Forgetting the Power of God
Base Text: Psalm 78:42
“They did not remember His power, or the day when He redeemed them from the adversary.”
Introduction
Psalm 78 recounts the great works of God, stretching from the Exodus from Egypt through the long wilderness wanderings. God miraculously provided water from the rock (Ps. 78:15), supplied food from heaven (Ps. 78:24), and led them with a cloud by day and fire by night (Ps. 78:14).
Yet, despite seeing the sea parted (Ps. 78:13) and witnessing daily miracles, Israel forgot the power of God.
We often act the same way: we forget the power of God, even after experiencing His personal interventions in our lives.
God does not change: His power remains the same, though He may not always act in the same manner. It is not His ability that falters, but our memory and faith.
We will examine four ways in which we can forget the power of God.
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I. We Forget the Power of God When We Are Unbelieving (Psalm 78:22)
A. The Unbelief of Israel
Despite the spectacular miracles, Israel doubted God's power, failing to believe in His capacity to provide and protect (Psalm 78:19-20).
B. God's Power Operates According to Our Faith
We are guarded by the power of God through faith (1 Peter 1:5). Small faith limits our experience of God's power; unbelief completely prevents its action.
C. Unbelief Withholds Blessings
Jesus performed few miracles in Nazareth because of their unbelief (Matthew 13:58). When we doubt, we close the door on God's provision and intervention.
D. Unbelief Hinders Prayer
The one who doubts receives nothing from God (James 1:6-8). Effective prayer requires the confident expectation that God can and will act.
E. Unbelief Causes Spiritual Sinking
Peter began to sink when he doubted Christ's power to sustain him on the water (Matthew 14:31). Doubt shifts our focus from the Lord's power to the storm's intensity.
F. Unbelief Stops God’s Work
The disciples could not cast out a demon due to their unbelief (Mark 9:17-19). Simply put, without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6) or fully see His power unleashed.
II. We Forget the Power of God Through Our Rebellion (Psalm 78:40)
A. Israel Was Rebellious
They rebelled against God in the wilderness, turning back from Him and forgetting all that He had done to deliver them.
B. To Be Rebellious is to Forget Our Cleansing
The one who does not grow spiritually forgets that he was cleansed from his former sins (2 Peter 1:9). Rebellion is a rejection of the sanctifying power of God.
C. Rebellion Leads to Shame
The rebellious will be put to shame (Psalm 25:3). Rebellion always has a visible, dishonorable result.
D. Rebellion Extinguishes the Relationship with God
Rebellion is, fundamentally, turning our gaze away from the power of God and choosing our own will instead of His might.
III. We Forget the Power of God When We Are Idolatrous (Psalm 78:58)
A. The Idolatry of Israel
They replaced the true God with a golden calf (Exodus 32:1, 8). They gave glory and credit to something that had no life or power.
B. Idolatry is Rebellion
An idol has no life and no power (Psalm 115:3-8; Isaiah 44:9-20; Jeremiah 10:14-15). Yet, when we elevate anything—money, career, pleasure, or self—above God, we commit idolatry.
C. Command to Flee from Idolatry
God commands us to completely turn away from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 John 5:21). We must guard our hearts against spiritual rivals.
D. Only God is Eternal and Powerful
He alone is the King eternal, immortal, and invisible (1 Timothy 1:17). His power is unique and unmatched. When we turn to idols, we implicitly deny His sole sovereignty.
IV. We Forget the Power of God When We Do Not Walk in Holiness (Psalm 78:64)
A. The Lack of Holiness in Israel
Priests who failed to walk in holiness were struck down (Malachi 2:6-8). Lack of sanctification led to disaster and dishonor.
B. God Uses His Power to Sanctify Us
God demands holiness (Leviticus 10:7; 22:31-32). The same power that saved us is the power that keeps us clean.
C. We Were Created for a Holy Life
We are called to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Eph. 4:24). We are called to sanctification (1 Thess. 4:3, 7).
D. Sanctification is Part of Salvation
God chose us for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit (2 Thess. 2:13). The purpose of salvation is transformation.
E. Presenting Our Bodies to God
This involves offering our bodies as a living sacrifice and being transformed (Rom. 12:1-2; 6:4; 2 Cor. 5:17).
F. Lack of Holiness Makes Us Forget God's Transforming Power
When we fail to walk in holiness, we forget that God has the power to change our desires, our habits, and our very nature. We deny the continuous power of the Holy Spirit.
See also
- Preaching on Proverbs 3 - Wise Counsel for Everyone
- Preaching on Unbelief Versus Faith
- Preaching on Seeing God Face to Face
Conclusion
The power of God does not change: it is the same yesterday, today, and forever. That power acts in us according to our faith.
To never forget His power, we must walk in holiness and simple belief. God has the ultimate power to save our soul and body from destruction (Matthew 10:28).
Do we truly believe in the power of God today?
