Be Strong In The Lord
This political season magnifies that we’re in a spiritual battle
Ephesians 6:10-18 New International Version
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:10 New International Version
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Living in the strength of the Lord, living in His power is a concept that’s concept throughout Scripture.
Deuteronomy 31:6 New International Version
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
1 Samuel 30:6 New Living Translation
David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the LORD his God.
Isaiah 40:28-31 English Standard Version
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Acts 1:8 New International Version
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 New International Version
Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Philippians 4:13 New Living Translation
I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.
Strong in the Lord and in His mighty power is to live fueled by God
Not a spotter
Dick Hoyt, carrying his son, is a better picture
When you’re strong in the Lord, you’re able to recognize sin
When you’re strong in the Lord, you’re able to say no to sin
When you’re strong in the Lord, you’re not paralyzed by fear
What do you do to be strong in the Lord?
You make finding that strength a focus and priority
We often find strength in positional power, financial wealth, cultural beauty. None of those last.
Strength comes from your relationship with Jesus, from the Holy Spirit.
John 15:1,4-5 New International Version
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Our strength vs. God’s strength - Rachael Gunn vs. Stephen Nedoroczik
Stand up for Jesus
Ephesians 6:10-11 New International Version
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Sermon Based Questions
- What was ecouraging, difficult, or confusing about the talk on Sunday?
- How do you think the election season will test Christians this fall?
- Did you see Rachael Gunn (the breakdancer) or Stephen Nedoroczik (the pommel horse gymnast) in the Olympics? Have some people talk about what they thought about their performances.
- Rick mentioned that to be strong in the Lord, we need to spend time with Jesus, be immersed in Scripture, be actively engaged in worship, and be committed to disciple-making friendships (LifeGroup!). Which of these are most difficult for you to make a priority?
- How can we help each other be accountable to be strong in the Lord? What are some very practical things we can do?
- What do you want to do differently as a result of this week’s message?