MULTIPLE PURPOSES FOR GOD’S POWER

“Now when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled and glorified God who had GIVEN such POWER to men” – Matthew 9:8

The Lord Jesus Christ didn’t give us His Power in vain. He had in mind, clear, specific, and MULTIPLE PURPOSES for His POWER, all of which are related to the advancement of His Kingdom on earth. Power is the possession of kings; and King Jesus is the Ultimate Epitome of Power! Let’s meditate on Four of the Manifold Purposes of Divine Power:

Power and Grace for Positive Change: “But as many as received him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (Jh.1:12, kjv). It takes the Power of Grace to be positively transformed in Character. To effect true attitudinal and character change, we need God’s miraculous power. Religion is highly limited in power. The practice of following laws, rules, and regulations in order to please God cannot transform a person’s inner self. True transformation happens only by His Grace – the undeserved gift of God’s Supernatural Power and enablement to do what we cannot do in our own strength and to become what we cannot be by our own merits.

Power and Grace Victory over Sin: “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (Rom.6:14). We can never overcome sin by our own abilities and fleshly efforts. There is a dimension of Power that undergirds Purity. When one is ‘hooked’ on addictions or confronted with spiritual and mental bondages, and impure thoughts, rigorous disciplines and empty religious exercises will be of little or no benefit. Sin was conquered on the Cross of Calvary. It took the Power of the Cross cancel Sin, and it takes the Power in the Blood of Jesus to cleanse totally from sin. Through His shed Blood, we received the power to live clean and pure lives. Consequently, sin no longer has a hold on us; rather, we have dominion and control over sin through the impartation of Power that Jesus provided at the cross.

Power for Effective Service and Ministry: “Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them POWER and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick” (Lk.9:1-2). Serving God effectively and ministering with impact is impracticable without the divine strength and power to do it. The preaching and teaching of the Gospel must be borne on the Wings of the Anointing – the Supernatural Power of God! Eloquence and charisma can never replace Divine Power. If the element of power is missing, the best of preaching will not win souls or produce the desired effect. Trying to serve God without His Power will eventually lead to spiritual famine, emotional burnout or physical fatigue.

Power to Defeat Satan and His demons: “And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over ALL the POWER of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Lk.10:18-19). The spirit realm is real, and there are two kingdoms in conflict – the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness, and we are in the middle of this war. We are in a continuous spiritual war against Satan and his demons, but with the assurance of Victory in Christ: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Cor.15:57). Jesus defeated Satan at the cross, and spoiled him, his hosts and his works by the Resurrection Power. Therefore we can declare: “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place” (2Cor.2:14).

In Christ we have Victory ALWAYS and in EVERY PLACE! We are on Victory-side, but we must actively manifest that Victory in our daily thoughts, words, and actions! God’s Power working in and through us – to positively transform lives, overcome sin, produce purity, enable effective ministry, and defeat the devil and demons – will cause multitudes to marvel and God to be glorified (Mt.9:8).