1. Characteristics of Power

1. Power is situational
2. Power is relational
3. Power is functional
4. Power is conceptual

2. The Great Power

9 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” 11 They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. Acts 8:9-11

1. Satan’s power is situational

19b the World is under the control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19b

10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Revelation 20:10

2. Satan’s power is relational

1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1

5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” Luke 4:5-7

14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:14-15

7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

3. Satan’s power is functional

10a The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; John 10:10a

3. His Incomparably Great Power

19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 1:19-23

14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 1 Corinthians 6:14

1. God’s power is not situational

10b He is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:10b

2. God’s power is relational

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Ephesians 3:20

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

3. God’s power is functional

9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

3a His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life 2 Peter 1:3a

7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7