Potential strength describes the inherent capability within a being. It is different from inherent ability—that which someone can by nature do—and from the concept of manifested strength. Potential strength relates to how strong a being actually is.
In Mark 12:30, Jesus answers a scribe who asked which of the commandments is the first of all, informing him that it is “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One, and you will love the Lord your God, out from your whole heart, and out from your whole soul, and out from your whole thoughts, and out from your whole potential strength.” Within this commandment,, “potential strength” is used to describe how an Israelite was to focus all that he had within him toward obedience to God. For Christians to apply this to their lives, this type of action would be sin because it requires living out from Law and thus self-effort. To love God, the Christian loves the brethren. And the one loving the brethren is obeying the commandments to the Church (1 John 4:21).
Paul expresses appreciation to God, along with worship, for the saints in Ephesus. He asks God to give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation, and a full experiential knowledge of Him, with the eyes of their hearts enlightened, so that they may know the hope of His calling. This hope relates to the riches of the proper opinion of His inheritance among the saints. Along with a full knowledge of this hope comes an understanding of the exceeding greatness of His inherent ability toward us who believe, according to the working of His potential, according to the strength of His manifested power (Ephesians 1:17–19). This manifestation of His potential strength is seen in the resurrection of Christ out from the dead (Ephesians 1:19–20). This presentation of His potential strength is compared to the moving of His arm to produce salvation (Psalm 44:3). In comparison, the creation of the universe was his finger work (Psalm 8:3).
In our spiritual battle with Satan, we are to be clothed in the potential strength of His manifested strength (Ephesians 6:10). Our defense is not based on our might or the presentation of our ability. The armor relates to our position in Christ and thus can stand firm against any attack from Satan or his demons.
How we minister to others should always be based upon the potential strength that God provides for us. He is the one who supplies what we need to perform what is good in our lives to His glory (1 Peter 4:11). Therefore, as each of us has received a Spiritual gift, let us use it for the edification of the saints (1 Peter 4:10). We do not give beyond our means or potential strength. We are not to be jealous of what others are doing. We are to live out who we are in Christ, being content with what we have and can do. God’s potential strength provides for us. A strength that is manifested in creation and salvation. When we consider this, how much more can He give us to minister in the manner He desires?
Within the Body of the Christ, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has potential strength. It is the working out of faith through love where this strength resides (Galatians 5:6). We are not to let others hinder our walk with God by subjecting us to laws that relate to fleshly appearances (Galatians 5:7). In Christ, our potential strength is in the new creation (Galatians 6:15). Since we are a part of this new creation, we have all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3–4). Therefore, since we possess the potential strength to live out the righteousness we have in Christ, let us manifest that strength in all things.
In Philippians 4:13, Paul states that his potential strength to be content in any situation comes from the One who strengthens him, not from his own efforts. “I have potential strength in all things by the One strengthening me in Christ.” The Holy Spirit provides this potential strength to be content in any situation. He is the One who teaches us how to abide in Christ (1 John 2:27).
Proper communication with God is important. We are priests and are to act as such. The supplication of a righteous man has great potential strength (James 5:16). We are to confess our sins to one another for the purpose of communicating to God. The vow of faith saves the one who is mentally ill due to his own unrighteous actions (James 5:15). Worship is our response for those who are physically sick (James 5:14). Since we are righteous in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30), our supplication for other saints is not based upon our works, but on who we are in Christ. We are righteous in Christ; thus, our supplication has great potential strength.
