BE STRONG IN THE LORD PERSONALLY

EPH. 6:10-13

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

It is true that a church should be strong in the Lord. It is equally true that a nation should be strong in the Lord.

 [2 Chr. 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.]

But, it is also true that an individual should be strong in the Lord. In point of fact, it generally starts with an individual and moves through the family, the church, the community, the nation and one day, the whole world

[Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.]

 

 

I. THIS SPEAKS OF RELATIONSHIP [EPH. 6:10-13]

1. We Belong to Him [1 Cor. 1:2]

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth,

2. We are Branded as His

to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus

3. We Bear His “Name”

called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

 

II. THIS SPEAKS OF RELIANCE [EPH. 6:10-13]

1. Faith takes no credit but gives Glory to God [Rm. 4:20, 10:17]

-He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

- So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2. As Faith Grows God Works [Acts 9:22]

-But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

3. Faith Knows What God Can Do [Ph. 4:13]

-I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 

III. THIS SPEAKS OF REALIZATION [EPH. 6:10-13]

1. Realize God Prizes Faithfulness

[1 Tm. 1:12, 1 Cor. 4:2]

-And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry

-Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

2. Realize God Prizes Humility

[Jm. 4:6, Pr. 3:34, 1 Pt. 5:5]

-But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

-Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

-Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

3. Realize God Provides Grace [2 Tm. 2:1, 4:17]

-Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

-Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.