“to another miraculous results”
. . . the same God works [ενεργηματων] in all of us and helps us in everything we do.
1 Corinthians 12:6
or the power to work mighty miracles [ενεργηματα δυναμεω] . . .
1 Corinthians 12:10
These two thoughts are connected. God works so that we can work. God’s working in all of us enables us to work mighty powers (dunamis) or miracles. Even when we “work” the miracles, we don’t; He does. He is the one working in us to perform miracles. Remember these manifestation gifts are to manifest God to make Him known and broadcast His works. But isn’t it interesting that He is the one working His works within us and through us. He is truly the one working and accomplishing His purposes. He gives us the supernatural gifts so they we may see the hand of God at work. And wait a minute it is His hand doing the work all the time. This work shows His operation in displaying His power.
But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom is come upon you.
Luke 11:20
Indeed Jesus had the finger of God on His hand (it was God’s hand after all). It is also true that when we exercise the gifts of the Spirit that we are the hand of God as well. To a lesser degree of course. Could it be that is what Jesus was meaning in John 14:12 when He said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” It was not that we will work greater miracles than Jesus or God but that the effect will be greater because there will be more of us doing the works. (See Bible Gem 94) This is why these gifts are called manifestation gifts, God will be manifested. The purpose of the miracles: is working the work of God to make Him known or manifest.
“Miracles” powers: mighty deeds, wonderful works, such as clearly from above, and out of the reach of nature, and beyond the scope of human power and skill; such as raising the dead, causing the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the dumb to speak, the lame to walk. The expression used here, “working of miracles” (energēmata dunameōn) refers probably to the more “extraordinary” and “unusual” kinds of miracles; to those which were regarded as in advance of the power of healing diseases. Yet all are bestowed by God. God is the source of it all.
The Biblical idea of miracle is an extraordinary work of God. One class of terms brings out the unusual, exceptional, and striking character of the works. Another class of terms lays stress on the power displayed in them, a third groups focuses on their significance as “signs”. Signs that God has come and manifested Himself for humans to see. These gifts show that some power outside Nature, some super-natural power, has intervened.
These miracles are described by three words in the New Testament.
- terata, “wonders”
- dunameis, “powers,” or “manifestation of powers”
- sēmeia or “signs.”
The three concepts are combined in one verse in Hebrews 2:4 – “God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will”. Thus when you see these miracles, signs and powers you can know as Jesus stated in Luke that there is “no doubt the kingdom is come upon you”. I love the three quotes that follow for today. Like Brian Houston infers, it is no big deal to God. Impossible, what do you mean?” Like Einstein stated, you can see nothing as a miracle or you can see God and miracles in everything. Err on the side of the latter.
Whether it’s possible or impossible makes little difference to God. He just does his will!
Brian Houston
You can move through life seeing nothing as a miracle, or seeing everything as a miracle.
Albert Einstein
There are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done.
Hudson Taylor