The Power That Works In Us

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.Ephesians 3:20-21 (NASB)

I have a habit of searching for verses and passages within the Sacred Scriptures, which catch my attention, and there are many. Each catches my attention, often for different reasons. Usually, the reason is that the verse, or passage, seems to be saying (or teaching) more than what seems obvious. When this happens, questions pop into my head regarding what I just read, and I want to know the answers.

As well, I have learned that the obvious is not always the reality. Using modern-day concepts, knowledge, and interpretation methods (in English) may only produce a lessor explanation of the meaning, or teaching, of the Scripture in question. I have learned to read a verse or passage in the Bible and use my knowledge from studying their past culture. Their use of words and phrases, the contexts used (as of the time of writing), and so forth. Reading Scripture in this manner will often lead me to an understanding which is different from the seemingly obvious. For example, in Spanish, when someone wants to invite everyone they know to a Fiesta, one would use the phrase, “Invita todo el Mundo.” In English, this means, “Invite the whole world” (literally). The meaning that is understood by the speakers and those who hear the phrase uttered is, “Invite anyone you want” (or everyone). The “todo el Mundo” part removes the limit of invitees. Therefore, for a better and more precise understanding of what the Bible teaches, one must consider the above factors to reach a better conclusion regarding what the teaching or meaning may be. On the other hand, many times, the Bible means exactly what it says.

As far as this article is concerned, I will pay careful attention to the Ephesians 3:20-21 (NASB) verse listed at the beginning of this article. I use the NASB in all my studies. It is the version of my preference. I usually begin with identifying any keywords or phrases (at least from my perspective), and then I go forth.

A STUDY OF THE VERSE

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”

For me, the keys words or phrases here are:

· Able.

· Far more abundantly.

· Beyond all.

· Ask or think.

· According to the Power.

· Works in us.

· The Glory.

These keywords or phrases are those which catch my attention. They draw my attention for different reasons, mostly because they are not immediately clear about what they mean. Most persons will read these words in English and decide that they understand and immediately stop any further investigation into the possible meaning or teaching of this verse. In essence, they will think they already understand all they need to know and go on to the next verse. I am different. I need to know the answers which were not apparent from one reading.

The first question I have is, “Of whom is this verse speaking?” Notice the phrasing, “Now to Him …, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus…” Well, since our Lord, Jesus, is mentioned, we can safely deduce that He is not the “Him” referred to twice. A glance at the context in which we find the verse (reading before and after the passage) tells me that the “Him” referred to here is the Father (see verse 14). We must know who “He” is because we will also be investigating whom it is that can “do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.”

The second question which comes to mind is, “What is the main argument of the verse, or what is it trying to get across to me?” For example, does it say that the Father will, or must, be glorified in the church and Christ Jesus, or that the Father has the power and ability to work through us and somehow do much more than we can ask or conceive, and that He will be glorified in this manner? The answer is, “yes.” They are both right. But, all of this only produces more questions.

The next question which demands an answer is, “What does glorified mean?” The Greek word is δόξα (doxa). Pronounced: dox’-ah. Vine’s Dictionary of Words lists it as meaning: Dignity, Dignities, Glory, Glorious, and Honor.

Though translated into several others, in Greek, the same word is intended. In the KJV, they are:

· glory 145 (times),

· glorious 10,

· honor 6,

· praise 4,

· dignity 2, and

· worship 1.

There are a total number of 168 uses, and all of them, used in different ways, is the same word, “doxa.”

Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words goes on to say that “doxa” has a further signification, “an opinion, estimate, and hence, the honor resulting from a good opinion.” In other words, (regarding Ephesians 3:20-21), the idea is that the Father receives high praise, much regard, and placed in a high honor position. We can safely say that giving the Father glory means to speak highly of Him, to brag about His ability to do this or that, and to show Him the highest respect (in whatever manner we can) at all times.

At this point, I feel comfortable that I understand two things regarding the verses in question; one, we are speaking of the Father specifically, and, two, that He must receive glory (as defined above). So then the next question comes up, “Why should the Father be glorified?” The average reader of the Bible will answer, “Because He is God!” The answer sounds nice and is the religious response that is appropriate and true. The answer belies the Biblical instruction to “do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. “More important than knowing the truth is understanding why it is the truth.” Scripture encourages us to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). So, you see, if someone spits out any old answer because they feel, or believe, that it is the right answer, they are disobeying the Scriptures’ instruction to “test the “spirit.”

WHY SHOULD THE FATHER BE GLORIFIED?

So, let’s go back to the question, “Why should the Father be glorified?” The answer is that we must glorify the Father because He can “do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” That’s why! But, this now presents even more questions. The next question is, “What is this “power” to which the verse refers?”

The Greek word is δύναμις (dunamis). The phonetic pronunciation is doo’-nam-is. Vine’s Dictionary of Words says it means: ability, able, meaning, might (noun), mighty, mightily, mightier, miracle, power, strength, and strengthen.” It is used in the Bible 120 times and translated in those different locations as power 77, mighty work 11, strength 7, miracle 7, might 4, virtue 3, mighty 2, and miscellaneous translations nine times. The definition includes (literal or figurative); incredibly miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself): - ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, and mighty (incredible) work (according to Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary). By the way, “dunamis” is the Greek word which we use to get the English term, “dynamite.”

Careful attention to the definitions and intended meaning will lead us to the correct understanding of the word “power.” Since it “works within us,” it does not necessarily imply that it is a natural part of us. In other words, it may be something that can enter us, perform its function, and then leave. The phrasing of the verse and its context in the chapter does not allow an interpretation that includes this power being a natural part of us as humans. Therefore, we must conclude that this power can function within us but not necessarily be controlled by us alone.

In any case, it seems, based on the data garnered from the above resources, the word “power” here means a dynamic ability that is not controlled by us and which is capable of miraculous results and performance. What I get from this is that there is a power that can function in us (as humans), which can accomplish powerful and miraculous things. And, continuing with the verse’s context, it seems that this power comes from, or is used by, the Father. This last point is important to me because it answers the question of ability (as in “who is able”), the fact that it is the Father who is the One who is “able.” Jesus Himself clearly states in Matthew 19:26 that “with God all things are possible.” So there is no question of the Father’s ability to do whatever He deems.

HOW DOES THE POWER “WORK” IN US?

To me, the next question is, “How does this “power” “work” in us? We will find the answer by understanding the phrase “according to” in the verses themselves. I won’t go into all of the Greek word usage and Vine’s explanations again, but I will summarize. The phrase “according to” implies a pattern of sorts, conditions or stipulations, requirements, or steps to be followed. The safe conclusion we can make is that the phrase “according to” in this verse indicates that there is a process that is required for this “power” to “work” in us. This could mean the Father Himself would need to do something specific or that we would need to do something specific for this power to “work” in us. In either case, something seems to be required for the “power” to “work” in us.

The next obvious question is, “What are the requirements?” The verse does not say, nor is the answer found in the chapter. But, the real question is not just, “What are the requirements,” but instead, “Are these ‘requirements’ something that we as humans must know?” The answer to that question will answer the first. To find out whether we, as humans, must know what those “requirements” are, we must first decide whether it is the Father who must meet the “requirements” or we. And that, dear reader, depends on how this power works “in” us.

So, therefore, my next question is, “What does the verse mean when it says “in us?” Specifically, I question the word “in.” Is this saying:

· that this power literally enters humans, so that it resides in us.

· Or is it saying that it is something that humans may use but not necessarily be inside us?

· Or is it saying that the Father uses this “power” in an external manner that affects humans internally?”

I tend to go for the last point. In context with the rest of the Bible, in general, the third option above makes more sense. I believe that the verse teaches that the Father can bring about “miraculous” circumstances in the lives of those who meet the conditions required for this “power” to perform its intended function. By saying “those who meet the conditions required,” I am not saying that I believe these verses indicate that we as humans must do anything as such. I believe this verse’s context implies that there are conditions that must exist in humans for the Father to use this “power” to affect our lives. For example, in Mark 19:26, Jesus said, “All things are possible to him who believes.” The question here is not whether “all” things are possible, but rather howall things are possible. The statement dictates that belief is required. It does not make an obvious clarification as to whom must have this belief. Still, by implication, and the following actions of Christ Jesus Himself, the understanding is that the one performing is the one required to believe.

The Ephesians verse does not have a clear indication of who is to meet whatever conditions are required. The context, which includes the Mark verse teaching, will allow us to conclude that it could be either the Father Himself or the human involved, who must meet the required condition for the “power” to work. But, there is one more consideration, God must be the one who gets the “glory.” So, with this in mind, we can now safely conclude that it is the Father Himself who must meet the conditions required to use the “power that works within us.” If it is He who meets the requirements and “works the power,” then it is He who deserves the glory (credit) for the outcome of the use of the “power.”

WHAT DOES ABUNDANT MEAN?

My next question has to do with the phrase, “far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.” The word “abundant” is one that is readily clear, and it means “plentiful, copious, ample, profuse, rich, lavish, abounding, liberal, generous, and bountiful” In other words, enough; enough of whatever for whatever purpose or use. The general belief regarding God’s provision (or instead, what God can provide) is that He always provides what is needed; therefore: enough (abundant). In the case of this verse, though, it says that the Father can go “beyond” the limits of enough. “Enough” should, in and of itself, be enough. Who needs more than enough? If the Father were only to give each believer “enough,” they would never lack in anything, right? But the argument here is that the Father can go “beyond” enough. Not only that, but that he can go beyond “all that we ask or think.”

Now, I don’t know about you, but, as you can see by this rather lengthy article on just two verses from the Bible, I can think quite a lot. So, we must investigate this phrase a bit more. The question here is, “What does this verse mean by all that we ask or think?” To understand the meaning in its most precise form, let’s look at the word “all.” Not to be silly, because “all” in the Greek still means “all.” By implication, in this verse, it means “Everything that we (as humans) can come up with to ask of God. What would this include for you? For me, I could write a book of around 100,000 words (sort of like a long novel), and I probably would still not be finished. Why, you might ask? Because I am human.

Humans are born selfish. Give two babies a toy each, and they will want the toy of the other, even if it is the same type of toy. Why? Because we are born selfish. As we grow older, hopefully, we learn to become less selfish and more selfless. We never stop being selfish, but many of us learn to sacrifice some of that selfishness for the greater good. Usually, that “greater good” is something that benefits us as well also. So, when it comes to what we can ask God for, we have an “abundant,” or should I say, a plethora of requests and supplications. We can ask God for some things which will benefit us alone, our families, our friends, our church members, our country, the world, and so forth. There almost seems to be no limit to what we, as humans, can ask of God. Nevertheless, the verse claims that the Father can do “more” (than enough) abundantly than we ask.

A GREAT IMAGINATION

On top of that, the verse further claims that the Father cannot only do “more” than we ask but that He can do “more abundantly” than we think; and this is the most significant point of the two verses, the main keyword. The “requirements” (for the power to be able to work in us), if any, may be found here.

As I said before, I don’t know about you, but I have a fantastic imagination. I am a writer, as you can see. I also write books about politics, counseling, and in August of 2015, I just published my latest book, “Another Star in the Sky.” This last book is a science fiction story about aliens who come to Earth. If you go to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Smashwords on the internet, you can buy a copy of the book. The story has over 60,000 words in it. The point is that I have a relatively limitless imagination. I can understand abstract concepts with which some people may have a problem. Many people on this planet have the same capacity as I, and maybe even to a greater degree.

My point is that if the Father can do “more than enough” compared to what I can imagine, then He is truly magnificent. I can imagine the Father blessing me with 200 million dollars. With that kind of money, the first thing I would do is set aside a simple 50 million for personal expenses. Then I would create a non-profit corporation and manage the remaining 150 million. First, I would make sure that my ministry had all the funds it needed. Then, via the corporation, I would find ways to help people, churches, and so forth, in the name of the Father, so that He would get all the credit (glory).

In many cases, I would make sure the people or organizations did not know who gave the money so that God would get all the credit, and not me. Sure it would feel great to give people money (in the name of the Lord) and for them to be thankful to me as well, but for him to get the glory (honor, worship, and praise) most of the time, the recipients could not know from where the money came. You see, I can imagine much. By the way, I just used a small number like 200 million as an example, but I can imagine a much more considerable amount.

FINAL POINTS

Getting back to our discussion regarding Ephesians 3:20-21, what is precisely what the verse is saying and teaching. These are two different points:

It says that the Father should get all the credit for His ability to perform miracles and do things beyond human comprehension. The human must be willing to believe in His capacity to do so because the performance of those things requires belief on the human’s part (in this case, it probably means to have faith in God’s ability to perform). God wants you to give Him a chance to show you that He can do what He says He can do. When he works “the power” through you, He wants to get the glory for what He does. When others see Him perform through you, your stated belief will show them He did what happened. The Father should get this credit from His church, as He already does from His Son, our Lord Christ Jesus, forever and ever.

These verses teach that God wants us to learn to free our imaginations regarding what He can do.

· He wants us to believe without limit.

· He wants us to dream of the great things that He can accomplish in our lives.

· He wants us not to doubt ourselves as to how greatly He can use us.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NASB)