Question 1

What kind of power is available to those who believe in Jesus?

Accepted Answer

Ephesians 1:18-20I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.Ephesians 3:20Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.Philippians 4:13I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.Colossians 1:29That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.2 Thessalonians 1:11So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.The God who created the world and who defeats Satan offers his power to you. If you believe that God sent Jesus Christ to save you from sin, and if you ask him to forgive your sin and remove it, he will replace your sin-filled heart with the power to do good, to accomplish great things, and to resist the forces of evil. But you can only use God’s power for godly purposes.1 Corinthians 5:3-4You must call a meeting of the church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus.2 Corinthians 3:5It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.When the church is gathered and conscious of God’s presence, they are empowered to preach, teach, practice discipline over individual believers, and make bold decisions for God. The ineffectiveness of the church in the world can often be traced to a partial practice of the corporate life God reveals to us in his Word.Psalm 68:35God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!Micah 3:8As for me, I am filled with power—with the Spirit of the Lord. I am filled with justice and strength to boldly declare Israel’s sin and rebellion.2 Corinthians 4:7We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.2 Corinthians 12:9-10Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.2 Corinthians 13:3-4I will give you all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. Christ is not weak when he deals with you; he is powerful among you. Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power.Ephesians 3:16-17I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.Ephesians 6:10A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.1 Peter 4:11Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.God’s empowerment never changes the fact that we remain weak vessels, powerless in ourselves, and always capable of mistakes and sins in a fallen world. One of the greatest ongoing miracles in the world is the way God accomplishes much through such flawed servants. But as God taught some of his greatest servants, his finest moments and greatest accomplishments are often done in and through his weakest servants.Psalm 60:12With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.2 Corinthians 10:4We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.Ephesians 6:10-18Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.The empowerment of a believer is always intended for use in the spiritual realm against the forces of evil. God’s spiritual power confronts and overpowers evil spiritual power. The Bible frequently describes that power conflict in war language, in which spiritual conflict becomes a battle and the forces are based in strongholds. The power of God’s truth and God’s Word overcomes the lies, falsehoods, and defective reasoning of evil. The power of God’s weapons defeats the power of Satan’s weapons. The power of God’s presence and protection in a believer’s life overcomes Satan’s threats. The power of faith in and from Jesus Christ overcomes the doubts sown by Satan. And the power in Christ’s authority in a believer’s life can overcome any resistant evil spiritual authorities in this world.Mark 1:23-26Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” But Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him.Acts 1:8“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”The task of taking the gospel to the whole world and to individual lives is an exercise of spiritual power. When people respond and become believers, the greatest work has been accomplished by the Holy Spirit, not the power of our presentation or the persuasiveness of our arguments.Isaiah 40:29-31He [the Lord] gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.Romans 1:11I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord.Romans 15:13I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.Ephesians 3:16I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.Ephesians 6:10Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.Colossians 1:11We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,2 Timothy 1:7God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.God extends his power to us not just to combat evil but also to give us patience in difficult times so we may grow spiritually mature. And note from Paul’s pattern that we can pray God’s power into the lives of others.

Question 2

How can we receive true spiritual power?

Accepted Answer

2 Corinthians 3:5It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.Colossians 1:15-16Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. . . . Everything was created through him and for him.2 Thessalonians 2:9This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles.True and godly spiritual power comes from God alone. There are counterfeits and they are not powerless, though they cannot overcome the exercise of God’s power. They must be confronted with God’s power.2 Corinthians 12:9Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.The more we recognize our weaknesses and limitations, the more we understand God’s power at work in us. Strength can make us proud and self-sufficient. We don’t feel that we need to rely much on God or others when we are very good at something or have great authority. That is why God often works through our weaknesses—if we let him—because then there is no doubt that it is by his power and not our own that the task gets done.2 Chronicles 16:9“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”Psalm 29:10-11The Lord rules over the floodwaters. The Lord reigns as king forever. The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.John 15:5“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”Ephesians 3:19May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.God gives strength to those who are fully committed to him. And God knows who they are. Just as a branch needs to be connected to a tree to grow and thrive, you need to be connected to Jesus to grow and thrive spiritually.Mark 9:29Jesus replied, “This kind [of evil spirit] can be cast out only by prayer.”Acts 4:31After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.Acts 8:14-17When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.Acts 12:5, 12While Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. . . . When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer.Ephesians 6:18Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.James 5:16-17Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years!Communicating with God fuels our spiritual life. If we want to operate an electric appliance, we must first plug it into the source of power. So it is with spiritual power. We must first connect with God, the source of spiritual power. Ask him, not to make you powerful in a general sense but to empower you for the specific tasks he wants you to accomplish and the specific challenges he wants you to face.Ephesians 6:10-17Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.1 Timothy 4:7-11Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them.God gives us all the power we need to stand firm against Satan’s attacks. He provides armor for us comprised of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and prayer. Then he instructs us to put it on. Knowing we have a pile of spiritual resources and weapons is not the same thing as actively taking them in hand and learning to use them well. The same God who has equipped us also wants to train us for his service.John 15:5“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”Spiritual power comes from living in vital fellowship with Jesus Christ. If you are not being spiritually fruitful, it is time to humbly re-examine your connection with Jesus.

Question 3

How does God exercise his power?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 65:6You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength.Jeremiah 10:12The Lord made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. With his own understanding he stretched out the heavens.Colossians 1:15-20Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. . . . For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself.Hebrews 1:3The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.God exercises his power in creating and sustaining the universe and everything in it. That exercise of power is continual, a constant expression of Jesus’ eternal rule as our Creator and King.Psalm 116:6The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me.God uses his power to protect those who trust in him. Because his power is eternal, his protection is larger than life. It reaches into eternity.Luke 12:5“But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.”By his power God will carry out his judgment. There are limited powers of many kinds that can provoke fear in us, but if our greatest fear is the proper fear and awe of God, no other fear can come close. Our larger fear of God nullifies the smaller ones.Revelation 20:10Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.By his power God has conquered our enemy, the devil. At a future time of God’s choosing, he will make his defeat of all evil permanent.Matthew 9:6“So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”God uses his power to forgive sins and to heal. When we think of physical healing as more impressive than forgiveness, we reveal a limited understanding of the greatness of God’s work of forgiveness in Jesus Christ.John 10:28-30“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”By his power Jesus gives eternal life to his followers. Those who trust him have already been given eternal life and are simply waiting a short time on this earth to enter into what is already theirs.John 6:44“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up.”God draws people to himself by the power of his Spirit.2 Corinthians 12:9Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.God exercises his power most clearly through our weaknesses. Then we know it is his power working through us and not our own.

Question 4

What are the dangers of power?

Accepted Answer

Ezekiel 31:18“O Egypt, to which of the trees of Eden will you compare your strength and glory? You, too, will be brought down to the depths with all these other nations. You will lie there among the outcasts who have died by the sword. This will be the fate of Pharaoh and all his hordes. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!”Nahum 2:11-12Where now is that great Nineveh, that den filled with young lions? It was a place where people—like lions and their cubs—walked freely and without fear. The lion tore up meat for his cubs and strangled prey for his mate. He filled his den with prey, his caverns with his plunder.Power that does not recognize its source in God is fragile. Those who appear to be mighty today will fall tomorrow. You cannot count on any power that does not acknowledge God and stand on his authority.Numbers 16:1-4One day Korah . . . conspired with Dathan and Abiram, . . . They incited a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 other leaders of the community, . . . They united against Moses and Aaron and said, “. . . What right do you have to act as though you are greater than the rest of the Lord’s people?”Judges 9:1-2One day Gideon’s son Abimelech went to Shechem to visit his uncles—his mother’s brothers. He said to them and to the rest of his mother’s family, “Ask the leading citizens of Shechem whether they want to be ruled by all seventy of Gideon’s sons or by one man. And remember that I am your own flesh and blood!”1 Kings 2:17He [Adonijah] replied, “Speak to King Solomon on my behalf, for I know he will do anything you request. Ask him to let me marry Abishag, the girl from Shunem.”Psalm 2:2The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one.Isaiah 14:13-15“For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths.”As these different Scriptures recall, the desire for power is seductive and addictive. Even Satan, a former archangel, succumbed to that lure. Self-serving power is almost always destructive. Never seek or wield power to get what you want or to control others. Power that comes from God will always come with the call to serve those under your charge.1 Kings 21:7-10“Are you the king of Israel or not?” Jezebel demanded. “Get up and eat something, and don’t worry about it. I’ll get you Naboth’s vineyard!” So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and other leaders of the town where Naboth lived. In her letters she commanded: “Call the citizens together for a time of fasting, and give Naboth a place of honor. And then seat two scoundrels across from him who will accuse him of cursing God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.”Power is often used for evil purposes. Those in power need to be careful not to drift toward evil but toward good. Once evil has been embraced, the spiral of corruption is always downward unless reversed by profound repentance.Jeremiah 9:23-24This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!”Having power can lead to pride. Power and pride are often closely related. It is pride that seduces people in power to use their power for their own benefit. This invariably leads to harming others along the way. People with power who remain humble realize that their power is a gift from God, which comes with great accountability and responsibility. The powerful who know God never boast in their power. They know that their power comes from God, who can strip it away at any time.2 Chronicles 18:1-3Jehoshaphat enjoyed great riches and high esteem, and he made an alliance with Ahab of Israel by having his son marry Ahab’s daughter. A few years later he went to Samaria to visit Ahab, who prepared a great banquet for him and his officials. They butchered great numbers of sheep, goats, and cattle for the feast. Then Ahab enticed Jehoshaphat to join forces with him to recover Ramoth-gilead. “Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead?” King Ahab of Israel asked King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Jehoshaphat replied, “Why, of course! You and I are as one, and my troops are your troops. We will certainly join you in battle.”Alliances with evil people often corrupt legitimate power. Power can lead to quick decisions that have not been properly tested by godly advice and wisdom. Such decisions can blind us to truth, blurring lines between right and wrong, truth and lies.Daniel 3:15“I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”Power can cause us to act as though we are God. When we have everything we want, and when everyone does whatever we tell them, it’s easy to think we are in charge of the universe. Sooner or later, God will correct our misunderstanding.Esther 3:5When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage.Powerful people often wrongfully use their power to demean others in order to elevate themselves. Such power is easily offended and often quickly upended by God.Judges 6:2The Midianites were so cruel that the Israelites made hiding places for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds.1 Samuel 13:14“But now your [Saul’s] kingdom must end, for the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart. The Lord has already appointed him to be the leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.”Psalm 9:20Make them tremble in fear, O Lord. Let the nations know they are merely human.Proverbs 3:27Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.Proverbs 28:12When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.Proverbs 28:28When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.Ecclesiastes 4:1Again, I observed all the oppression that takes place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them. The oppressors have great power, and their victims are helpless.Jeremiah 5:27-28Like a cage filled with birds, their homes are filled with evil plots. And now they are great and rich. They are fat and sleek, and there is no limit to their wicked deeds. They refuse to provide justice to orphans and deny the rights of the poor.Jeremiah 23:10The land is full of adultery, and it lies under a curse. The land itself is in mourning—its wilderness pastures are dried up. For they all do evil and abuse what power they have.Daniel 4:27“‘King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.’Micah 2:1, 9What sorrow awaits you who lie awake at night, thinking up evil plans. You rise at dawn and hurry to carry them out, simply because you have the power to do so. . . . You have evicted women from their pleasant homes and forever stripped their children of all that God would give them.Micah 7:3Both their hands are equally skilled at doing evil! Officials and judges alike demand bribes. The people with influence get what they want, and together they scheme to twist justice.Power often prevents a leader from listening to the people, which can lead to terrible abuse of the people. The power we exercise in doing good or evil to our neighbors takes the same trajectory. God approves of those who use power to serve others as he intends, but he ultimately will destroy those who selfishly use power and bring suffering to others.2 Chronicles 12:1-4When Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the Law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin. Because they were unfaithful to the Lord, King Shishak of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam’s reign. . . . Shishak conquered Judah’s fortified towns and then advanced to attack Jerusalem.Matthew 4:8-9Next the devil took him [Jesus] to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”The desire for power can be a cause for abandoning God, a trap that Satan may set for anyone. Power is often deceptive and addictive, blinding our discernment and leading us to embrace the perceived benefits of Satan’s plans over and against God’s plans. We would be wise to remember that any alliance with evil powers is still no match for God’s power.

Question 5

How should I respond to those in positions of power over me?

Accepted Answer

Job 12:16“Yes, strength and wisdom are his [God’s]; deceivers and deceived are both in his power.”Psalm 66:7By his great power he [God] rules forever. He watches every movement of the nations; let no rebel rise in defiance.Jude 1:25All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time!God alone has ultimate power, so worship only him. He is the only one who perfectly uses his power for the benefit of all. God is the only power to whom you can confidently submit, knowing that his purposes for you will always be for your good.Esther 9:1So on March 7 the two decrees of the king were put into effect. On that day, the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but quite the opposite happened.Psalm 37:16-17It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich. For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly.Psalm 37:32-33The wicked wait in ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to kill them. But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial.Proverbs 11:7When the wicked die, their hopes die with them, for they rely on their own feeble strength.Ezekiel 13:20-21“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against all your magic charms, which you use to ensnare my people like birds. I will tear them from your arms, setting my people free like birds set free from a cage. I will tear off the magic veils and save my people from your grasp. They will no longer be your victims. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”Nahum 3:18Your shepherds are asleep, O Assyrian king; your princes lie dead in the dust. Your people are scattered across the mountains with no one to gather them together.Fortunately, the power of wicked leaders is only temporary. Eventually wicked leaders will usually cause their own downfall. No matter how potent a human leader, he or she is still subject to death and subject to God, whether they acknowledge this or not.Romans 13:1-5Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.Throughout biblical history, people were most familiar with authoritarian governments led by kings, pharaohs, and emperors. Democracy was known by New Testament times (Athens), but in actual practice citizens of most nations had few rights when it came to choosing their leaders. The New Testament recognizes that human authority originates with God and that it is the duty of citizens to cooperate with those authorities as wielding God’s power. This concept elevates the common citizen by assigning them the responsibility to cooperate, but it also holds leaders responsible before God. The divine nature and wisdom of Scripture can be seen in that it requires an attitude from followers of Christ as citizens of earthly political systems to take their own roles seriously and view God’s sovereign role in the power of just governments.Judges 3:12Once again the Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight, and the Lord gave King Eglon of Moab control over Israel because of their evil.Isaiah 45:13“I will raise up Cyrus to fulfill my righteous purpose, and I will guide his actions. He will restore my city and free my captive people—without seeking a reward! I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!”Daniel 4:29-32Twelve months later he [Nebuchadnezzar] was taking a walk on the flat roof of the royal palace in Babylon. As he looked out across the city, he said, “Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor.” While these words were still in his mouth, a voice called down from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you! You are no longer ruler of this kingdom. You will be driven from human society. You will live in the fields with the wild animals, and you will eat grass like a cow. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses.”John 19:1-11“Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?” Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”Romans 9:17The Scriptures say that God told Pharaoh, “I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you and to spread my fame throughout the earth.”Earthly rulers and authorities have power only because God has allowed them to exercise it temporarily. God chooses to accomplish many of his purposes, including the judgment of nations, through the use of conquest, exile, environmental disasters, and the placement or removal of leaders. Respect earthly rulers for the power God has given them. But honor God for the ultimate power he has reserved for himself.Colossians 1:15-16Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.Jesus’ role in creation not only establishes Jesus’ ownership of creation and sovereignty over it, it also describes its original design as tailor-made for Jesus. Through Jesus Christ, God also created those in power, so be careful before you challenge someone in power. This, along with categories like thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities points to the principle of treating the offices or positions with respect even more than those who temporarily occupy them.1 Chronicles 29:11-12“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength.”Psalm 119:161Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word.Psalm 146:3Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there.1 Peter 2:13-14For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.Honor powerful people, but not more than God does. Respect God’s designed line of authority while understanding and exercising your duties as a citizen or a leader within that political structure. You are not, however, to fear such power more than you fear God, or to put your ultimate faith in it.

Question 6

Why is it important that leaders understand the nature and source of power?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 8:17-18“He [the Lord] did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.”Zechariah 4:6Then he [the angel] said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”Leaders have the ability to influence others, to mobilize resources, and to get the attention of significant people or groups of people in society. They can make things happen—or keep things from happening. In short, they have power to control others and situations. This is the most seductive aspect of leadership—but is also at the heart of effectiveness. Ultimately, however, leaders in all walks of life are dependent on God’s power. There are no “self-made” people who have power in and of themselves. They cannot claim responsibility for their birth, their genetic make-up, nor the political, economic, and social circumstances and times into which they were born. God allows us to live at the time and place of his choosing. Wise leaders continually remember where their power comes from so that they use it according to God’s values and will.John 15:5“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”2 Corinthians 2:16; 3:5Who is adequate for such a task as this? . . . It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.Ephesians 1:21-23Now he [Christ] is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.Colossians 1:18Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything.James 3:1-2Not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.Those who exercise power in the church (pastors, elders, teachers) must be keenly aware of their responsibilities before God. The church is Christ’s body and no one other than Jesus is the head of the church. Those who serve as leaders within the church must do so humbly, continually seeking God for wisdom and courage to lead God’s people in a hostile world.

Question 7

What happens when leaders abuse their power?

Accepted Answer

1 Kings 12:6-11, 16Then King Rehoboam discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon. “What is your advice?” he asked. “How should I answer these people?” The older counselors replied, “If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.” But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers. “What is your advice?” he asked them. “How should I answer these people who want me to lighten the burdens imposed by my father?” The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!’” . . . When all Israel realized that the king had refused to listen to them, they responded, “Down with the dynasty of David! We have no interest in the son of Jesse. Back to your homes, O Israel! Look out for your own house, O David!” So the people of Israel returned home.Jeremiah 23:10The land is full of adultery, and it lies under a curse. The land itself is in mourning—its wilderness pastures are dried up. For they all do evil and abuse what power they have.Abusing power leads to abusing people, which then leads to conflict and even open rebellion. God works in all these situations and sometimes intervenes directly. For example, Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, desired to show power and rejected the advice of wise men. The result was a civil war from which Israel never recovered. Later on, much of the social structure was permeated with sin, from the leaders on down, and God sent the people into exile from their land.

Question 8

How powerful is Satan?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 8:28When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They came out of the tombs and were so violent that no one could go through that area.Mark 5:3-4, 11-13This man lived in the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. . . . There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. “Send us into those pigs,” the spirits begged. “Let us enter them.” So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of about 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.Mark 9:20-29So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. . . . When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. “Listen, you spirit that makes this boy unable to hear and speak,” he said. “I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!” Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him.Acts 19:16The man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.Ephesians 6:12We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.1 Peter 5:8Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.The power of Satan and his demons is real. His power is great and it should not be underestimated. He can terrorize and harm us in many ways. However, if we have entrusted our lives to God’s care and protection, we are eternally safe.Job 1:12, 20-22“All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence. . . . Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.Job 2:6-7, 10“All right, do with him as you please,” the Lord said to Satan. “But spare his life.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence, and he struck Job with terrible boils from head to foot. . . . But Job replied [to his wife], “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.Matthew 10:28“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”Satan’s power is limited, so do not live in constant fear. Satan cannot overcome God. Even Satan is an unwilling servant of God’s sovereign purposes. Always fear God more than you fear anything or anyone else, including Satan. In God’s hands you are safe.Luke 22:31-32“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”John 17:15“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.”For reasons we cannot know, Satan’s power is permitted in our present age, but we should not be overwhelmed by it. Satan may tempt us and trip us up, but we can keep turning to God for protection and forgiveness. We may lose some battles with the forces of evil, but through faith we will ultimately win the war with Christ’s help.2 Chronicles 20:6He [Jehoshaphat] prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!”Psalm 89:7The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God. He is far more awesome than all who surround his throne.Psalm 99:1-2The Lord is king! Let the nations tremble! He sits on his throne between the cherubim. Let the whole earth quake! The Lord sits in majesty in Jerusalem, exalted above all the nations.Psalm 147:5How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!Jeremiah 10:6Lord, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power.Daniel 4:35“All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’”John 10:29“My Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.”John 14:30“I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me.”Romans 8:37-39No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 16:20The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.Ephesians 1:21He [Christ] is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.2 Thessalonians 3:3The Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.Hebrews 2:14Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.1 John 4:4You belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.Satan’s power is always inferior to God’s in every situation. If God is ruler in our hearts, Satan cannot hurt or defeat us. At the name of Jesus, Satan must flee!

Question 9

Can I really live here on earth free from the power of sin?

Accepted Answer

Romans 6:6-7We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.Romans 6:14, 22Sin is no longer your master, . . . But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.Romans 8:2-4Because you belong to him [Christ], the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. . . . God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.In Christ, we are set free from sin’s power but still subject to sin’s lies. Jesus himself was confronted repeatedly with Satan’s lies. As soon as we respond to Christ, Satan’s tactic switches from keeping us bound in sin to keeping us bound by the lie that Jesus hasn’t truly set us free. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s confirmation that we are now free children of God.Galatians 1:3-4May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.Ephesians 6:11-18Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.Colossians 2:13-15You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.Colossians 2:20You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world.James 4:7So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.1 Peter 2:21-24God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.1 Peter 5:8-9Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.1 John 2:14I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.1 John 3:8-10When people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.1 John 5:4-5Every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.We are free from the power of sin because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. We can choose to no longer be slaves to sin by following God and his ways. But we can also choose to remain under sins’ control even though our freedom has been purchased. The power of sin is always present, so beware of it. But the power of Jesus Christ is always present, too, and his power prevails for all who receive it by grace through faith.

Question 10

How is God’s power visible in this world ruled by nuclear powers?

Accepted Answer

Genesis 1:26-31Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like ourselves. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. . . . Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!Psalm 29:3-11The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The Lord thunders over the mighty sea. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars; the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf; he makes Mount Hermon leap like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord strikes with bolts of lightning. The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks and strips the forests bare. In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!” The Lord rules over the floodwaters. The Lord reigns as king forever. The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.Revelation 21:1-2Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.God’s power is clearly displayed in the wonders of creation. But sinful humans have failed to properly care for God’s good creation, whether by degrading the planet through poor stewardship or by threatening to destroy the planet through a nuclear catastrophe. We have the choice to either take care of creation or be terribly careless with it. But God will exercise whatever power necessary to preserve his creation for his purposes until the time arrives for the new heavens and new earth.Psalm 20:6-8Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.God’s power is greater than any army or any destructive device conceived by human knowledge. All power wielded by humans originates within the limits of God’s created order and has been permitted by God.Isaiah 45:13“I will raise up Cyrus to fulfill my righteous purpose, and I will guide his actions. He will restore my city and free my captive people—without seeking a reward! I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!”John 19:1-11“Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?” Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above.”Hebrews 1:10-12He [God] also says to the Son, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever. They will wear out like old clothing. You will fold them up like a cloak and discard them like old clothing. But you are always the same; you will live forever.”Earthly rulers and authorities have power only because God has allowed them to exercise it temporarily. This might seem to include the power to destroy the world, but God has already claimed that right for himself.Romans 8:1-2Now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.The power of the Holy Spirit can transform any life for eternity. That power cannot be overcome by any other power found in creation.Colossians 1:15-20Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. . . . Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.Revelation 1:8“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”Only Jesus can rightfully claim to be the beginning and end of all things. The one through whom all things and for whom all things were created will be the same one through whom all things will be consummated.Revelation 4:11“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”All honor and power belong to Christ the King alone. Every other power permitted by him will at some point be eternally submitted to him.