Grace Bible Church Gillette, Wyoming

B. Ep 1:19 uses four words used for strength in regard to God’s power toward the believer. Those words are “power” (dunamis - resultant power, Eng. “dynamite”), “working” (energeia - operative power, Eng. “energy”), “strength” (kratos - causal power, Eng. “autocratic”), and “might” (ischus - inherent power).”

C. In Mk 12:30 (also Lk 10:27) the Greek word for “strength” is ischus. Ischus can refer to physical strength (Mar 2:17; Ps 71:9; Ge 31:6), or even mental strength (cf. Mt 22:37). Its basic meaning emphasizes “actual inherent power (cf. Ep 3:16) and is often it is translated “might.” Dunamis, sometimes synonymous with ischus (cf. Dt 6:5), contains an implied ability or capacity to perform and is often translated “power (resultant).” In 2Pe 2:11, both words are used to describe angels.

III. ASPECTS OF STRENGTH

A. Strength is Ascribed to God

1. Infinite strength is an attribute of God and is called omnipotence (all-powerful) (Ps 65:6; 147:5; cf. Is 40:28; “God Almighty” El Shaddai - Ge 17:1; Christ - Is 11:2 (ischus) cf. Col 1:15-16).

2. Therefore, God is a strong (ischus) tower of refuge for the believer (Ps 61:3; Pr 18:10).

B. Strength (dunamis) is exercised by the Lord in salvation (Ro 1:16).

C. Strength (“power” ischus) is exercised by the Lord in eternal punishment (2Th 1:9).

D. Satan will not “overpower” (katischuō) the Church (Mt 16:18).

E. Strength in the NT generally refers to God strengthening (ischus) the believer’s inner man (Ep 3:16 cf. 2Co 4:16).

IV. LOVE THE LORD WITH YOUR STRENGTH

A. Depend upon God’s Strength (Ep 6:10)

1. Believers are to be strong in God's “might” (ischus) and armor and not in their own strength (Ep 6:10).

2. The believers’ strength is limited and insufficient; but God’s strength is infinite and unfailing. Whether battling spiritual warfare, weathering the darts of the enemy, defending the faith, or furthering God’s kingdom, the believer must draw his strength from God.

B. Acknowledge Weaknesses (2Co 12:7-10)

1. Though Paul was requesting the removal of his “thorn in the flesh,” he learned vital spiritual lessons because it remained (2Co 12:7-10).

a) The Lord’s power and grace are sufficient for the believer’s life (2Co 12:9)

b) The Lord’s power is perfected in the believer’s weaknesses (2Co 12:9).

c) The believer’s weaknesses keep him humble and God is exalted (2Co 12:7).

d) The believer must acknowledge his weaknesses to be strong in God’ power 2Co 12:10 cf. Is 40:29-31)

C. Do All Things through Christ’s Strength (Php 4:13).

1. In the context of Php 4:13, Paul showed how he could be content in every situation (“humble means…prosperity”). He was able to do this “through the One who was strengthening him” (i.e. Christ).

2. But he does also assert that he “can do” (ischuō) “all things” (panta) through Christ. This does not mean that he can do all things such as leap over tall buildings with a single bound. Rather it means that, through Christ, Paul could do all that was instructed in the Word of God. For it was Christ through the Holy Spirit strengthening him to do all that the Lord desired.

3. In the same way, believers are able not only to be content in whatever circumstance they find themselves, but are able to do all the Lord asks in His Word. Believers have sufficient strength to live the Christian life (2Pe 1:3), not in their own strength, but in Christ’s.

D. Live Above Difficulties (Hab 3:19)

1. In the midst of extreme difficulties (sin, injustice, violence, and captivity), Habakkuk had risen above his circumstance knowing that God’s will was righteous. He was able to do this having stated, “The Lord is my strength (dunamis).”

2. The believer will have to experience trials and all the pain that goes with them. However, difficulties do not have to become debilitating. The believer can go on in the Lord’s strength knowing that God works all things together for his good (Ro 8:28).

E. Exercise Joyful Obedience (Ne 8:10)

1. When the Law was taught to all the people by Nehemiah, Ezra and the Levites, the people were convicted of their sin and began to weep and mourn (Neh 8:8-9).

2. While this was a good response, they were in the midst of a Jewish feast. They were to go beyond repentance, having been forgiven and they were to rejoice in the Lord. They were to live in joyful obedience. In doing so, they would be “strengthened” (ischus) in the Lord.

3. In spite of the fact that believers’ sin, they are to confess their sin, rely on God’s forgiveness, and go on in joyful obedience. Joyful obedience to the Lord is the strength of God’s people (Php 4:4). It produces strength in the believer to continue living strong for God.

F. Serve with Spiritual Gifts (1Pe 4:11)

1. Whatever spiritual gifts believers may have, they are to use them in serving the Lord. How much should they use them? Peter says they are to serve God with all the “strength” (ischus) He supplies (1Pe 4:11).

2. If believers fail to serve the Lord, it is not because they have not been given spiritual gifts or the strength to use them. They are termed spiritual gifts because they are “grace gifts” (charisma - gifts of grace, 1Co 12:4). The ability to exercise those gifts is dependent upon the Lord’s grace and empowerment.

G. Be Strong in the Word of God (Ac 19:20)

1. The Word of God strengthens (strong” ischuros) believers in proportion to the degree that they abide in it (1Jn 2:14). The believer also receives “strong” (ischuros) encouragement from the promises found in God’s Word (Heb 11:34).

2. Furthermore, not only are believers strengthened, but the Word, which is “living and active,” “prevails” (ischuō) over the lives of others (Ac 19:20)

H. Strengthen Other Believers

1. Not only does the Lord encourage and strengthen believers (2Th 3:3; 2Ti 4:17; 1Pe 5:10; Heb 11:34), but He enables believers to strengthen other believers (Lk 22:32; Ac 14:22; 15:32, 41; 16:5; 18:23; He 12:12; Jam 5:8).

2. I believe Christians are going to need more strength in the coming days than we have in the past. We will need strength, especially in light of increased Christian persecution around the world and also the Christian persecution growing within our borders.

3. We need spiritual strength during temptation, for daily commitment to Christ, in light of persecution, for being faithful, for being faithful to the end to the end, and for finishing well.

4. We need strength ultimately to love the Lord

I. Love the Lord

1. Love the Lord with all our hearts

a) Treasures, intentions, purposes

2. Love the Lord with all our souls

a) Worship, encouragement, and sacrifice

3. Love the Lord with all our minds

a) Renewed minds, mind of Christ, discern and defend the truth

4. Love the Lord with all our strength

a) Strong in Him, weak in ourselves, do all things through Him…including and especially …love him

Grace Bible Church · 4000 E. Collins Rd · PO Box #3762 · Gillette, WY · (307) 686-1516