Power

John 1:12 - Show Context

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Power begins in the life of a newly born babe in Christ as the power of choice. Prior to this new birth all were confined and bound and enslaved to sin. Gloriously God called you and I to Jesus and the first beginnings of Power appeared in our lives. The Greek for Power in the verse above is Exousia and it means the ability to choose or a Right given. In fact some Bible versions use the word Right in this verse. God at that point and time of rebirth gave us the Right (by choice) to become the sons of God.

This RIGHT is rarely used by the babe IF the babe is not kept and cared for those who have grown in the Love of Christ to govern him and train him/her up in righteousness.

Galatians 4:1-2
Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

If the Child is taught the Word and trained to Choose to obey and Trust the Truth then the Child grows in stature and strength in the Spirit. John gives us a vivid example of this growth.

1 John 2:12-14
I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

When a Child there is no strength, their power is the right to choose and this right is maintained as those given to teach him/her love them in Christ (this also helps cover the sins (growing pains) of the child). And teaches them what to obey. This teaching by those who have overcome the wicked one is also in Power:

1Colossians 1:18 - Show Context
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Dunamis is the Greek for this Power and it means: strength power, ability inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth power for performing miracles moral power and excellence of soul.

As obedience is learned and Chosen by the Child this Power begins forming in their lives. The Apostle Paul wrote to those in Galatia who had made some wrong choices and had stunted their own growth in Christ.

Galatians 4:19 - Show Context
My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,

Christ is the Power (Greek: Dunamis) of God being formed in us:

1Colossians 1:24 - Show Context
but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

As the Word of Truth is received in Understanding it forms the Spirit of Christ within. This power is also the Anointing (which the word Christ means) of God that in fills true believers. It is the work of the Word to use this anointing this power to break the yokes of bondages in the Baby Christians life:

Isaiah 10:27 - Show Context
And it shall come to pass in that day (of Christ formed in the life of the young believer), that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

As the young believer grows in obedience this growth learns to battle and overcome the wicked one and the false solutions he offers in the world.

2 Corinthians 10:1-6
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

This obedience then delivers us to that appointed time of the Father to receive His Fullness, His Power into our lives:

Acts 5:32 - Show Context
And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost(Gods full dunamis power within), whom God hath given to them that obey him.

In Christ’s Love and Service,

Brother James Pierson, OIC Senior Minister