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!