TEXT: Eph.6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
What does it mean to be strong in the Lord?
It means to be: Unwavering in your faith.
Unaffected by events that might discourage.
Able to praise God even when you don't feel like it.
Stable in your theology.
Not easily offended.
Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
How do you become successful as far as material things are concerned?
Here are some ways that people try.
Win the lottery?
Find a get rich quick scheme?
Acquire money through unethical means.
We know that these things don't work. There is a way to be successful in material things.
Work hard.
Take care of your money.
Be dependable.
Make good decisions.
How do you become a strong Christian?
Here are some ways people try.
Learn to dance in the spirit? This brings you into his presence.
Exercise your faith until you are strong enough to simply claim what you want? If your faith is strong enough you can become rich and have perfect health,
Learn to exercise the gifts of the spirit? This makes you superior to other Christians.
Pray until you can work miracles? This will prove your power.
These things don't work; there is a way to be a strong Christian.
11 Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. No matter what comes your way, you can be strong.
Why be strong in the Lord?
12 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. The inner man must be strong.
Jesus had to become strong
Jesus was led of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
Job had to become strong
God gave Job to Satan to be tested.
Equip yourself (defense equipment)
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness
Peace and Faith
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Faith
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
The helmet of salvation.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
To be come strong spiritually works the same as it does in the flesh. To have a strong body, you have to work at it consistently. If you lift weights, you do it every day. You also eat right and get enough rest.
To be successful in business, you have to be consistent also. You have to build a reputation. You have to handle your money wisely etc.
Heart= thoughts or feelings
Mind= Deep thought, imagination, understanding.
Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mind= Intellect, thought, feeling, will, understanding.
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
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