Tim Keller | July 9, 1989
When we study Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we discover just how incredibly strong God is. His power goes far beyond anything we humans can do or even imagine. We see this power in how Jesus handled himself with calmness in front of Pilate and how our worldly leaders are comparatively powerless. It makes us wonder: do we really understand and experience this God power in our lives? This power shows itself in three ways – through resurrection, leadership, and spirituality.
1. Resurrection Power
God’s power is seen most clearly in the resurrection of Jesus. God overcame death, the strongest force we know. This same power that broke death’s grip is now at work in us, assuring us that we will overcome our own struggles. It gives us hope that God will continue the good things He started in our lives, and we can have access to this life-giving power.
2. Leadership Power
The letter also talks about Jesus’ authority over the world and the church. It reminds us that we’re part of His body and that He’s working everything out for our good. This challenges both Western and Eastern views on destiny and free will, by giving us a new perspective on how God intervenes in our lives. It highlights how important it is to rely on God for our safety and happiness, to see ourselves as part of Christ’s body, and to let God’s life in us transform us so we can act like Jesus and resist sin.
3. Spiritual Power
God’s power to change us doesn’t come from things we do or rituals we perform, but from being reborn through faith in Jesus alone. This power might seem hard to grasp, but it becomes real to us when we fully trust in God’s promises and in what Jesus has done. It’s important for us to recognize this immense power and to seek it through prayer.