BE STRONG IN THE LORD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Ephesians 6:10-18
Key Verse: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10, KJV)
Supporting Texts: Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 40:29-31; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Philippians 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:1; Psalm 27:1.
Description: This sermon teaches believers how to draw spiritual strength from the Lord to overcome trials, resist the devil, remain steadfast in faith, and fulfil their divine assignments.
INTRODUCTION
The Christian life is a journey that requires strength. There are seasons when the believer feels weak, faces opposition, experiences disappointment, or struggles under the weight of responsibilities. At such moments, human strength may prove insufficient. The demands of family, ministry, work, temptation, and spiritual warfare can overwhelm anyone who depends solely on personal ability. God, however, has made His strength available to those who trust in Him.
In Ephesians 6:10, the Apostle Paul writes, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” The word finally introduces the concluding exhortation of Paul's letter. After teaching believers about their identity in Christ, their unity in the Church, their Christian conduct, their family responsibilities, and their walk in love and holiness, Paul reminds them that they need divine strength to live out these truths and withstand spiritual opposition.
Notice that Paul does not say, “Be strong in yourself,” but “Be strong in the Lord.” God does not expect us to overcome every challenge through human determination alone. He calls us to depend on His power, follow His Word, pray continually, and put on the whole armour He has provided. Our strength is not the absence of weakness; it is the ability to depend on God even when we recognise our limitations. When the Lord is our strength, we can stand firm in adversity and continue faithfully in His purpose.
1. UNDERSTAND THE SOURCE OF YOUR STRENGTH
Paul's instruction begins with the words, “Be strong in the Lord.” This establishes the source of the believer's strength. Christianity is not merely an invitation to become morally better through human effort; it is a call to live in a relationship with God and depend on His grace.
There is a difference between being strong in oneself and being strong in the Lord. Human strength can be affected by age, health, emotions, resources, and circumstances. God's power, however, is not limited by these changing conditions. When we depend on Him, we receive grace to endure, wisdom to make decisions, and courage to obey Him.
a) God Is the Source of Your Strength (Psalm 28:7)
David declares that the Lord is his strength and shield. He did not place his ultimate confidence in his military ability, wealth, or position. His confidence was in God, who protected and sustained him.
Believers sometimes become discouraged because they measure their ability against the magnitude of their challenges. They look at their limitations and conclude that the task is impossible. Faith directs our attention away from our limitations towards the sufficiency of God. This does not mean that we ignore reality; it means that we face reality with confidence in the Lord.
Practical Application: Begin each day by acknowledging your dependence on God. Before confronting a challenge, pray for His wisdom, strength, and direction.
b) God's Strength Is Greater Than Human Strength (Isaiah 40:29)
The Bible declares that God gives power to the faint and increases strength to those who have no might. This is a wonderful promise for anyone who feels exhausted by life's demands.
There are times when the believer has prayed, worked, served, and waited until his natural strength seems exhausted. God does not despise our weakness. He invites us to come to Him for renewed strength. His grace can sustain us through situations that would otherwise cause us to give up.
Practical Application: When you feel exhausted, do not withdraw from God. Rest where necessary, seek appropriate help, and ask the Lord to renew your strength.
c) Strength Comes Through Fellowship With God (Psalm 16:11)
The presence of God brings fullness of joy and direction for life. As we spend time in His presence through prayer, worship, and meditation on Scripture, our hearts are renewed and our faith strengthened.
Spiritual strength does not develop through occasional contact with God alone. Just as the physical body needs regular nourishment, the inner person needs consistent fellowship with the Lord. A believer who neglects prayer and Scripture may become vulnerable to discouragement and temptation.
Practical Application: Establish a daily time for prayer, Bible reading, worship, and quiet reflection on God's Word.
d) The Holy Spirit Strengthens the Inner Man (Ephesians 3:16)
Paul prayed that believers would be strengthened with might by God's Spirit in the inner person. This shows that spiritual strength is not merely physical energy or emotional excitement. It is the work of the Holy Spirit within us.
The Spirit strengthens our convictions, enables us to resist sin, produces godly character, and helps us persevere in obedience. Even when our outward circumstances remain difficult, the Spirit can sustain our inward life.
Practical Application: Yield to the Holy Spirit daily. Ask Him to strengthen your faith, purify your motives, and empower you to obey God's Word.
Biblical Example: David at Ziklag (1 Samuel 30:1-6). David and his men returned to find Ziklag burned and their families taken captive. The men were distressed and spoke of stoning David. At this moment of deep personal and public crisis, David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. He sought God's direction and received guidance for action. His example teaches us to turn to God when circumstances threaten to overwhelm us.
2. DEPEND ON THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT
Paul does not merely say that believers should be strong; he identifies the power in which they must be strong: “the power of his might.” This means that God supplies the strength required to fulfil His will and withstand spiritual opposition.
The Christian life cannot be lived successfully through self-confidence alone. We need the power of God to overcome temptation, persevere in difficult seasons, love difficult people, serve faithfully, and remain committed to truth. God's power does not encourage laziness; it enables faithful obedience.
a) God's Power Works in Us (Ephesians 3:20)
Paul praises God as the One who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. God's power is not confined to external miracles; it also transforms the believer's inner life.
He can strengthen a weak believer, restore hope to a discouraged heart, give courage to a fearful person, and develop patience in someone who struggles with anger. His work within us equips us to live in ways that honour Christ.
Practical Application: Do not limit your prayers to changes in outward circumstances. Ask God to transform your character, strengthen your faith, and help you respond to difficulties in a Christlike manner.
b) His Grace Is Sufficient in Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)
The Lord told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul learned that God's grace was not withdrawn because of his limitations. Instead, his weakness became an opportunity to depend more deeply on Christ.
This truth corrects the belief that a strong Christian must never feel weak. Even mature believers can experience weariness, grief, or uncertainty. The important question is whether we will allow our weakness to drive us away from God or draw us closer to Him.
Practical Application: Be honest with God about your limitations. Ask for His grace, receive wise support, and continue to take the next faithful step.
c) Christ Strengthens You for Your Assignment (Philippians 4:13)
Paul declares, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” In context, he was describing his ability to remain content in different circumstances, including abundance and need. The verse is not a promise that every personal ambition will succeed; it is an assurance that Christ strengthens believers to remain faithful in the situations they face.
God gives strength for obedience, endurance, service, and perseverance. The assignment may be demanding, but the Lord can supply the grace needed to carry it out faithfully.
Practical Application: Commit your responsibilities to God. Work diligently, use your gifts wisely, and depend on Christ to sustain you through both success and hardship.
d) God's Strength Enables You to Endure (Colossians 1:11)
Paul prayed that believers would be strengthened with all might according to God's glorious power unto patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. This reveals that divine strength is demonstrated not only in dramatic victories but also in patient endurance.
Sometimes strength means standing firm when others abandon their convictions. Sometimes it means continuing to serve faithfully when recognition is absent. At other times, it means waiting for God's direction without becoming bitter or impatient.
Practical Application: Ask God for endurance in your present season. Refuse to abandon your convictions because progress seems slow, and continue doing what is right.
Biblical Example: Paul in Prison (Philippians 1:12-14). Paul faced imprisonment because of the gospel, yet he continued to encourage believers and testify about Christ. His circumstances did not destroy his commitment to God's purpose. His life shows that God's strength can sustain faithful service even when freedom and comfort are limited.
3. BE STRONG IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY
The command to be strong in the Lord does not mean that believers will never experience adversity. Jesus told His disciples that they would face tribulation in the world, but He also commanded them to be of good cheer because He had overcome the world (John 16:33).
Adversity tests the foundations of our faith. It may come through financial pressure, family difficulties, opposition, disappointment, illness, or delay. During such times, we must learn to depend on God's promises without denying the reality of our struggles. Faith gives us courage to face difficulties while remaining obedient to the Lord.
a) Do Not Be Afraid of the Challenges Before You (Joshua 1:9)
God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land. The assignment was demanding, but God's presence was the foundation of Joshua's courage.
Fear often grows when we focus exclusively on the size of the challenge. Courage develops when we remember who has called us and what He has promised. We may not know every detail of the journey, but we can trust God to guide us as we obey His Word.
Practical Application: Identify the challenge you have been avoiding. Pray, seek godly counsel, prepare carefully, and take a responsible step forward in faith.
b) Wait on the Lord for Renewed Strength (Isaiah 40:31)
Isaiah declares that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. Waiting on God is not passive idleness; it is trusting Him while remaining attentive to His direction.
There are seasons when answers do not come as quickly as we desire. During such periods, impatience can lead to poor decisions and spiritual compromise. Waiting on God helps us develop endurance and remain sensitive to His timing.
Practical Application: When an answer is delayed, continue praying, obeying Scripture, and fulfilling your responsibilities. Do not make destructive decisions merely because you are tired of waiting.
c) Let Trials Develop Your Faith (James 1:2-4)
James teaches that the testing of faith produces patience and that patience must complete its work. Trials are painful, but God can use them to develop endurance, wisdom, humility, and maturity in our lives.
This does not mean that every painful event is sent by God or that we should ignore injustice and suffering. It means that God can work through difficult experiences to produce spiritual growth when we remain faithful to Him.
Practical Application: Ask yourself what faithful response God requires in your present difficulty. Learn from the experience, seek support where needed, and refuse to let bitterness control your heart.
d) Keep Your Eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2-3)
The writer of Hebrews directs believers to look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Christ endured the cross and hostility from sinners, yet He remained faithful to the Father's will.
When we focus continually on our problems, discouragement can consume our thoughts. Looking to Jesus reminds us of His example, His promises, and His faithfulness. He understands suffering and gives grace to those who trust Him.
Practical Application: Spend time reflecting on the life and promises of Jesus. When discouragement rises, pray, meditate on Scripture, and seek fellowship with mature believers who can encourage you.
Biblical Example: Job (Job 1:20-22; 2:9-10). Job suffered severe losses and intense pain, yet he continued to acknowledge God. His story does not minimise grief or suggest that suffering is easy. It shows that faith can remain alive amid profound adversity, even when a person does not understand what is happening.
4. STRENGTHEN YOURSELF THROUGH SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
Spiritual strength is cultivated through a life of fellowship with God and obedience to His Word. Just as physical strength develops through nourishment, rest, and regular exercise, spiritual maturity grows through consistent spiritual disciplines.
We cannot expect to remain spiritually strong while deliberately neglecting prayer, Scripture, fellowship, worship, and holiness. These disciplines do not earn God's love; they help us remain attentive to Him and responsive to His grace.
a) Build Your Life on the Word of God (Psalm 119:105)
The psalmist describes God's Word as a lamp to his feet and a light to his path. Scripture provides guidance for decisions, correction for wrong attitudes, and truth that protects us from deception.
A believer who does not know God's Word may be easily influenced by false teaching, popular opinion, or emotional pressure. Knowing Scripture helps us test what we hear and live according to God's will.
Practical Application: Read the Bible systematically. Study passages in context, memorise key verses, and apply what you learn to your daily conduct.
b) Pray Without Ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Paul commands believers to pray without ceasing. This does not mean speaking aloud every minute of the day; it means maintaining a life of continual dependence on God and returning to Him in prayer throughout daily activities.
Prayer strengthens our relationship with God and helps us bring our anxieties, needs, decisions, and desires before Him. It also teaches us to submit our plans to His wisdom.
Practical Application: Establish regular prayer times and develop the habit of praying throughout the day. Include thanksgiving, confession, intercession, and requests for wisdom.
c) Maintain Fellowship With Believers (Hebrews 10:24-25)
The writer of Hebrews encourages believers not to abandon assembling together. Christian fellowship provides encouragement, correction, support, and opportunities for mutual service.
Isolation can make discouragement more difficult to overcome. God often uses mature believers to strengthen us through prayer, wise counsel, practical assistance, and reminders of His promises.
Practical Application: Participate faithfully in your local church. Build healthy Christian relationships, seek godly counsel, and encourage others who are facing difficulties.
d) Walk in Holiness and Obedience (1 Peter 1:15-16)
God calls His people to be holy because He is holy. Holiness involves being set apart for God and allowing His Word to govern our thoughts, desires, relationships, and actions.
Sin can weaken our spiritual life and damage our fellowship with God and others. We must therefore resist compromise, repent when we fail, and depend on the Holy Spirit to develop godly character.
Practical Application: Examine your habits and relationships in the light of Scripture. Confess sin, remove avoidable sources of temptation, and pursue integrity in every area of life.
Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:10). When a decree threatened his life, Daniel continued his established practice of praying to God. His strength in a moment of crisis was connected to a consistent life of devotion. His example teaches us to develop spiritual disciplines before the day of testing arrives.
5. PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD
Immediately after commanding believers to be strong in the Lord, Paul instructs them to put on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:11). This shows that divine strength and spiritual readiness belong together. God supplies the armour, but believers must put it on and stand firm.
The armour represents God's provision for spiritual warfare. We are not called to fight with human anger, manipulation, hatred, or revenge. We are called to live in truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the gospel of peace, and the Word of God, while persevering in prayer.
a) Stand With the Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14)
Truth provides stability in the spiritual battle. The believer must reject deception and allow God's truth to govern both belief and behaviour.
A person cannot live in deliberate dishonesty and expect to remain spiritually healthy. Truth must be embraced in our private lives, family relationships, business dealings, and ministry.
Practical Application: Be honest in all your dealings. Reject falsehood and measure your beliefs against the teaching of Scripture.
b) Protect Your Life With Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)
The breastplate of righteousness reminds us of the importance of a life that honours God. Our standing before God rests on Christ's saving work, and our response should be a life of obedience and holiness.
Righteousness protects our witness and helps us resist the temptation to compromise when doing right becomes costly.
Practical Application: Choose integrity over dishonest gain, purity over sinful pleasure, and obedience over the pressure to please people.
c) Lift Up the Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)
Faith enables believers to trust God's character and promises when doubts, accusations, and discouragement arise. The shield of faith is essential because spiritual opposition often seeks to weaken confidence in God.
Faith does not mean ignoring evidence or refusing practical help. It means trusting God while responding wisely to the circumstances before us.
Practical Application: Recall God's faithfulness, reject thoughts that contradict Scripture, and remain committed to His will during difficult seasons.
d) Take the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17)
The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. Jesus used Scripture to resist temptation, demonstrating the importance of knowing and applying God's truth.
The Word corrects error, strengthens faith, and guides our responses. It must be understood in context and obeyed, not used carelessly as a slogan or as a means of manipulating others.
Practical Application: Study Scripture daily, memorise verses that address your areas of struggle, and apply biblical truth when making decisions.
Biblical Example: Jesus in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus resisted Satan's temptations by answering with Scripture and remaining obedient to His Father. His example demonstrates that spiritual strength involves knowing God's Word, rejecting deception, and refusing to compromise.
CONCLUSION
Beloved, God has not called you to face life's challenges in your own strength. His command is clear: “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” When your strength is limited, His grace is sufficient. When fear rises, His promises provide courage. When temptation comes, His Word supplies truth. When adversity threatens to discourage you, His presence can sustain you.
Therefore, build your life on the Word of God, maintain a consistent prayer life, walk in holiness, cultivate Christian fellowship, and put on the whole armour of God. Do not measure your future only by your present weakness or the size of your challenges. Keep your eyes on Jesus Christ, depend on the Holy Spirit, and remain faithful to your divine assignment. Your strength comes from the Lord, and He will sustain you as you continue to trust and obey Him.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, strengthen me in the power of Your might, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, renew my strength whenever I feel weak, in Jesus name.
3. Father, deliver me from fear, discouragement, and doubt, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, empower me to overcome every temptation, in Jesus name.
5. Father, deepen my prayer life and hunger for Your Word, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, help me stand firm in every season of adversity, in Jesus name.
7. Father, strengthen my inner man through the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, clothe me with the whole armour of God, in Jesus name.
9. Father, give me grace to fulfil my divine assignment, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, help me remain faithful to You until the end, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You will be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
2. You will receive fresh strength for every assignment God gives you.
3. You will not be overcome by fear or discouragement.
4. You will stand firm in the day of adversity.
5. You will grow stronger through prayer and the Word of God.
6. You will overcome temptation through the grace of Christ.
7. You will walk in wisdom, holiness, and spiritual discernment.
8. You will fulfil your God-given assignment with courage.
9. You will remain steadfast when challenges arise.
10. You will finish your race in faith and victory, in the mighty name of Jesus.
