Have you noticed that a frequent theme in movies is that of men and women discovering (usually by accident) that they have some kind of supernatural power? They were already endowed with the power, but now they are conscious of having it.

As they become aware of their super-human powers, they are responsible for learning how to use them. The question is—will they use it for good, or for evil? And of course, our heroes use it for good, usually to overcome evil villains.

It’s time to become conscious of the power of the Holy Spirit that is available to us

As Spirit-filled Christians, we have been entrusted with the power of God. Unlike our movie heroes, however, the power we have is not our own, but is sourced in the Holy Spirit, Who is with us, in us, and upon us. (Acts 1:8, Acts 10:38)

The problem is—many of us are unaware of this power that is available to us.

We may enjoy the Presence of the Holy Spirit, without experiencing His power moving through us.

Or we may desire to experience His power moving through us, but are not sure how to release it.

It is time for that to change.

The Dunamis Power of God

The Greek word primarily translated as power in relation to the works of God’s Kingdom is dunamis. Dunamis comes from the root word dunamai, to be able or possible, and means force, miraculous power, ability, might and strength. [1]

A number of English words have been derived from this word, for example, dynamite (a powerful explosive), dynamo (which generates energy power) and dynamic (powerful). [2]

The Context of God’s Power

In the New Testament, we see God’s power (dunamis) being released for healing, deliverance, and many kinds of miracles and signs. [3] As I muse over God’s dunamis power in this context of Divine ability for miraculous works, some clear relationships come to mind:

The Holy Spirit and Dunamis Power

In receiving the Holy Spirit, we have also received God’s dunamis power.

• Jesus said, ‘But you will receive power (dunamis) 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)

• Jesus described the result of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as being ‘clothed with power (dunamis) from on high.’ (Luke 24:49)

• Jesus Himself is described as being ‘anointed with the Holy Spirit and power (dunamis).’ (Acts 10:38)

The Father’s Purposes and Dunamis Power

In the context of performing healing miracles, Jesus said, ‘Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.’ (John 5:19)

God’s dunamis power is released to accomplish the Father’s will. When we have an intimate relationship with God, we learn His plans. We can then release His power through prayer, word, or an obedient act, to fulfill Father’s purpose.

Our Authority and Dunamis Power

In receiving authority from Jesus, we have been given stewardship of God’s power.

Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. (Matt 10:1) [4]

The Greek word translated authority, exousia, means the right to exercise power. We can only fully understand the authority God has given to us, as we also comprehend the power that we have been entrusted with.

Jesus’ Name and Dunamis Power

The dunamis power of God is released in the Name of Jesus.

In Acts 4, following the miraculous healing of the lame beggar at the temple, High Priest and leaders asked Peter and John, “By what power (dunamis) or what name did you do this?” (Acts 4:7)

Peter replied, ‘It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.’ (Acts 4:10b)

The Kingdom and Dunamis Power

We can use words to describe and announce God’s Kingdom. But the evidence of God’s Kingdom is God’s power in action.

• Jesus said to His disciples, ‘As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. (Matt 10:7-8)

• Paul described the Kingdom this way: ‘For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power (dunamis).’ (1 Cor 4:20)

• And [Jesus] said to them, “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power (dunamis). (Mark 9:1)

Awakening to our Stewardship of God’s Power

I believe that the church is in a time of awakening—to who we are and Whose we are. We are becoming increasingly aware of the authority that we carry as royal sons and daughters and of the power that is available to us.

Once fully aware of that power, it follows that we must become conscious of the stewardship and responsibility that we have.

And learn how to release it.

Next week I will share some thoughts about the relationship between prayer and God’s power.

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Notes:

[1] Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. 1996.  Ref 1411, dunamis.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

[2] See http://www.learnthat.org/pages/view/roots.html#d

[3] For more blog posts on the topic of signs and wonders, see

5 Purposes for Signs and Miracles

6 Questions to ask about Supernatural Signs

Intimacy, Prayer and Releasing God’s Power

[4] See my notes under the heading ‘Who can perform signs and miracles’ for an explanation of how this applies more widely than the original 12 disciples in the post, ‘Miraculous Signs from God: What can we Expect?’

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Can you think of some more Biblical insights related to the dunamis power of God, or do you have a testimony to share? Leave a comment in the comments box. If the comments section is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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© Helen Calder.  Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

Enliven Ministries: Prophetic Ministry for a Revival Generation