How To Benefit From the Power of God

Understanding God's Attributes and Our Benefit

There is often a disconnect in many people's lives between the attributes of God and how we benefit from those attributes. God's attributes are the characteristics that make up who He is. Just as men and women have defining characteristics that direct actions and attitudes, God's attributes—such as omniscience (all-knowing), omnipresence (present everywhere), and omnipotence (all-powerful)—define Him.

We recognize God's power in creation, where He spoke existence from nothing: "Let there be light," and there was light. We see it in sunsets, mountains, valleys, and the universe's expanse, evoking a sense of awe that points to a powerful Creator. Yet our focus today is a specific emphasis on God's power that surpasses creation—one we can truly benefit from.

Eyes of the Heart Enlightened (Ephesians 1:18-23)

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

The eyes of the heart refer to the private, internal understanding of your life. Paul prays that you grasp the hope of God's calling and the riches of His inheritance in the saints—salvation, holiness, eternal life. Being in Christ offers far greater value and purpose than life outside of Him. You've been freed from sin's slavery into true freedom to enjoy God.

The Surpassing Greatness of God's Power Toward Believers

Verse 19 highlights the surpassing greatness of God's power toward us who believe, according to the working of the strength of His might. This active power, displayed in raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at God's right hand, is for our benefit—in Christ alone.

The resurrection is history's most important event, the gospel itself. Unlike creation, which reveals a Creator but cannot save (Romans 1), the resurrection addresses our spiritual death. Picture yourself as rotting corpses, dead in trespasses and sins, unable to enjoy God or life. Yet the same power that raised Jesus from death's grip works in us, granting spiritual life—like dry bones in Ezekiel receiving flesh and breath.

This power justifies us (Romans), initiates new life, and works against sin for holiness. Resisting it, by clinging to sin, is futile—like fighting a mighty river. Flow with it, and it carries you to deeper enjoyment of God. The greatest tragedy is not trusting this power or recognizing what it can accomplish in and through you.

Christ's Exalted Authority and Lordship

Paul doesn't stop at resurrection power. Verses 21-22 show Christ seated far above all rule, authority, power, dominion, and every name—in this age and the next. God put all things under His feet and made Him head over all things to the church, His body.

This power enthrones Christ as your sovereign Lord. True success and enjoyment come from submitting to Him like a soldier to a commanding officer. The Christian life outside Christ's lordship fails. Bowing the knee to Jesus—the just, merciful King who rules for your good—opens the door to a fuller, greater life.

The Fullness of Christ in All Things

Verse 23 caps it: the church is the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Feeling empty or jealous of others' success? Turning to sin, relationships, or substances for fulfillment? You were made for satisfaction in Christ alone.

Like dehydration after vomiting—craving fluids but unable to chug them—life without Christ hurts deeply. Drinking Him in, like the woman at the well (John 4), creates a spring of eternal satisfaction. Partial hydration won't do; every area of life must center on Jesus as Lord for fullness. Moments of emptiness signal the need to submit all to Him, experiencing His power for enjoyment in every sphere.