The Four Eleven Foundation: 1 Thessalonians

8. PRACTICAL BENEFITS

8.1. WHAT ARE THE PRACTICAL BENEFITS TO BE ENJOYED BY THE BELIEVER HERE AND NOW BY THE ALL- POWER OF GOD?

A KEY SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 1:19 "And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power," (KJV)

ARRIVING AT AN ANSWER

8.1.1. THE GREATNESS OF HIS POWER WORKS IN US

Know His Unrestrained Resources
The grace that is toward us is unrestrained - it is exceeding riches of His grace that are available and will be seen in us (Ephesians 2:7 ). What the Lord is able to do for us is exceeding and unrestrained (Ephesians 3:20 ) because of His exceeding love , and power that works in us. There is nothing too wonderful for our God to do; you can come with all your need, He will not restrain the working of His mighty power; He will do the exceeding.

Know His Unrestricted Deliverance
Like Jonathan we know that God is not restricted by man's limitations in obtaining victory.

1 Samuel 14:6 "... for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few." (KJV)

The key to victorious overcoming is faith in the Lord's all-power. Don't look at your weakness, look at the strength of the LORD. Don't look at the greatness of the enemy, be taken up with the greater one within you (1 John 4:4 ).

Know His Unthwarted Purpose
Job came to know, by what God said that He could do, that He had the power to accomplish, and what God's purpose is in the fullest sense is all that counts (John 42:2 ).What God says and purposes will stand. How clearly this is affirmed (Isaiah 14:24-27 ). His sovereign purpose regarding His people, the nations and the antichrist, will be carried out. So are His purposes that concern,

Romans 8:28 "... them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (KJV)

Walk obediently in His sure purposes.

Know His Unfailing Support
The omnipotent God is the unfailing supporter of His people. It is not a case of His people carrying Him, He is the Almighty burden-bearer.

Isaiah 46:4 "Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you." (NKJV)

The Lord never fails to embolden those persecuted for the gospel, and is unfailing in confirming His proclaimed Word (Acts 4:29-30 ).

Know your all-powerful God and be strong and empowered in your living and witnessing for Him.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

How important is the working of His all-power to your Christian experience?