Be Strengthened In The Lord
 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
We have to continually draw our strength from the Lord. When we try to make it through the day or even the week in our own strength, we usually wind up fatigued or frustrated. (Brad has a good message on this - Click hear to read it) However, God knows what we have need of and that’s why He tells us to be keep coming back to Him to be strengthened in the strength of His strength.
Firstly, in the scripture text above the word strong means to empower, to enable, increase in strength, be strong, to make strong, strengthen or to endue with strength. (Strong’s Concordance)
Strengthened - “be invested with power”: an abiding state of power, sure to manifest itself outwardly. (Jamieson Fausset and Brown Commentary)
This word strong is mentioned seven times in the New Testament and literally means to be strengthened. God has made mankind in such a way that if we can be strong for a week at a time then we would only need to come to Him once a week to draw our strength from Him. No, we should start our day by worshipping the Lord, praying and reading the Word first so that we get our direction from Him each and every day, and then go out and face the world.
The book of Acts 9:22 says: “But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.” This word increased in strength shows us that to be strong in the Lord is more of a strengthening in the Lord and increasing in this strength as Paul did by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
Abraham, The Father Of Many Nations
Abraham had to draw his strength from the Lord just as we need to and this is how he did it: “He (Abraham) did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.” Romans 4:20
Abraham gave glory to God - this means he gave honor, praise and worship to his God. Although God promised him a son he still had to exercise his faith. This is another way to be strengthened in the Lord - by praising, worshipping and honoring our great God for all He has done for us.
We must have the attitude of Paul
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13
Some Christians quote verse 13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” - and do little to follow the Lord or live according to His Word. Paul says follow my example,  for our citizenship is in heaven. There is nothing stable on this earth - as soon as you think you have worked something out and have it nailed down it begins to fall apart before your very eyes.
Since the fall of man there has been no stability on this planet. This worldly system is on sinking sand with no foundation. That is why it is vital to be strengthened daily in the Lord.
I like the way the Amplified Bible puts this: “In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].” Ephesians 6:10
Let’s look at some of the ways for the believer to draw their daily strength from God’s holy Word.
- You must take God at His word. The Bible says God cannot lie. Hebrews 6:18 says “for it is impossible for God to lie.” Reading the Word will strengthen you.
- Wear the full armor of God at all times and apply every part mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-18 to your advantage.
- Like Abraham, we are strengthened by giving glory to God in praise, worship and honor.
Paul says “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,” 1 Timothy 1:12
The word enabled in the Greek is the same word strong or strengthen. The Apostle Paul is thanking Christ who strengthened him and found him faithful, putting him in the ministry. This tells me Paul had to first be found faithful by the Lord and then he was put into the ministry, not vice versa.
I too, am thankful to the Lord for putting me into the ministry and delivering me from drugs, alcohol and violence when I had no hope, no future, nothing to look forward to except my next fix. What a glorious day that was - I have never been the same since. I cannot thank the Lord enough for setting me free and finding me faithful as I continue to serve in the ministry. Hallelujah!
Lastly, the Apostle Paul encourages Timothy, his son in the Lord. He writes, “You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach  others also.” 2 Timothy 2:1-2
The grace that is found in Christ Jesus is not found in any other. He willingly went to the cross for all of mankind. He alone paid the price for our sins. We do not belong to ourselves because we were bought with the highest price - the blood of Christ - and by this very fact we can now be strengthened in the grace that is found in Christ Jesus.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Bro. Peter Rahme
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