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The Power Test
“Can God trust you with power without it corrupting you?”
INTRODUCTION
The Power Test examines how we respond when God elevates us—when He gives us authority, influence, and success.
Joseph’s journey shows why God blessed him:
He was faithful in every season—
• as a servant,
• as a prisoner,
• and finally as a ruler.
Genesis 41:37–45 NKJV
…40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt…
1. POWER REVEALS THE HEART
Power doesn’t change people—it reveals who they already are.
Joseph’s promotion exposed:
• His humility
• His forgiveness
• His God-centered heart
• His refusal to retaliate
Genesis 50:17–21 NKJV
…21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Joseph used power to heal, not harm—proof of a heart shaped by God.
2. POWER IS FOR SERVING PEOPLE, NOT ELEVATING SELF
Biblical power is stewardship, not status. Joseph used his authority to preserve a nation and save his family. God promotes leaders who serve those they lead. Jesus embodies this perfectly.
John 13:1 NKJV
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
John 13:12–15 NKJV
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”
In the world: power = privilege
In the Kingdom: power = responsibility
3. PROMOTION COMES FROM GOD ALONE
God can lift someone from the prison to the palace in a single day.
• God is the source of all influence.
• God is the One who appoints and exalts.
• Our responsibility is to be faithful.
Leaders who empower others receive greater power from God.
Ephesians 4:12–13 AMP
His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church), 13 [That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.
4. TRUE POWER REQUIRES ACCOUNTABILITY
Joseph remained:
• Submitted to Pharaoh
• Connected to God
• Anchored in humility and integrity
Authority without accountability becomes dangerous.
Power must always flow through:
• Humility
• Integrity
• Wise counsel
• Teachability
The Power Test teaches that influence is given to fulfill God’s purpose, not to build our own platform. Leaders who steward authority well become vessels God can trust with destinies.
ACTION-ITEM HOMEWORK
1. Serve Someone This Week Choose a practical act of service—no credit, no spotlight, no “look at me.”
2. Empower Someone—Delegate a responsibility or opportunity to someone who needs to grow. Help them succeed.
3. Conduct a Heart Check—Ask the Holy Spirit: “Is there any pride, insecurity, or self-promotion in my leadership?” Write down what He shows you.
4. Choose Accountability—Share one area of leadership or decision-making with a spiritual mentor or overseer. Invite feedback and correction.
The post The Power Test first appeared on Covenant Life Church.
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By Pastor Dave Crammer
5
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“Can God trust you with power without it corrupting you?”
INTRODUCTION
The Power Test examines how we respond when God elevates us—when He gives us authority, influence, and success.
Joseph’s journey shows why God blessed him:
He was faithful in every season—
• as a servant,
• as a prisoner,
• and finally as a ruler.
Genesis 41:37–45 NKJV
…40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt…
1. POWER REVEALS THE HEART
Power doesn’t change people—it reveals who they already are.
Joseph’s promotion exposed:
• His humility
• His forgiveness
• His God-centered heart
• His refusal to retaliate
Genesis 50:17–21 NKJV
…21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Joseph used power to heal, not harm—proof of a heart shaped by God.
2. POWER IS FOR SERVING PEOPLE, NOT ELEVATING SELF
Biblical power is stewardship, not status. Joseph used his authority to preserve a nation and save his family. God promotes leaders who serve those they lead. Jesus embodies this perfectly.
John 13:1 NKJV
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
John 13:12–15 NKJV
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”
In the world: power = privilege
In the Kingdom: power = responsibility
3. PROMOTION COMES FROM GOD ALONE
God can lift someone from the prison to the palace in a single day.
• God is the source of all influence.
• God is the One who appoints and exalts.
• Our responsibility is to be faithful.
Leaders who empower others receive greater power from God.
Ephesians 4:12–13 AMP
His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church), 13 [That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.
4. TRUE POWER REQUIRES ACCOUNTABILITY
Joseph remained:
• Submitted to Pharaoh
• Connected to God
• Anchored in humility and integrity
Authority without accountability becomes dangerous.
Power must always flow through:
• Humility
• Integrity
• Wise counsel
• Teachability
The Power Test teaches that influence is given to fulfill God’s purpose, not to build our own platform. Leaders who steward authority well become vessels God can trust with destinies.
ACTION-ITEM HOMEWORK
1. Serve Someone This Week Choose a practical act of service—no credit, no spotlight, no “look at me.”
2. Empower Someone—Delegate a responsibility or opportunity to someone who needs to grow. Help them succeed.
3. Conduct a Heart Check—Ask the Holy Spirit: “Is there any pride, insecurity, or self-promotion in my leadership?” Write down what He shows you.
4. Choose Accountability—Share one area of leadership or decision-making with a spiritual mentor or overseer. Invite feedback and correction.
The post The Power Test first appeared on Covenant Life Church.