S.Scripture | Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the might of His strength. Ephesians 6:10
O.Observation | The first lesson we learn from the Lord in this verse is that we all need strength. That is, if we are honest with ourselves, we will be aware of our lack of strength for life in this age from within. The Lord also reveals in need for an strength that there is something that threatens to weaken us. There are forces against us that exhausts us. The battle with spiritual forces is in view in verses 12 and 16. Still there is also the battle with our own fleshly natural bent toward sin. As well as the world with it’s allurements and influences. This battle on 3 fronts is very real, and very serious, even if we live in ignorance of it. We need strength to fight the battle that rages on through our entire lives in this age.
Our third lesson form the Lord in this verse is that the strength we can have is external, and yet still active. “Be strong” is active and “in the Lord and in the might of His strength” reveals the source is not within us. Just as God’s people historically have mixed God’s ways with the ways of the world, so we too can turn to other inferior sources of strength for this life when we are weak.
A.Application | Instead today, let us admit the greatness of our weakness. Let us open our eyes and see the three battlefields we are at war in. And most importantly let us cry out to, turn to, by seeking in Word and prayer, the only One who has already overcome. Let us find our strength in Jesus our Savior and Lord. Let us receive His strength through truth (v.14) righteousness (v.14) the Gospel (v.15) confident trust (v.16) salvation (v.17) and His powerful Word (v.17) and prayer. It is only in the eternal and living God we will find true strength for this life.
P.Prayer | Lord give me the strength to turn away from the substitutes for You in this world. If I have been relying on chemicals, or entertainment, or earthly things to fill my soul and heal my hurts, give me strength to turn completely from them in repentance. Turn my heart to hunger and thirst more for the powerful and heavenly means of treatment for my soul. Let me find in you an ever-present help in trouble (Ps 46:1). That I would find joy in Your will and Your ways and living for Your glory alone. Amen!
