Key Scripture: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works (Energeo) in us.”
Today we look at the final Greek word denoting power. The word energeo!
Imagine a powerful engine sitting idle in a car. The engine represents enormous potential, but until the key is turned and the engine roars to life, that potential remains dormant. When the engine begins to operate, that’s the moment when its power becomes active and effective—this is a picture of the “Energeo” power of God.
The Greek word “Energeo” (ἐνεργέω), often translated as “working” or “operative power,” refers to the active, dynamic force of God that turns potential into reality. Unlike “Dunamis,” which speaks to inherent, miraculous power, “Energeo” is about this power in action, effectively carrying out God’s will in tangible ways.
In other words, it is the power that makes power work!
Yes, one could say that Energeo is like a transformer in certain ways, particularly when it comes to the concept of converting potential into active power.
A transformer in an electrical system takes electrical energy (often at a high voltage) and converts it to a different voltage level that is usable by different devices. Similarly, Energeo can be seen as the divine “transformer” that takes God’s potential power (Dunamis) and converts it into active, effective power in the life of believers.
Just as a transformer enables electrical energy to be used effectively by changing its form to suit the need, Energeo operates within us to take the inherent power of God and make it functional, practical, and impactful in real-life situations. It’s the process by which God’s will, which holds incredible potential, becomes a reality through the Holy Spirit working in and through us.
For some of us who live in nations where power outages are common, we may actually understand this word better. When there is power outage, all our appliances stop working. The appliances are not bad, but the power to power them has been cut off. No energeo. But once power is restored, the appliances burst back into life and action. energeo restored!
Understanding Energeo Power:
“Energeo” is distinct from other Greek words that describe God’s power, such as “Dunamis” (miraculous power), “Exousia” (authority), “Kratos” (sovereign dominion), and “Ischus” (inner strength). While “Dunamis” is like the engine’s potential power, “Energeo” is the engine actively driving the car forward.
Another illustration can be found in electricity. Electricity has the potential to power appliances, but it’s only when it flows through a device that the appliance functions—this is Energeo at work. It’s the effective, energizing power that transforms potential into action.
The Energeo Power in Jesus’ Ministry:
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we see the Energeo power of God at work in every miracle, healing, and act of deliverance. For instance, in Mark 5:30, when the woman with the issue of blood touched Jesus’ garment, she was instantly healed. Jesus sensed that “power (Dunamis)” had gone out from Him. This was Energeo in action—the active force that made the potential healing power a reality in her life.
Energeo power didn’t just perform miracles; it sustained Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, enabling Him to fulfill the Father’s will with precision and effectiveness. Every teaching, healing, and act of compassion was a manifestation of God’s Energeo working through Him, demonstrating how divine power can actively bring about God’s purposes.
Walking in Energeo by the Presence of the Holy Spirit:
For believers, this same Energeo power is accessible through the Holy Spirit. Paul emphasizes this in Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works (Energeo) in us.” Here, Paul highlights that God’s active, operative power is at work within us, enabling us to live out His will in powerful and transformative ways.
To walk in Energeo, believers must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading, obedient to His promptings, and faithful in exercising their spiritual gifts. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, we become channels of God’s Energeo power, effectively participating in His divine plan.
Conclusion:
The Energeo power of God is a vital force that turns divine potential into reality. Just as it was actively at work in Jesus’ ministry, believers today are called to walk in this power through the presence of the Holy Spirit. By allowing God’s Energeo to work in and through us, we bring His will to pass in our lives and in the world around us, much like an engine driving a car forward or electricity powering a device. Energeo is the power that makes the possible real, transforming the potential into the actual in the life of every believer.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Energeo power that is at work within us through Your Holy Spirit. Just as You manifested this power in the life and ministry of Jesus, we ask that You would work mightily in our lives today. Enable us to be sensitive to Your Spirit, obedient to Your call, and faithful in the gifts You have given us. May Your active, effective power flow through us, bringing Your will to pass in our lives and in the world around us. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
ps. Tomorrow, we will bring the five Greek words together and show you how they work together, in manifesting the power of God. This is going to be powerful, excuse the pun!
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