"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." (Eph. 6:10)
Since we are truly facing spiritual opposition, we need to be strengthened. We need strength. Where do we find strength? The answer of course is in the Lord. Christians tend to forget that we need God's strength to live our lives (I say 'Christians' - but I really think of myself in particular). It is so easy to rest in our own wisdom and abilities (as though we posses the answers and know exactly what to do). The results are futile. Paul describes the lost man or the unregenerate man as being in the flesh and cannot please God in Rom. 8:8, and yet by application we try to live the Christian life through the power of the flesh at times and we know that God is not pleased. James describes wisdom (not from above) as being earthly, sensual and devilish (James 3:15). Understanding that strength comes from the Lord will help us see the importance of taking serious spiritual exercises whereby we can be strengthened of God. Having a regular time of 'Devotions' or 'Quite Time' is an opportunity to be strengthened. Attending a Bible-believing and practicing church is an opportunity for a strengthening. Giving of our tithes and offerings is an opportunity to be strengthened. Spending time doing the Lord's work, like cleaning the church auditorium and restrooms, coming out to work party, soulwining and visitations are opportunities to be strengthened. Fellowshipping with believers before and after church, personal discipleship are all wonderful opportunities whereby we can receive the strength from the Lord to face the spiritual warfare. Looking at this precious verse and understanding its practical ramifications, if a Christian is not 'strong in the Lord' it is most likely because he chooses not be strong in the Lord. That is disobidience and will only guarantee failure.
Since we are truly facing spiritual opposition, we need to be strengthened. We need strength. Where do we find strength? The answer of course is in the Lord. Christians tend to forget that we need God's strength to live our lives (I say 'Christians' - but I really think of myself in particular). It is so easy to rest in our own wisdom and abilities (as though we posses the answers and know exactly what to do). The results are futile. Paul describes the lost man or the unregenerate man as being in the flesh and cannot please God in Rom. 8:8, and yet by application we try to live the Christian life through the power of the flesh at times and we know that God is not pleased. James describes wisdom (not from above) as being earthly, sensual and devilish (James 3:15). Understanding that strength comes from the Lord will help us see the importance of taking serious spiritual exercises whereby we can be strengthened of God. Having a regular time of 'Devotions' or 'Quite Time' is an opportunity to be strengthened. Attending a Bible-believing and practicing church is an opportunity for a strengthening. Giving of our tithes and offerings is an opportunity to be strengthened. Spending time doing the Lord's work, like cleaning the church auditorium and restrooms, coming out to work party, soulwining and visitations are opportunities to be strengthened. Fellowshipping with believers before and after church, personal discipleship are all wonderful opportunities whereby we can receive the strength from the Lord to face the spiritual warfare. Looking at this precious verse and understanding its practical ramifications, if a Christian is not 'strong in the Lord' it is most likely because he chooses not be strong in the Lord. That is disobidience and will only guarantee failure.
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