In a world where so much emphasis is placed on physical strength, fitness and building the body, there is a far greater strength that we should be concerned about – being strong in the Lord. But what does that really mean? Where does this strength come from, and how can we stand firm when faced with the trials, temptations and challenges of life? This Address looks at the importance of relying not upon our own strength, but upon the power and sufficiency of the Lord.
Bible Scriptures: Darby Translation
Acts 3:1-11 “3 And Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, [which is] the ninth [hour];2 and a certain man who was lame from his mother’s womb was being carried, whom they placed every day at the gate of the temple called Beautiful, to ask alms of those who were going into the temple;3 who, seeing Peter and John about to enter into the temple, asked to receive alms.4 And Peter, looking stedfastly upon him with John, said, Look on us.5 And he gave heed to them, expecting to receive something from them.6 But Peter said, Silver and gold I have not; but what I have, this give I to thee: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazaraean rise up and walk.
7 And having taken hold of him [by] the right hand he raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones were made strong.8 And leaping up he stood and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God;
10 and they recognised him, that it was *he* who sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.11 And as he held Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the portico which is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.”
Ephesians 6:10-18 “10 For the rest, brethren, be strong in [the] Lord, and in the might of his strength.11 Put on the panoply of God, that ye may be able to stand against the artifices of the devil:
12 because our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against principalities, against authorities, against the universal lords of this darkness, against spiritual [power] of wickedness in the heavenlies.
13 For this reason take [to you] the panoply of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having accomplished all things, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girt about your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,15 and shod your feet with [the] preparation of the glad tidings of peace:16 besides all [these], having taken the shield of faith with which ye will be able to quench all the inflamed darts of the wicked one.
17 Have also the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word;18 praying at all seasons, with all prayer and supplication in [the] Spirit, and watching unto this very thing with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints;”
Philippians 4:1-13 “4 So that, my brethren, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, thus stand fast in [the] Lord, beloved.2 I exhort Euodia, and exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in [the] Lord;3 yea, I ask thee also, true yokefellow, assist them, who have contended along with me in the glad tidings, with Clement also, and my other fellow-labourers, whose names [are] in [the] book of life.
4 Rejoice in [the] Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.5 Let your gentleness be known of all men. The Lord [is] near.6 Be careful about nothing; but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;7 and the peace of God, which surpasses every understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts by Christ Jesus.
8 For the rest, brethren, whatsoever things [are] true, whatsoever things [are] noble, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] amiable, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue and if any praise, think on these things.9 What ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, these things do; and the God of peace shall be with you.10 But I rejoiced in [the] Lord greatly, that now however at length ye have revived your thinking of me, though surely ye did also think [of me], but lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak as regards privation, for as to me *I* have learnt in those circumstances in which I am, to be satisfied in myself.12 I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound. In everything and in all things I am initiated both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer privation.13 I have strength for all things in him that gives me power.”