* Be Strong In The Lord

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, 

as a roaring lion, walketh about , seeking whom he may devour: 

1 Peter 5:8

As we strengthen our relationship with God and fulfill the purpose of the Gospel, we will undoubtedly encounter the opposition of Satan. Jesus has delegated power to us for spiritual warfare. He has given us power over all the power of the enemy:


Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.            Luke 10:19

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.   Ephesians 6:10-12

Apostle Paul finishes explaining in Ephesians 6 that after we have adorned our self in the full armour of God, we are to pray.  And add to prayer, knowledge of the word of God.  The armour is next to useless without the Holy Spirit in our life leading, guiding and directing us.  We can’t find His direction if we do not know His word.  People fall into spiritual error for two reasons:

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.   Matthew 22:29

Spiritual error results if you do not know the Word of God because you are open to deceptive doctrines and false teaching. Spiritual error also results when you do not know the power of God. You are open to the deceptive power of the enemy. You fall victim to his powers operating against you when you have no spiritual power with which to resist his forces.

Some have a form of godliness and even know the Scriptures, but they deny God's power. The Bible warns us that some people have. . .

. . . a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.   2 Timothy 3:5

No matter how hard we try and no matter what our intentions, it is only with spiritual power that sin is conquered.  We know that our old life died with Christ on the cross so that our sinful selves would have no power over us and we would not be slaves to sin:  

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.    Romans 6:6

The Holy Spirit will teach you everything you need to equip you.  Apostle Paul wrote the Corinthians:

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction.             2 Corinthians 10:8

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction    2 Corinthians 13:10

Apostle Paul knew his authority was not to be used to control people or destroy them at will. He apparently had a tendency to speak sharply, so he wrote the Corinthians concerning difficult matters. He did not want to abuse the spiritual power God had given him. The power from God was given to Apostle Paul to not only strengthen him but also to edify others, not to destroy them. To "edify" means to build up and promote spiritual growth.

This does not mean we do not have power to properly discipline within the church. Spiritual authority is given to leaders to discipline according to the instructions given in God's word. A powerless church will result in the absence of such discipline.

Each person has a will of their own. That will is the power of choice. The demonstration of power creates willingness or openness to God:

Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power. . .   Psalms 110:3

God acts in proportion to the measure you permit His power to work in you:

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.    Ephesians 3:20

All you ask God for -- all that you think concerning spiritual truths -- is affected by the power of God at work in you.

The power of God is not only a force working through you, but the strength maintaining you. Apostle Paul said we are. . .

Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. . .   Colossians 1:11

God's power strengthens you in difficult times when you need patience in suffering. You can face difficult situations with joy because of His glorious power at work in you. It is not just a measure of (limited) strength. You are strengthened with "all might" --all the power and strength flowing from God are the inner resources available to you in time of need. It is an important purpose of His power at work in you.

And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.   2 Corinthians 12:9

You are kept, or preserved through God's power, until the end of time:

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.   1 Peter 1:5

We live in a mortal body which will die unless Jesus first returns to earth. It is spiritual power that will raise our mortal body in resurrection:

It (the body) is sown in dishonor: it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.    1 Corinthians 15:43

And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by His own power.   1 Corinthians 6:14

God's power enables endless life:

Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.   Hebrews 7:16

All things that pertain unto life and godliness is given to us through the power of God:

According to His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.   2 Peter 1:3

Think of the many things involved in life. Think of the many virtues involved in Godliness. The purpose of His divine power is to give you these things --ALL THINGS.  Jude understood the sovereignty of God when he said:

To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.  Jude 25

We ought to praise God for that!

(Biblical Studies)

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