THE EXCEEDING GREATNESS OF HIS POWER

THE EXCEEDING GREATNESS OF HIS POWER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 1:18-20

Key Verse: “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.” — Ephesians 1:19 KJV

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 3:20; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:13; Colossians 1:10-11; 2 Timothy 1:7.

Description: This message reveals the immeasurable power of God available to believers through Christ and the Holy Spirit for victorious Christian living and divine assignment.

INTRODUCTION

Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:19 is extraordinary because he did not merely pray that believers would know God's power; he prayed that they would know “the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe.” The word “exceeding” points to something surpassing ordinary limits. God's power is beyond human measurement, beyond natural limitations, and beyond the ability of circumstances to overcome it.

Many believers know that God is powerful but do not understand that His power is also at work towards those who believe. They face challenges as though they are alone, confront battles as though they have no spiritual resources, and approach divine assignments as though everything depends on human ability. Paul wanted the Church to understand that the believer has access to divine power through Christ.

This power is demonstrated supremely in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The same God who raised Christ from the dead is able to strengthen, sustain, transform, deliver, empower, and establish His people. When we understand the greatness of God's power, fear gives way to faith, weakness gives way to dependence upon God, and impossibilities become opportunities to see His glory.

1. GOD'S POWER IS BEYOND HUMAN MEASUREMENT

Human strength has limitations. Money can finish, physical strength can fail, human wisdom can reach its limit, and earthly systems can collapse. But God's power has no boundary. He is the Almighty God, and nothing is too difficult for Him.

The believer must therefore learn to measure circumstances by the greatness of God rather than measure God by the size of circumstances. What is impossible with men remains possible with God.

a) Nothing Is Too Difficult for God (Jeremiah 32:17) – Jeremiah declared that nothing is too hard for God. His power is not restricted by human limitations.

b) God Is Almighty (Genesis 17:1) – God revealed Himself to Abraham as the Almighty God, demonstrating that His ability exceeds every natural limitation.

c) Nothing Is Impossible with God (Luke 1:37) – Divine power can accomplish what human beings cannot accomplish by natural strength.

d) God Does the Impossible (Matthew 19:26) – Jesus declared that with God all things are possible. The limitation of man does not constitute a limitation for God.

Biblical Example: Sarah's barrenness appeared to make God's promise impossible, but God fulfilled His word and gave Abraham and Sarah Isaac in their old age (Genesis 21:1-2).

2. GOD'S POWER IS AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE

Paul specifically describes God's power as being “to us-ward who believe.” This means that faith is central to experiencing God's power. The believer does not create God's power; rather, faith positions us to trust and depend upon the God who possesses all power.

God's power is not merely a theological concept to discuss. It is a present reality that works in the lives of those who trust Him.

a) Faith Connects Us to God's Power (Mark 9:23) – Jesus taught that all things are possible to the one who believes. Faith opens the heart to divine possibilities.

b) Prayer Releases Dependence on God (James 5:16) – The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. Prayer acknowledges our dependence upon God's power.

c) The Holy Spirit Empowers Believers (Acts 1:8) – Jesus promised power when the Holy Spirit came upon His disciples.

d) God's Power Works Through Faith (Ephesians 3:20) – God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think according to the power working in us.

Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood believed that touching Jesus' garment would bring healing, and her faith connected her to the healing power of Christ (Mark 5:25-34).

3. THE POWER OF GOD IS DEMONSTRATED IN RESURRECTION

Paul immediately connects God's exceeding greatness of power with the resurrection of Christ. The resurrection is the supreme demonstration that death cannot stop God's purpose.

If God could raise Jesus from the dead, there is no situation beyond His ability to intervene. The resurrection gives believers confidence that God's power can bring life where everything appears dead.

a) God Raised Christ from the Dead (Ephesians 1:20) – The resurrection demonstrates God's mighty power operating beyond the authority of death.

b) Christ Has Conquered Death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57) – Through Christ, death has been defeated and believers have victory through Him.

c) Resurrection Power Works in Believers (Romans 8:11) – The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in believers and gives life through His indwelling presence.

d) God Can Revive Dead Situations (Ezekiel 37:5-6) – The vision of the dry bones demonstrates God's ability to bring life into situations that appear completely hopeless.

Biblical Example: Lazarus had been dead for four days, yet Jesus called him out of the grave. What was impossible to human beings was accomplished by divine power (John 11:39-44).

4. GOD'S POWER ENABLES US TO OVERCOME HUMAN WEAKNESS

God does not always remove our weaknesses immediately. Sometimes He demonstrates His power through our weaknesses. Divine strength is revealed when human ability reaches its limit and we learn to depend completely upon God.

Your weakness does not disqualify you from God's purpose. When surrendered to God, your weakness can become the platform upon which His power is displayed.

a) Grace Is Sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9) – God's grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in weakness.

b) God Gives Strength to the Weak (Isaiah 40:29) – He gives power to the faint and increases strength to those who have no might.

c) Christ Strengthens the Believer (Philippians 4:13) – We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

d) God's Strength Sustains Us (Psalm 46:1) – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Biblical Example: Gideon considered himself weak and insignificant, but God called him a mighty man of valour and used him to defeat the Midianites (Judges 6:12-16; 7:19-22).

5. GOD'S POWER EQUIPS US FOR DIVINE ASSIGNMENT

God never calls a person to an assignment without providing the grace and power necessary to accomplish it. Divine calling requires divine empowerment.

The early disciples were ordinary people, but after receiving the Holy Spirit, they became bold witnesses who demonstrated the power of God. The assignment may be greater than your natural ability, but God's power is greater than the assignment.

a) Power for Witnessing (Acts 1:8) – The Holy Spirit gives believers power to become effective witnesses for Christ.

b) Power for Ministry (2 Corinthians 3:5-6) – Our sufficiency is from God. Ministry effectiveness does not depend solely on human ability.

c) Power for Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-11) – Believers are commanded to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

d) Power for Fruitfulness (Colossians 1:10-11) – God strengthens believers with all might according to His glorious power so that they may walk worthy and be fruitful.

Biblical Example: Peter and John, ordinary fishermen, preached boldly after receiving the Holy Spirit, and thousands were converted through their ministry (Acts 4:8-13; 4:33).

6. GOD'S POWER ENABLES US TO LIVE VICTORIOUSLY

The power of God is not given only for public ministry; it is also necessary for private Christian living. We need divine power to overcome temptation, endure trials, maintain holiness, forgive others, resist the devil, and remain faithful.

Victory is not achieved by human determination alone. We must continually depend on the Holy Spirit and the grace of God.

a) Power to Overcome Sin (Romans 6:14) – Sin shall not have dominion over believers who live under God's grace.

b) Power to Resist the Enemy (James 4:7) – When we submit to God and resist the devil, he will flee from us.

c) Power to Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) – Walking in the Spirit enables believers to overcome the desires of the flesh.

d) Power to Remain Steadfast (1 Corinthians 15:58) – God's power enables us to remain steadfast, unmovable, and committed to His work.

Biblical Example: Daniel maintained his devotion to God despite the threat of the lions' den. God's power preserved him because he remained faithful (Daniel 6:10, 19-23).

CONCLUSION

The exceeding greatness of God's power is beyond human measurement, and this power is directed towards those who believe. It is the power that raised Christ from the dead, strengthens the weak, equips believers for ministry, enables us to overcome spiritual opposition, and empowers us to live victorious Christian lives. The answer to many of our limitations is not greater confidence in ourselves but greater dependence upon God's power.

Therefore, do not face your battles as though you are powerless. Do not approach your divine assignment in your own strength. Trust the Holy Spirit, pray with faith, stand firmly on God's Word, and depend upon the power of Christ working in you. The God who raised Jesus from the dead is still powerful today, and His exceeding great power is available to strengthen and use you for His glory.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, open my understanding to know the exceeding greatness of Your power towards me, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, let every limitation of human strength in my life be replaced with divine strength, in Jesus name.

3. Father, increase my faith and help me to trust Your power in every situation, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, let resurrection power operate in every area of my life that needs divine intervention, in Jesus name.

5. Father, strengthen me in every area where I am weak and helpless, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, empower me by the Holy Spirit to fulfil every assignment You have committed into my hands, in Jesus name.

7. Father, let Your power break every chain, bondage, limitation, and spiritual opposition against my life, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, give me power to overcome temptation, sin, fear, and every work of the flesh, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let Your mighty power bring life, restoration, healing, and renewal into every dead situation around me, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let Your exceeding great power continually work in me and through me for the advancement of Your kingdom, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. The exceeding greatness of God's power shall be manifested in your life, and every limitation shall give way.

2. You shall not be defeated by circumstances; the power of God working in you shall make you victorious.

3. Every situation that appears dead in your life shall receive divine intervention and new life.

4. You shall receive supernatural strength where your natural strength has failed.

5. The Holy Spirit shall empower you for every assignment God has committed into your hands.

6. Every chain of spiritual bondage, oppression, stagnation, and limitation shall be broken by the power of God.

7. You shall overcome every temptation and remain steadfast in your walk with Christ.

8. The power that raised Jesus from the dead shall bring renewal, restoration, and strength into every area of your life.

9. You shall accomplish what God has ordained for you, not by human strength alone, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

10. You shall become a living demonstration of the exceeding greatness of God's power, and your life shall bring glory to His name, in Jesus' name.