Finding Real Power in Your Weakness
An abstract of Connor Kraus’ sermon on September 28, 2025, in the Book of Ephesians series. Watch the sermon video here.
What Does True Power Look Like?
World records get broken all the time. One day, someone lifts 1,124 pounds off the ground. The next year, someone else beats them by a single pound. Championships change hands constantly. Success can feel fleeting, and being at the top of the mountain rarely lasts long.
You might feel this way in your own life. Perhaps things are going well right now, or maybe you're struggling and feeling powerless. Either way, you've probably wondered: what does real, lasting power actually look like?
Here's the surprising answer: true power isn't what you think it is.
The Power That Changed Everything
In the Bible, the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, which was going through difficult times. They'd lost their influence in society. Some had lost their jobs because of their faith. The government would soon start persecuting them. They felt weak and overwhelmed.
So what did Paul tell them? He pointed them to the power of God shown through Jesus Christ.
First, Jesus came back from the dead. This wasn't like other Bible stories where someone was brought back to life only to die again later. Jesus defeated death permanently. He's alive right now, today, not just a historical figure from 2,000 years ago. That means He's actively working in your life in real time.
Second, Jesus was crowned as King. After rising from the dead, He took His rightful place on the throne in Heaven. He's reigning right now as the King over everything—not just this world, but the spiritual realm too. Every power, every authority, every force in the universe is under His command.
A Different Kind of Kingdom
When Jesus stood trial before His execution, the religious leaders asked Him point-blank: "Are you the Messiah, the Son of God? Are you claiming to be King?"
Jesus answered, "You have said it. But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of Heaven."
They thought they were mocking Him with a crown of thorns. Actually, they were crowning a King whose kingdom would transform the entire world.
This King has authority over everything—not just now, but forever. When Jesus returns, every enemy will be defeated. All of creation will be restored under His rule.
Power Made Perfect in Weakness
Here's where it gets really interesting. Paul told the struggling church in Ephesus that this same power that raised Jesus from the dead now rests on their shoulders.
But Christ's power doesn't work like worldly power. You don't find it by being the strongest, richest, or most influential person. You find it by admitting you're weak.
Paul himself said, "When I am weak, then I am strong." God's power shows up most clearly when we stop trying to be powerful on our own and instead trust completely in Jesus.
Think about it: the Gospel message itself starts with admitting we've messed up. We need saving. We can't do it ourselves. That's when Christ's power comes in and changes everything.
What This Means for You
Right now, Christians in Nigeria face deadly persecution. About 30 believers are killed every day simply for their faith. Yet when you hear their stories, you don't hear defeat. You hear incredible strength and unwavering hope.
One mother said, "If I stopped being Christian, maybe my life would be easier, but I cannot. Faith is everything, but faith is heavy."
A pastor declared, "Even if just 10 people come next Sunday, I will preach. As long as one believer remains, there is hope."
These aren't defeated people. They've discovered something the world can't take away—the power of Christ made perfect in their weakness.
You might not face that level of persecution, but you face your own struggles. Maybe it's a difficult relationship, a health crisis, financial stress, or just the everyday feeling of not measuring up. The world tells you to fight harder, be stronger, prove yourself.
Jesus says something different: "Don't fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
It sounds harsh at first, but here's the encouragement: the God who has power over both body and soul is in your corner. He's for you, not against you. He loves you. He wants a relationship with you. He's with you every step of the way.
Moving Forward in Weakness
This week, try something counter-cultural. Instead of hiding your weaknesses, name one area where you feel powerless. Tell God about it. Invite Christ to display His strength through it.
Stop fighting for yourself and let your God fight for you.
It might feel uncomfortable at first. We don't like admitting we're weak. But you'll discover a strength that nothing in this world can compare to.
The true power of Christ isn't found in worldly success or cultural acceptance. It's found in a crucified and risen King who conquered death and now reigns forever. When you connect your weakness to His strength, you tap into something unshakeable.
Your Next Step
Whether you're just exploring faith or you've been following Jesus for years, you're invited to discover more about this King and His power. Come visit us this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30 a.m. and experience a community of people who are learning together what it means to find real strength in weakness.
We'd love to meet you and help you take your next step in understanding who God is and what He offers you.