S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

 The Greek dunamis is used 120 times in the New Testament. Loosely, the word refers to "strength, power, or ability." It is the root word of our English words dynamite, dynamo and dynamic. In the P...

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October 23 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

Dunamis means strength power, ability 

a.	inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth 
b.	power for performing miracles 
c.	moral power and excellence of soul 
d.	the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth 
e.	power and resources arising from numbers 
f.	power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts

In the New Testament the great embodiment of this redemptive omnipotence is the resurrection of believers (Mt 22:29; Mk 12:24) and specifically the resurrection of Christ (Rom 4:17,21,24; Eph 1:19 ff); but it is evidenced in the whole process of redemption (Mt 19:26; Mk 10:27; Rom 8:31; Eph 3:7,20 –(Eph 3:20 is used by Michael as a key usage of dunamis); 1 Pet 1:5; Rev 11:17).

The principal words for "power" in the New Testament are dunamis, and exousia. In the latter case the Revised Version (British and American) frequently changes to "authority" (Mk 3:15; 6:7; Eph 1:21, etc.) or "right" (Rom 9:21; 1 Cor 9:6; 2 Thess 3:9, etc.). Power is an attribute preeminently of God (1 Ch 29:11; Job 26:14; Ps 66:7; 145:11; Rev 7:12, etc.). The supreme manifestation of the power, as of the wisdom and love of God, is in redemption (1 Cor 1:18,24). The preaching of the gospel is accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:4; 1 Thess 1:5, etc.). Miracles, as "mighty works," are denoted by the term "powers" (so Mt 11:21,23 the Revised Version margin, etc.). The end of all time's developments is that God takes to Him His great power and reigns (Rev 11:17).

Paul uses the Greek term ‘dunamis’, to describe God’s tremendous power. Why is that notable? Because it’s the origin of our word ‘dynamite’. Thus, Paul is saying, “God wants to give you explosive power to blast through hardened hearts, hurt feelings, anger, resentment, and selfishness!” Why, then, do we so easily forget to apply this dynamite power in the midst of marital conflict? We are NOT fighting FOR victory, but FROM victory. The ultimate battle was won 2,000 years ago as Jesus burst forth from the grave with the same supernatural resurrection power that’s available to us 24/7!

Human love is often fickle, fluctuating and selfish. Therefore, it’s not powerful enough to sustain a winning marriage. Conversely, God’s love is perfect, consistent, and reliable. So as recipients of His love, we are empowered to look past pettiness and love our spouse the way God loves us. And when we tap into His supernatural transformational power, we are less likely to be impatient, arrogant, or rude. But let’s face it, we’re all imperfect and selfish by nature. We will at times find ourselves reacting to our spouse in a negative manner. However, if we stop, take a deep breath, and lean on God’s power He will redirect our thoughts with an infusion of objectivity and compassion.

Remember, your spouse is not the enemy. You are on the same team – God’s team! So live like a winner. Because if you love right, you’ll fight right. And if you fight right, you’ll win the fight time and time again!

June 04 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report