We have the testimony of the salvation and redemption of Saul, Ethiopian Eunuch, Cornelius and the woman at the well, under the workings of His power.
- We should engage His power by praying for our loved ones and other souls that are not responding well to the call of the gospel.
6. The Dimension of Provisions
- The power of God has capacity to confront and conquer scarcity and lack in our lives. We have the testimony of His visitation in the land of Samaria. 2 Kings 7: 1 - 2.
- In the times of needs, we can engage His power to provide for all our needs be it physical, spiritual, financial and emotional. Philippians 4:19.
7. The Dimension of Impartation
- God can impart His people with power for a specific assignment and to do unusual exploits. Acts 2: 1 - 4, 4: 23 - 31.
- We have the testimony of the workings of His power in the life of Philip in Samaria. Acts 8:1 - 10.
- We should earnestly seek His impartation upon our lives, so that His signs and wonders can follow us. Mark 16:17 - 18. The beginning of this is to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.
3. The Dominion Through His Power
- The power of God, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, has capacity to give us Dominion and all-round victory.
- We must believe it, engage His power, receive dominion and walk in it at all times. 1 Corinthians 15:57.
1. Dominion over Sin
- The power of God works in us to resist and overcome sin and all unrighteousness. Sin cannot have dominion over us as we engage His power. Romans 6:9 - 14.
2. Dominion over the Flesh
- The power of God gives us the strength to deny ourselves and mortify the deeds of the flesh. Galatians 5: 16 - 21.
- All the traces of the works of the flesh in our lives can be overcome if we engage His power through fervent prayers.
3. Dominion over the World
- We are able to live differently from the principles and practices of the world because of His power that works in us. Ephesians 1:19, 1 John 5: 4 - 5.
- The power of God gives us the grace to remain in the world and not to be part of the world in all manner of conversations.
4. Dominion over Satan and his Kingdom
- On our own, we are no match with the Devil, and cannot overpower him. But through the power of God, we have authority and dominion over the Devil and his kingdom. Luke 10:19 - 20, Colossians 1:13.
5. Dominion over Sicknesses and Diseases
- When Christ was dying at the Cross, He had in mind our healings and divine health. Isaiah 53:5.
- We should engage His power in praying for divine healings over all manner of sicknesses in our lives and for others who will believe in the workings of His power.
6. Dominion over Fear
- Fear is one of the weapons of the Devil to put people and keep them in bondage, and separate them from the kingdom of God. Romans 8:15.
- In times of fear, we should turn unto God, and engage His power for divine interventions. 2 Timothy 1:7.
- We have the testimony of Jehoshaphat, who was afraid at the information of the troupes coming to battle against him suddenly, but in his fear, he turned unto God, and he was not disappointed. 2 Chronicles 20: 1 - 12.
7. Dominion over Troubles, Tribulations and Difficult Situations
- In our Christian journey, we will face troubles and difficult situations. These times does not necessarily means that God is far away or has abandoned us. John 16:33.
- Some of these things happened to us as a way of trying our faith in God, what sort it is. Whatever happens, we must keep our focus and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ because He can do all things. John 14: 1 - 3, Philippians 4: 6 - 7.
- Whatever God allows to come our way, He will give us the grace to pass through them victoriously. Romans 8: 35 - 39.
- God can work through every situation in our lives to be for our good, as we surrender to Him and handover the situation to Him in prayers. Romans 8:28.
Conclusions:
- There are certain things we need to do in order to be a partaker, and profitably experience the power of God:
1. We need to receive Christ as our Lord and personal Saviour, and yield ourselves continually to God. John 1:12, John 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:15.
2. We need to walk daily in the righteousness of Christ, and live a holy life continually. This is because power comes with holiness. Hebrews 1:9, Psalms 45:7
3. We need to demonstrate absolute obedience to all the clear instructions of God in His words, and to all clear leadings of the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 1:19, Luke 24:49, Acts 2:1-11.
4. We need to be committed to fervent prayers and heartfelt worship and praises unto God continually. Power comes through Praises and Prayers as seen in the experience of Paul and Silas. Acts 16:25 -26.
5. We need to bear fruits and be profitable to the Kingdom of God. Power comes through faithfulness and commitment to Kingdom Service, as seen in the experience of Philip in the City of Samaria. Acts 8: 1 - 10.
- There are various reasons why God manifests His power in our lives:
1. He wants us to be effective Witnesses unto Him. God gives power to those who want to witness for him. Acts 1:8.
2. He wants to showcase the believers as His own people, so God gives power for His signs and wonders. Mark 16: 15 - 17, Hebrews 2: 3.
3. He wants to glorify Himself in the lives of His people, so God gives us power to do exploits that will bring glory to His holy name. Acts 10:38. Daniel 11:32.
