Divine Energy

We get our term ‘energy’ from the Greek word energeia, which Paul uses three times in his letter to the Ephesians, and on each occasion the English Standard Version uses the term ‘working’ to translate it. This is not potential energy which is stored away for future use; this is energy which is working, flowing, achieving God’s purposes.

It’s life-giving energy, which empowers us as God’s people. In Ephesians 1:19-20 Paul prays that we would know what is the immeasurable greatness of God’s power towards us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places. This is resurrection power, and Paul says that same, immeasurably great power that was at work when God raised Jesus from the dead is available to us as we trust in him. Paul envisages that same power being channelled, flowing through us. I am writing this piece for the bulletin on Monday morning, having just read a disturbing news item about the accidents that occur when smart motorway technology stops working because of power outages. Power outages can sometimes be triggered by grid overload, when the demand for electricity exceeds supply. But there are no limits to God’s energy supply. Faced with what he calls us to do, we may frequently feel inadequate, and that may not be a bad thing, since this means that we have to rely on the steady supply of God’s energy working in and through and for us: his limitless power is made perfect in our weakness.

The second reference in Ephesians to ‘working’ is found in 3:7, where Paul talks about being made a minister of the gospel, according to the gift of God's grace, which was given him by the working of his power. Again, this is God’s power at work, calling and equipping Paul with the gifts of grace he needs to serve God effectively. And that model of working applies to us all; it’s not just apostles who are given the grace they need to serve God. Whatever gift we have, it is given us by God’s Spirit; whatever we do, we do as an act of service to Christ; whatever we do, it is the same God who empowers each and every one of us (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). God wants to release his energy to work through us. Think of the church as a spiritual substation, where the massive voltage of God’s power is transformed into safe working levels so that people’s lives are changed by his power rather than just being obliterated by it. But whatever it is we do, we are called to do it for God, in Jesus’ name, with the power of the Spirit working through us. It is a partnership with each member of the Trinity.

Thirdly, in Ephesians 4:15-16 we are called to speak the truth in love, and to grow up in every way into Christ, who as the head of the body, is the source of the church’s growth. The body of the church which is equipped with various joints which hold it together, and when each of these parts is working properly, the whole body builds itself up in love. Here the growth of the church is dependent on every member of the church playing its part to build one another up in love. We all have an active role to play in keeping the whole body fit and healthy, and when we do so, the church grows.

Various factors may inhibit the body’s growth: bad relationships are damaging to the body; that’s why we are called to speak the truth in love. We may be reluctant to get involved; in such a case Christ has to work around us rather than through us, and that puts pressure on other parts of the body. Sometimes there is rubbish in our hearts that disables us, and we need the healing, forgiving grace of Christ to mend what is broken; and that grace is freely available to us. Sometimes we are just tired and worn out, and we need a rest. But with too much inactivity, the muscles just waste away; the body needs to keep moving to stay in good shape.

But make no mistake: God wants to channel his power through you, equipping you with the gifts you need to serve him, and you have a unique and indispensable role in building up the body of Christ. God is working, and he wants to work through you. Will you make yourself available to him?

Tim Carter