The Power that Works In Us

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NASB)

I have a habit of searching for verses and passages within the Sacred Scriptures which catch my attention and there are many. Each catches my attention, often, for different reasons. Usually, the reason is that the verse, or passage, seems to be saying (or teaching) more than what seems obvious. When this happens, questions pop into my head regarding what I just read, and I want to know the answers.

BibleAs well, I have learned that the obvious is not always the reality. What is understood in the English, using modern-day concepts, knowledge, and interpretation methods, may only produce a lesser explanation of the meaning, or teaching, of the Scripture in question. I have learned that when reading a verse, or passage from the Bible, and using the knowledge I have gained from the culture of the time, their use of words and phrases, the contexts used as of the writing, and so forth, will often lead me to an understanding which is different from the seemingly obvious one. For example, in Spanish, when one wants to invite everyone they know to a Fiesta, one would use the phrase, “Todo el mundo” (the whole world). The use would be like this, “Invita a todo el mundo.”  This means, “Invite the whole world” (literally). The real meaning, which is understood by the speakers and those who heard the phrase uttered is, “Invite anyone who wants to come,” (or everyone). The “todo el mundo” part removes the limit of who may be invited.

For a better understanding of what the Bible teaches or says, one needs to consider several factors, as I pointed out above, to reach a better conclusion as to what the teaching or meaning may be. On the other hand, many times the Bible means exactly what it says.

As far as this article is concerned, I am going to pay careful attention to the Ephesians 3:20-21 (NASB) verse listed at the beginning of this article. I use the NASB in all my studies, it is the version of my preference. I usually begin with identifying any keywords or phrases (at least from my perspective) and then I go forth.

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”

For me, the keys words or phrases here are:

  1. Able.
  2. Far more abundantly.
  3. Beyond all.
  4. Ask or think.
  5. According to the Power.
  6. Works in us.
  7. The Glory.

These keywords or phrases are those which catch my attention. They catch my attention for different reasons, but mostly because they are not immediately clear as to what they mean. The average reader will read these in English and decide immediately that they understand and will, also immediately, stop any further investigation into the possible meaning or teaching of this verse. They will, in essence, think they already understand all that they need to understand from the verse and simply go on to the next one. I am different. I need to know the answers which were not answered by simply reading the verse once.

The first question I have is, “Of whom is this verse speaking?” Notice the phrasing in the verse, “Now to Him …, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus…” Well, since the Lord Jesus is mentioned in the verse, we can safely deduce that He is not the “Him” mentioned twice. A quick glance at the context of the verse in the chapter it is found, tells me that the “Him” referred to here is the Father (see verse 14). This is important because we will also be investigating who it is that can, “do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.”

The second question which Bible 3comes to mind is, “What is the main argument of the verse, or what is it trying to get across to me?” For example, is it saying that the Father will or must be glorified in the church and in Christ Jesus, or that the Father has the power and ability to work through us and somehow do much more than we are able to ask or conceive, and that He will be glorified in this manner? Actually, the answer is, “yes.” They are both right. But, all of this only produces more questions.

The next question which demands an answer is, “What does glorified mean?” The Greek word is δόξα (doxa). It is pronounced: dox’-ah. Using Vine’s Dictionary of Words, it is listed as meaning: Dignity, Dignities, Glory, Glorious, and Honor.

In English, it is translated into several other words, though the same Greek word is intended. In the KJV, they are glory 145 (times), glorious 10, honor 6, praise 4, dignity 2, and worship 1. A total number of 168 uses, and all of them, used in different ways, are the same word, “doxa.” The initial intended meaning of the use of this word is dignity, glory (-ious), honour, praise, and worship.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words goes on to say that “doxa” has a further signification, “an opinion, estimate, and hence, the honor resulting from a good opinion.” In other words (regarding the Ephesians 3:20-21), that the Father receives high praise, much regard, and be placed in a high position of honor. We can safely say that giving the Father glory means to speak highly of Him, to brag about His ability to do this or that, and to show Him the highest respect (in whatever manner we can) at all times.

So, at this point I feel comfortable that I understand two things regarding the verses in question; one, we are speaking of the Father specifically, and, two, that He must receive glory (as defined above). So then the next question comes up, “Why should the Father be glorified?” The average reader of the Bible will simply answer, “Because He is God!” The answer sounds nice, is the religious response that is appropriate, and is true, but it belies the Biblical instruction to “do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1 – I added the bold and italics). More important than knowing the truth, is knowing why it is the truth.” This is the reason those very same Scriptures exhort us to, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15 – I added the bold, underline and italics). So, you see, if someone just spits out an answer because they feel, or believe, that it is the right answer, they are disobeying the Scriptures’ instruction to test the “spirit.”

So, let’s go back to the question, “Why should the Father be glorified?” The answer is found in the verses themselves. The Father should be glorified because He is, “able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” That’s why! But, this now presents even more questions. The next one that I have is, “What is this “power” to which the verse refers?”

The Greek word is δύναμις (dynamis). The phonetic pronunciation is: doo’-nam-is. Vine’s Dictionary of Words says it means: Ability, Able, Meaning, Might (Noun), Mighty, Mightily, Mightier, Miracle, Power, Strength, and Strengthen.” It is used in the Bible 120 times, and it was translated in those different locations as power 77, mighty work 11, strength 7, miracle 7, might 4, virtue 3, mighty 2, and miscellaneous translations 9 times.  The definition includes (literal or figurative); specially miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself) :- ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, and might (wonderful) work (according to Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary). By the way, this is the Greek word from which we get the English word, “dynamite.”

If we are careful and pay attention to the definition and meaning given by these sources, we can reach a conclusion as to what this word “power” means, in relation to this verse. Since it is something that “works within us,” it does not necessarily imply that it is a natural part of us. In other words, it may be something that can enter us, perform its function, and then leave. The phrasing of the verse and the context of the verse in the chapter does not allow an interpretation that includes this power being a natural part of us as humans. Therefore we must reach the conclusion that it is something that can function within us, but not necessarily be controlled by us alone.

In any case, it seems, based on the data garnered from the above resources, the word “power” here means a dynamic ability that is not controlled by us, and which is capable of miraculous results and performance. What I get from this is that there is a power that can function in us (as humans) which is able to accomplish powerful and miraculous things. And, continuing with the context of the verse, it seems that this power comes from, or is used by, the Father. This last point is important to me because the question of ability (as in, “who is able to”) is answered by the fact that it is the Father who is the One who is “able.” Jesus Himself clearly states in Matthew 19:26, that, “with God all things are possible.” So there is no question of the Father’s ability to do whatever.

Therefore, we go to the next Bible 4question, “How does this power “work” in us? I believe that the answer will be found by understanding the phrase, “according to” which precedes in the verse itself. I won’t go into all of the Greek word usage and Vine’s explanations again, but I will summarize. The phrase “according to” implies a pattern of sorts, conditions or stipulations, requirements or steps which must be followed. So, therefore, the safe conclusion we can make is that the phrase “according to” in this verse is indicating that there is a process that must be applied for this “power” to “work” in us. This could mean that the Father Himself would need to do some specific things, or that we would need to do some specific things for this power to “work” in us. In either case, something seems to be required for the “power” to “work” in us.

The next obvious question is, “What are the requirements?” The verse does not say, nor is the answer found in the chapter. But, the real question is not just, “What are the requirements,” but instead, “Are these ‘requirements’ something that we as humans must know?” The answer to that question will answer the first. To find out whether we, as humans, must know what those “requirements” may be, we must first decide whether it is we, or the Father who must meet the “requirements.” And that, dear reader, depends on how this power works “in” us.

So, therefore, my next question is, “What does the verse mean when it says “in us?” Specifically, I question the word, “in.” Is this saying that this power:

  1. Literally enters humans, so that it resides in us.
  2. Or is it saying that it is something that humans may use, but not necessarily be inside us.
  3. Or is it saying that the Father uses this “power” in an external manner that affects humans internally, or our lives, as such?”

I have a tendency to go for the last point. In context with the rest of the Bible, in general, the third option above makes more sense. I believe that the verse is teaching that the Father has the ability to bring about “miraculous” circumstances in the lives of those who meet the conditions required for this “power” to perform its intended function.

When I say “those who meet the conditions required,” I am not saying that I believe the verse is indicating that we as humans must do anything as such. I am saying, though, that I believe the context of this verse implies that there are conditions that must exist in humans, for the Father to then use this “power” to affect our lives. For example, in Mark 19:26, Jesus said, “All things are possible to him who believes.” The question here is not whether “all” things are possible, but rather how all things are possible. The statement clearly dictates that belief is required. It does not make an obvious clarification as to whom must have this belief, but by implication, and the following actions of Christ Jesus Himself, the understanding is that the one performing is the one required to believe.

So, though the Ephesians verse does not have a clear indication of whom is to meet whatever conditions are required, the context which includes the Mark verse teaching will allow us to conclude that it could be either the Father Himself, or the human involved, who must meet the required condition for the “power” to work. But, in this specific case, there is one more consideration, God must be the one getting the “glory.” So, with this in mind, we can now safely conclude that it is the Father Himself who must meet the conditions required to use the “power that works within us.” If it is He who meets the conditions, and “works the power,” then it is He who deserves the glory (credit) for the outcome of the use of the “power.”

My next question has to do with the phrase, “far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.” The word “abundant” is one that is readily clear, it means, “plentiful, copious, ample, profuse, rich, lavish, abounding, liberal, generous, and bountiful” In other words, enough; enough of whatever for whatever purpose or use. The general belief in regards to the provision of God (or rather, what God can provide) is that He always provides what is needed; therefore: enough (abundant).

In the case of this verse, though, it is saying that the Father is able to go “beyond” the limits of enough. “Enough” should, in and of itself, be enough. Who needs more than enough? If the Father were to only give each believer “enough” they would never lack in anything, right? But the argument here is that the Father can is able to go “beyond” enough. Not only that but that he is able to go beyond, “all that we ask or think.”

Now, I don’t know about you, but, as you can see by this rather long article on just two verses from the Bible, I can think quite a lot. So, we must investigate this phrase a bit more. The question here is, “What does this verse mean by all that we ask or think?” To understand the meaning in its clearest form, let’s look at the word “all.” Not to be silly, but “all” in the Greek still means “all.” By implication, in this verse, it means “Everything that we (as humans) can come up with to ask of God. What would this include for you? For me, I could write a book of around 100,000 words (sort of like a long novel), and I probably would still not be finished. Why you might ask? Because I am human.

Humans are born selfish. Give two babies a toy each, and they will want the toy of the other, even if it is the same type of toy. Why? Because we are born selfish. As we grow older, hopefully, we learn to become less selfish, and more selfless. We never stop being selfish, but in many of us, we learn to sacrifice some of that selfishness for the greater good. Usually that “greater good” is something that benefits us as well also. So, when it comes to what we can ask God for, we have an “abundant,” or should I say, a plethora of requests and supplications. We can ask God for some things which will benefit us alone, our families, our friends, our church members, our country, the world, and so forth. There almost seems to be no limit to what we, as humans, can ask of God. Nevertheless, the verse claims that the Father is able to do “more” abundantly (more than enough) than we ask.

On top of that, the verse further claims that the Father is not only able to do “more” than we ask but that He is able to do “more abundantly” than we think. This to me is the biggest point of the two verses. This is the main keyword. This is where the conditions (for the power to be able to work in us), if any, may be found.

As I said before, I don’t know about you, but I have a fantastic imagination. I am a writer, as you can see. I also write books about politics and counseling, and in August of 2015, I just published my latest book, “Another Star in the Sky.” This last book is a science fiction story about aliens who come to Earth. If you go to Amazon, Barnes, and Noble, or Smashwords on the internet, you can buy a copy of the book. The story has over 60,000 words in it. My point is that I have a rather limitless imagination. I can understand abstract concepts with which some people may have a problem. There are many people on this planet who have the same capacity as I, and maybe even better.

My point is that if the Father is able to do “more than enough” compared to what I can imagine, then He is truly magnificent. I can imagine the Father blessing me with 200 million dollars. With that kind of money, the first thing I would do is set aside a simple 50 million for personal expenses. Then I would create a non-profit corporation and donate the remaining 150 million. Via the corporation, I would find ways to help people, churches, and so forth, in the name of the Father, so that He would get all the credit (glory). In many cases, I would make sure the people or organizations did not know who gave the money so that God would get all the credit, and not me. Sure it would feel great to give people money (in the name of the Lord) and for them to be thankful to me as well, but, for him to get the glory (honor, worship, and praise) most of the time the recipients could not know from where the money came. You see, I can imagine much. And, by the way, I just used a small number like 200 million as an example, I can imagine a much larger amount.

Bible 2So, then, getting back to our discussion regarding Ephesians 3:20-21, what is it exactly that the verse is saying, and what is it teaching. These are two different points:

  1. It says that the Father should get all the credit for His ability to perform miracles and do things, which can be beyond the comprehension of any human when the human is willing to believe in His capacity to do so because the performance of those things requires belief (in this case it probably means to have faith in God’s ability) in the human. And, that the Father should get this credit from His church, as He already does from His Son, our Lord Christ Jesus, forever and ever.
  2. It teaches that God wants us to learn to free our imaginations when it comes to what He is able to do. He wants us to believe big, to dream of great things that He can accomplish in our lives, and to not doubt ourselves as to how greatly He can use us.

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 (NASB)

47 Replies to “The Power that Works In Us”

  1. Fabulous
    Great help
    Can I have permission to reprint for christian edification in a book I’m just finishing?
    “Where fruitfulness and Blessings Abound”
    Will ascribe credit to your page.

  2. This is fantastic, clear enough for me to understand, I was on the right track in my understanding of the scripture I just needed clarity on the word “power” and you broke it down nicely for me
    Thank you.

  3. Thanks for this breakdown. It’s truly was a blessing to me. Keep up the good work.

  4. It is a blessing in and of itself to just study the Word. When we are able to bless others as well, that just makes it all better. Praise God.

  5. Thank you for the thorough explanation for this Has blessed me and another sister in Christ and I have no doubt many more! Thank you Pastor and blessings them to you in Jesus name!!. All glory to God!

  6. You are most welcome. May God bless you as you apply His Word.

  7. Thank you for this article. I am teaching on emotional and spiritual maturity. May I use your material in notebook? I will give credit to you.

  8. Yes, please do so, in whatever way it works best for you (make copies, and so forth). Please let me know if I can help otherwise as well. I do Zoom seminars and such. God bless you.

  9. I believe that Jesus defines the ‘according to the power working within us’ question when he says “let it be according to your faith.”

  10. Hi Alex,
    Thank you for your comments. Yes, but just saying, “let it be according to your faith” does not explain what that phrase means in relation to “according to the power working within us.” exchanging phrases does not clarify what someone truly means. In our case, it took a whole article to explain our position on the phrase we took the effort to explain. Would you please consider writing an article to explain what you meant?

  11. Wow this is article gave a richer and deeper understanding of the scripture. This morning in prayer I heard in my spirit “according to the power that works within us”. Similar to Alex comment, I believed it was based on my faith or ability to believe God to do exceedingly… After reading this article, I can remove the thought that my faith is the prerequisite to receive. Which only made me feel more bad and sad about my ability or lack thereof to receive Gods goodness. So thank you for a two-fold blessing. I am released from believing that it is my ability or inability for God to do His works within me.

  12. Hello Pastor Juan,
    I want to thank you for your work here, it truly blessed my soul. I have always had a passion to do just as you have here when I’m reading scripture, I want to know what it really means, in that time period, that conversation, the original setting, language, and in the context of the entire story/subject being discussed. I find myself always asking what, when, where, why, how, and who, while reading the word. Mostly wanting to know how does it apply to my life and my relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? Like any relationship, I believe to grow, get stronger, mature, get closer and get the most out of it I need to diligently do my part to understand more about the other person their needs, wants, desires, expectations, etc. and in this case, it is God the Father. I have many study tools at my disposal. However, my education level suffers tremendous deficits. So Praise God for you, sir, I was just reading and the “according to” part is what really kept “knawing at my spirit” and you have helped to put it to rest.

    May I ask, do you have similar writings breaking down particular scriptures with such a fine-tooth comb of understanding? I would really like to read and explore more of this type of your work. And I always appreciate a fiction story of Aliens, Ill check it out as well, but please direct me to more like this if it is available.
    God Bless you and your family, Juan! Again Thank You for sharing.

    Rickey

  13. Yes Rickey
    I have additional information that may help you do more study. I have a book on sale at Amazon that deals with three touchy issues. First, “Did God make Mistakes?” secondly, “What is Sin?” and thirdy “Why?” Why did God create everything? What is His plan? You may find that book HERE

  14. Thank you Gordon,

    We do not have a newsletter that we send out at the moment. We are considering doing so, and we will keep you in mind as someone who wants to receive it. God bless you.

  15. My, my, my! My Spirit is aroused… I am waiting for more from the Lord… that He will birth from my study of these two scriptures.

    True testimony… I referred to this passage of scripture at least three times this morning (without looking it up) as I encouraged my Sister, my nephew and others, to look unto the Lord for the deeper meaning/assignment/plan that God has for their lives.

    Afterwards, after a late breakfast, I fell into a semi-sleep and was awakened suddenly with a portion of these two scriptures. Since I had only quoted a portion of it, and only heard a portion of it in my sleep, upon the sudden awakening, I immediately googled the part that was speaking to my heart and ran across your article.

    After reading the entire article and the comments, I realized it was the Spirit of the Lord drawing me to a deeper revelation (notice I didn’t say deeper meaning). This said, I can hardly wait, to unpack ALL that God has given to me for others… as well as what He has in it for me. Thank you so much for sharing and starting me off with my search for truth.

    Your obedience, is my blessing; and my blessing is a gift to all who will receive, believe and conceive what it is that God has in the scriptures for them.

    May God continue to bless you, as you continue to allow the Word to come alive in you, as only “God” can!

  16. You are truly welcome for your comments. May God richly bless you in your obedience to Him.

  17. Going through this piece of write up without dropping a comment to glorify God for his “power at work in you as a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ to the glory of God, it’s a robbery case and should be punished. I’m blessed I’m inspired. Though I had same understanding but your work has broaden my understanding and not even enlightened me but has blessed my spirit to love and understand the mystery of God’s love for me.

    Thank you sir. May God’s grace never lack on you. Amen

  18. You are truly welcome for your comments. May God richly bless you in your obedience to Him.

  19. Thank you!
    Absolutely informative and makes me want to get into gear and do all that I’m supposed to for His glory

  20. Thank u very much for such a wonderful article may God bless you richly. Have always inspired to be a teacher that can break down scriptures like this. Can I get more of this kind of articles? If so where? Ur Facebook will still be appreciated

  21. Thank you for your comments. You may consider buying my book, Testing the Spirits.” on Amazon at “https://www.amazon.com/Testing-Spirits-Answers-Valid-Questions/dp/1537006142/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

    Besides that, there are many articles on this site that may interest you.

  22. Really enjoyed the breakdown of the article, I have been studying and meditating on this scripture that the Holy Spirit placed in my spirit. I am believing God for something large and this scripture was the go to one that put all things into perspective. The way the Spirit blessed you to break it down brought even more clarity. Once again thank you and God bless you to keep up the great work of spreading the good news.

  23. Thank you for your comments. God does deserve all the glory, amen.

  24. Well written. Just stumbled on it in my search for the meaning of “according to the power that works in us” It blessed my soul. Thank you

  25. This is wonderful, gift of God is without measure according to the power that worketh in us. I am really blessed after reading your write up . I just finished prayer and this word ,according to the power that worketh in us came into my spirit which upon meditation I dive into this live thriving teaching. I am highly blessed and I commend you for allowing God bless life through you. I want to know if I will be permitted to us this as a guide to teach on this topic? Thanks

  26. Thank you for your comments. Yes, you have permission to use this article as you feel led by the Lord.

  27. Infact I’m really blessed for your break down of this scripture..God really bless you Pastor

  28. Hi,
    i just finished my devotion this morning and read Ephesians 3:20-21 and my hunger to understand the meaning of “the power that works in us” grew within me. I decided to check google and behold I believe I was lead to your article. Thank you so much for the way you dissected the bible verse to give deeper understanding. God bless and continue to use you.

  29. Thank you kindly for your generous comments. Blessings be to God.

  30. Much thanks to you sir. It was actually God explaining this verse to the understanding of many through you. Thank you and let God be greatly glorified.

  31. I agree, “Let God be greatly glorified.” Thank you for your kind remarks.

  32. Was just praying that I May know Him and the power of His resurrection then I stumbled on this powerful study so articulate .The explanation made me me to study the word more thank you so much

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