Thursday, June 13, 2024

         Strength can mean different things to different people.  Many, maybe most, assume that strength speaks of physical power, might and brawn.  Others might see strength in terms of influence, standing or reputation.  And still others see strength in terms of resources, riches or wealth.  Ephesians 6:10 gives a biblical look at strength.  The command is “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”  The Bible declares that God is strong. And indeed, God is all-powerful and all-capable.  Paul said that He can do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).  So, it makes sense for the Bible to command us to be strong in the Lord.  He is the source of strength and the supreme expression of strength.  The clarity of that command is simple enough for virtually anyone to understand.  So, how are we strong in the Lord?  How do we carry out this directive or demand?  The good news is Ephesians 6 tells us how to be strong in the Lord.  We are not only called to be strong we are also told how to achieve that command.
            First, we put on the full armor of God (see Ephesians 6:11-17).  This armor prepares us to do battle in the world and against our one common enemy—Satan.  The full armor of God protects us from head to feet.  We stand firm in God’s truth, righteousness, the gospel, our faith, salvation and the Word of God.  The armor is to be applied snugly and securely just as we would put on our usual clothing every day.  Leave nothing to chance or unprotected.  Rely on the armor of God to see you through the many avenues where God’s story for your life will carry you.  Read these verses carefully and consider and plan for how to put on the armor of God in your life each day.
            Second, we are strong in the Lord when we realize our enemy.  The enemy is Satan.  Paul plainly wrote that our battle is not against flesh and blood.  Rather, we fight against evil rulers, evil authorities, the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).  The enemy would love for us to lose sight of him or doubt his tenacity and intentions.  But the Bible teaches us that he is like a roaring lion who prowls the earth looking for someone to devour.  Know your enemy and never allow Satan to deceive you into believing that your battles are with others who have flesh and blood.
            Third, pray.  We are strong when we pray.  It might not be a stretch to suggest that we are as strong as we are committed to prayer.  Our strength might be proportional to our prayers.  If we put a timer on our prayers, we might be shocked at how little we actually go boldly before the throne of grace to pray and petition the Lord.  Make time to pray.  The command to “pray without ceasing” that we find in the Bible is a reminder that any time is a good time to pray and time spent in prayer is never wasted time.
            Fourth, Paul said to stay alert (Ephesians 6:18).  Stay alert to where God is at work and what God is doing.  Be attentive to where God may want to work in your life to shore up your faith and strengthen you for battles that you are fighting or even battles that have not yet arrived.  God often builds and develops us for what is coming at a future occasion.
            And fifth, Paul said keep on praying for all the Lord’s people (Ephesians 6:18).  The “Lord’s people” means the Church—local church yes but the larger body of Christ made up of churches across America and the world.  Pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ.  Pray for the work of our church.  Pray for missionaries.  Pray for the advancement of the gospel message.  Paul wanted his readers to drill into their lives an “always praying perspective.”  If believers are always praying then it is likely that someone is praying for you.  Have a great Thursday and weekend!  We will worship Sunday at 10:55am with Bible study beginning at 9:45am.  Remember you can share our worship at any time at YouTube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.