Lesson 14

Review

 

 

 

 3. Paul's intercessory prayer

 a. It's Motivation  1:15-16

 b. It's Content;  1:17-19a 

 à c. It's Explanation  1:19b-21

 

 

Paul ransacks Greek vocabulary for the synonyms for power. 

#1. "power"  du,namij  inherent power; power that is inherent because of its very nature; therefore the  idea of strength.

#2. "working"  evne,rgeia means the effective, operational power.

#3. "strength"  kra,toj  speaks of resisting/controlling power;

[like a dam holding back water]

#4. "might  ivscu,j  power that is in one's possession; its an ability, a strength one has;

 

How can we miss  this power in our own lives? How do we stay unhooked?

#1 Ignorance of truth;   no  evpi,gnwsij.

 

#2 Grieving the Holy Spirit

 

#3 Unbelief; know the truth and fail to believe it and apply it.

 

The greatness of God's power seen in history.   1:20-21

 

In the New Testament, when the writers of Scripture wished to express  the greatness or the fullness of God's love they pointed to the cross  and the death of Christ in our place.  Rom 5:8; 1 Jn 4:10;

 

But when they wished to express the greatness of His power, they pointed to His resurrection and exaltation to the right hand of God,  the place of honor and highest authority.

 

 

The imagery that Paul uses here in vs:20-21 is spatial, "at His right hand," "in heaven," and "far above." 

These expressions focus on the idea of exalted authority, a far superior authority,  not a physical location or outer space.

 

 

It is this same power in us that enables us to reject the domination of the OSN, to not respond to its temptation and to live the CWOL.

 

 

The "far above" in vs:21 indicates superiority. He is exalted above all authority, whether of man or angel; its high above all of these;  rule, and authority and power and dominion;

 

 

- "not only in this age, but also in the one to come."

 

 

** So far we have seen God's power which is available to each of us illustrated for us in the life of Christ in several ways!

#1 By His resurrection.

#2 In His session at the right hand; seated, place of honor.

#3 In that His authority is superior to all others!