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.
Being stable in your theology.
Successful in material things
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.
Physical strength
To become 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. Run every day You also eat right and get enough rest.
To be successful in business, you must be consistent also. You have to build a reputation. You must handle your money wisely etc.
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. These means is carnal.
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 make you a strong Christian; there is a way to be a strong Christian.
Ways you can be a strong Christian
Eph.6:11 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.
Recognize your enemy
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.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
You need the whole armour of God
(The armour is for defense)
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.
Righteousness= State of him who is as he ought to be.
1 Kings 2:4 That the Lord may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.
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.
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Saved by faith
The just shall live by faith.
Hebrews 11
Revelation 2:10 To the church in Smyrna God said, be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
17 And take the helmet of salvation. This speaks of our mind.
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
Mind or Heart = Deep thought, Intellect, feeling, will 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.
(Ephesians 6:17 cont.) and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
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