The Power of the Gospel

The New Testament talks about power in the gospel. We might be tempted to think the gospel just has to do with getting saved—”I believe the story about Jesus, and then when I die I get to go to heaven.” This view almost makes the gospel seem irrelevant for life. Why do we need the gospel’s power? The gospel (the “good news”) is about so much more than what happens after we die. It’s about Jesus defeating the brokenness that has invaded His good creation, restoring His people to new life, and defeating death forever as He reigns as King. It means the hurt we see in the world, the sins that overtake us, and Satan’s evil work will all be crushed beneath the scarred feet of Jesus Christ. The gospel is powerful! In Paul’s letter to the Christians in Ephesus, he talks about this gospel power. One reason God gives us power in the gospel is because we live in enemy-occupied territory. The Christian has three enemies: 1) our own sinful desires; 2) the sin that has invaded the world, including lies, false philosophies, and sin-driven peer pressure; and 3) Satan, the prince of the power of the air, our great accuser who prowls around seeking someone to devour (Ephesians 2:2-3; 1 Peter 5:8). How am I, with my little arms, going to fight against my sinful desires, the world’s broken system, and Satan and his forces? There’s no way on my own. But in the gospel, I am not on my own. I have put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14) and the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11). He is always working His good purposes. He brought us victory through His life, death, and resurrection, and He promises to return to fully establish His kingdom, defeating sin, death, and Satan forever. With the same power that raised Christ from the dead at work in me (Ephesians 1:19-20), I can have victory over sin, the brokenness in the world, and the devil. Paul prays for the church in Ephesus, not that they would get power, but that they would know the power they already have (Ephesians 1:15-19)! If you know Jesus, you already have His power. The Holy Spirit dwells in you, empowering you to follow Jesus and to rest in the hope of the victory He has already won. • Jeff Weddle • Why do you think God would want to give us power? • Where do you see brokenness at work in the world? In yourself? How can Jesus bring hope and healing to these places? I pray that you may know his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19 (NIV)