THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION

Ephesians 1:19-23

Conclusion

“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills everything in every way.” NIV

In our last pen pulpit we began a discussion on the Power of His (Christ’s) Resurrection. We began looking at the expression of that power. It was indeed the greatest exertion of power in the history of mankind because it was spiritual and not nuclear power. It is power unleashed from God.

We continue that study in the present pen pulpit by examining the specifics of that power.

Paul prays that these believers might come to know the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. First of all the word “surpassing” is from the Greek word HUPERBALLO which means “to throw beyond” or surpass. The KJV translates the word “exceeding” which is good. However we will stay with the word “surpassing” greatness. Greatness is MEGETHOS speaking of God’s power. This implies “greatness to the fullest extent.” These words are stretching at their seams to convey the inexpressible power involved in raising Jesus Christ from the dead. This far surpasses all other feats of power (Colossians1:16,17) for creation of all things. I repeat that this is a totally different dimension of power. This is not nuclear power but spiritual power. This power is unto us who believe. Imagine, folks, the same dimension of power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you and me as believers.

When the apostle thinks of the power of God, he presses all the terms for power in his vocabulary into service in order to convey something of its surpassing character. He uses terms conveying intrinsic power exploding into life. Although forty days separated the ascension from the resurrection, verse 20 tells us that the same inexpressible power is activated in both events.

Question: Why was this awesome power necessary? We answered that question in our last pen pulpit but to summarize –It was necessary because of the opposition of the forces of darkness (Colossians 2:15). Remember that Satan’s attempts to destroy Christ began way back in Genesis 3:15.

The Range of Resurrection Power - v. 21. Whatever power or dignities that exist, human or angelic, and by whatever names they may be designated, Christ’s resurrection dominion is above all (Matt. 28:18; Colossians1:16,17.)

The Application of Resurrection Power - vs. 22, 23. Paul now makes the direct connection between resurrection and ascension power and the church. The church is associated with Him in this incomparable dominion (Rom. 6:4). In verse 22 we read that He is given to be the Head of the church. This, of course, means that He is Lord of the church. This is His authority – but more: We have a living connection with Him (Ephesians 5:30). In verse 23 we learn that His fullness and power is resident within the church and therefore available to every believer.

Beloved, when you and I are confronted with the powers of darkness, and we definitely will be, we must remember to appropriate this power by faith. Some of you may be facing the forces of darkness as you read this pen pulpit. If so, remind yourself that what we’ve discussed in this paper is straight from the Word of God.

God bless and have a great resurrection Sunday.