The Gospel Power
This "enkráteia" is the idea that my will is under the control of the Holy Spirit. For the believer, this control of the will or choice is brought under the Lord's power, submission, and control. And where does this power come from? The Gospel:
"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (17) For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:16-17 NKJV)
The Gospel is for salvation and our sanctification – as we live from faith to faith. We live the entirety of our Christian life by faith. To everyone who believes the Gospel personally (Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection) has this power to live the Christian life. That power is found in the daily application of the Gospel.
"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." (1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV)
Again, the power of God is found in the message of the Cross. When we choose to look at ANY CIRCUMSTANCE from the view of the Cross, we find Godly; Spirit-empowered, self-control. I come to the Cross to be washed from my sins, I come to the Cross and see the resurrection to live as I walk in the Spirit, I come to the Cross to take my stand in this battle against my sinful flesh.
As we are transformed more and more into the image of Christ (as we are in His workmanship), we find our time in the Word and prayer to be sweet.
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV)
As we gaze upon the glory of the Lord, we will be transformed into that same image from glory to glory. How does this happen? By the Spirit of the Lord as we spend time in the Word and prayer. And what is the glory of the Lord?
"The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light." (Revelation 21:23 NKJV)
The glory of God is found in the Lamb. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)
We see that glory at the Cross.
2. Why is it important to be in the Bible, seeing the Power of God contained in the Gospel?
Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.