“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you… and his incomparably great power for us who believe…”- Ephesians 1:18–23
Introduction
Holiness is not produced by human effort. It is not manufactured through willpower, personality strength, or religious discipline alone. True holiness flows from divine power. Many believers desire to live holy lives, yet struggle because they attempt to overcome spiritual battles using natural strength.
Paul’s prayer in Ephesians reveals a profound truth: the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is the very power available to believers today. Holiness is not merely a command; it is a provision. God does not call us to live sanctified lives and then leave us unequipped. He supplies the very power required to fulfill His calling.
The Power at Work in Us
In Ephesians 1:18–23, Paul unfolds three magnificent demonstrations of God’s power:
- Great power was exercised in raising Christ from the grave.
- Great power was exercised in seating Him at the right hand of the Father in the heavenly realms.
- Great power was exercised in placing all rule, authority, power, and dominion under His feet and appointing Him head over all things.
Pause and consider this. None of us can calculate how much power it required to raise Christ from the dead. Yet Scripture boldly declares that His resurrection required no more power than it takes to raise us from spiritual death.
When we were dead in trespasses and sins, the Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave raised us from spiritual death. Salvation itself is a resurrection miracle. We did not reform ourselves. We were raised.
But the work does not stop there.The power that lifted Christ from earth and seated Him at God’s right hand is available to us even now. Spiritually speaking, we are seated with Christ in heavenly places. This means we are no longer governed by earthly limitations alone. Our minds, affections, and loyalties are being lifted heavenward.
And the same power that placed all rule and authority under Christ’s feet is capable of placing every hostile force under ours. Temptation, fear, addiction, bitterness, pride, discouragement—none of these outrank resurrection power.
Holiness, therefore, is not fragile. It stands on omnipotence.
Equipped for Holiness
When God elected us for holiness, He did not merely say, “I have chosen you; now try your best.” Instead, He declared:
- Through the cross of Christ, your sanctification has been purchased.
- Through the Holy Spirit, you have been equipped.
- Through divine power, you have been enabled.
Every single day, we must consciously appropriate this truth. Just as the Spirit raised Jesus from the grave, He is raising us daily from the grave of sin. Just as Christ was transported to heavenly authority, we are being lifted above earthly dominion. Just as Christ reigns victoriously, we too can walk in victory.
There are moments when temptation feels overwhelming and our personal strength seems nonexistent. In those moments we can pray:
“Let the power that raised Jesus from the dead raise me from this grave of sin right now. Let the power that seated Christ in heavenly places lift my mind above this struggle. Let the power that makes Christ victorious make me victorious now.”
Holiness is not self-effort. It is resurrection power applied.
Examining the Inner Person and Outer Life
How do we know this power is working in us? We must look both inward and outward.
The Inner Life
- First, are we living in communion with Christ? To “pray continually” means to maintain an ongoing awareness of His presence. Holiness begins with consistent fellowship.
- Second, do we live in continual confession? Scripture promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). A humble and contrite heart keeps our fellowship with God clear and unhindered.
- Third, are our thoughts under Christ’s control? We are called to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). A holy life requires a surrendered mind.
The Outer Life
The inner life must overflow outward.
- Do we relate to others with gratitude? A thankful spirit reflects Christ.
- Do we identify with others and care about their burdens? Compassion and prayer reveal His heart.
- Do we love our neighbors actively, not merely in attitude but in action? A servant spirit marks true submission to Christ.
- Do we spend time alone with God? Do we remain faithful in public worship? Do we care about the salvation of others and the suffering in our world?
Holiness is not isolation. It is transformation that touches both heart and behaviour.
Conclusion
God has chosen us to be holy. He has supplied the power. He has purchased our sanctification through the cross. He has placed His Spirit within us.
The question is not whether power is available. The question is whether we will appropriate it.
Today can be a day of victory. Today can be a day when resurrection power lifts us from discouragement, frees us from sin, renews our minds, deepens our communion, and expands our compassion.
The power that raised Christ is at work in us. If God fills our inner life, His love will pour into our outer life. And gradually, steadily, unmistakably, our actions will become more and more like His. That is the power for holiness.
Stay Blessed!
Please note that the preaching program on Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays at 5:30 am has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays at 5:30 am and YFM 107.9 – Sundays at 6:30 am for our Radio Bible Study, as well as on Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm for Hymns and Their Stories.
