SUPERNATURAL SUPPLY OF POWER

“Now to Him who is able to do EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE all that we ask or think, according to the POWER that works in us” – Ephesians 3:20

GOD is never lacking in the SUPERNATURAL SUPPLY of POWER: “Now to Him who is able to do EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE all that we ask or think, according to the POWER that works in us” (v.20). This verse serves as the doxology to Paul’s prayer which began in verse 14, the conclusion of the first three chapters, and an introduction to the last three chapters. It affirms the Unfathomable Power of God! He is not just able to do beyond what we ask, but abundantly beyond. Indeed, He is able to do far more abundantly beyond what we ask; and all of these are “according to the power that works within us”! God can do all we ask and much more: “But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1Cor.2:9).

God's means for accomplishing more than we can imagine comes through the Holy Spirit's power within us, rather than by our human effort or ability. Paul consistently referred to “power” in this letter. In terms of spiritual blessings – not just material wealth – there is so much that Christ supplies. One of these is that we might know “and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power” (Eph.1:19). Paul attributed his calling to the same power: “of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power” (v.7). Part of Paul’s prayer for believers says: “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man” (v.16). The might of God refers to His Power!

It takes the supernatural supply of Power to become a son of God: “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). Shortly before His ascension, the Lord Jesus proclaimed the Promise of Power: “Behold, I send the Promise of My father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with POWER FROM ON HIGH” (Lk.24:49). With the release of the Holy Spirit, we can now operate on higher dimensions of Power: “But you shall receive POWER when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

From Genesis to Revelation, we see God’s mighty Power at work: in creation, in His judgements, in redemption, and in His working in and through the believer and the Church. However, this unlimited power always works in alignment with His sovereign will and Big Picture! It is not a power that we trifle with for a petty agenda or to achieve a private interest. We need God’s power for victorious living, both personally and corporately. But what is required for His power to be increasingly released upon us? The answer is the same with reference to either individual believers or local churches. These are: faith in God’s Word, dependence on Him, and obedience.

Faith in God and His Word: It is essential to believe that the Scriptures are absolutely true and sufficient for life and godliness. Any time a believer, minister or congregation begins to question the Bible’s inerrancy, sufficiency, or clarity, such has denied the source of supernatural power.

Dependence on God: Jesus said that apart from Him, we can do nothing of any spiritual value (Jh.15:5). In fact, His power is perfected in us when we are weak and rely fully on Him (2Cor.12:9).

Obedience: God’s power will not flow through us when we are living in outright sin or rationalising partial obedience. God is always ready to strengthen those who obey Him.