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For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me (Colossians 1:29, NASB1995).
The Greek word for “power” is “dunamis” from which we get the English word “dynamite.”
I want more power in my life. The good news is that God wants more power in our lives as well. The word “power” or “dunamis” is used over 120 times in the New Testament.
The word “power” in the New Testament mostly describes Christ’s great works in the Gospels . . . and then . . . slow down and read this carefully – it refers to our lives as followers of Jesus.
We are to live in this same life-changing, miracle-working, and gospel-proclaiming power.
How do we get more dynamite in our lives?
First: Humility
Understand that you are a sinner.
Paul claimed that a lot of religious people in the end times will hold to a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5). Obviously, we won’t have power if we deny dunamis.
There are both conservative and liberal ways to deny God’s power. Yep, both the right and left, theologically, have godliness without power.
Conservatives define scripture as leaving power in the first century. Liberals redefine scripture according to their story, leaving out simple power boosters like recognition of sin and the need for repentance.
Both conservatives (Pharisees) and liberals (Sadducees) living in the first century demanded that Jesus demonstrate power at their command.
Jesus didn’t. But He did heal the poor, the weak, and the humble.
Second: Calling
Power is connected to calling.
Paul told Timothy to rekindle his spiritual gifts and calling. He exhorted Timothy that he [we] was not given a spirit of timidity but one of power (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
A good prayer for us today is not, “God, fill us with Your power.” Dynamite causes a lot of damage unless it is used for a specific purpose in a safe and confined manner.
How many of us have been hurt by, or listened to testimonies of those hurt by, narrow and constrictive religious upbringings? How many have been embarrassed by anointed and powerful leaders who stumbled in pride and then took advantage of others – allowing their calling to wander into abuse?
To walk in the power of God . . . to keep dunamis safe . . . your prayer each morning should be, “God, I am a sinner, but You have entrusted me with a calling. Give me the power to accomplish Your will today.”
Third: Faith
I have always loved this verse . . .
The surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe (Ephesians 1:19).
Yes, for us who believe.
The powerless forms of godliness are abundant in our world – compromise so easily accepted – and the abundance of prideful knowledge allowing a progressive but destructive interpretation of scripture.
All having the purpose to undermine faith.
Faith, at its core, is so simplistic that challengers can smirk and even laugh at faith’s undergirding claims (like creation and the resurrection) and be offended at its guidance (marriage and fidelity).
But simple belief in God is necessary for God’s power.
Let me conclude with a prayer for us from the Apostle Paul . . .
To this end I pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power (2 Thessalonians 1:11).
Humility . . . Calling . . . Faith . . . Dunamis!