Empowered Living: Balancing Faith and Action
Summary
In Ephesians 6:10-13, Paul exhorts believers to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, and to put on the whole armor of God. This strength is not passive; it requires our active participation. We are not to simply hand over our struggles to God and do nothing. Instead, we are to exert ourselves with all our might, recognizing that our efforts alone are insufficient. The power we need comes from God, and it is through our union with Him that we receive strength. This new life in Christ inherently contains power, but like a child growing into maturity, it must be developed and fostered.
The Christian life is a balance of divine strength and human effort. Justification is entirely God's work, but sanctification involves our active participation. We are called to overcome, as seen in the letters to the seven churches in Revelation, where promises are made to those who overcome. This overcoming is not done for us; we must engage in the battle, relying on the strength and power that God provides.
Practically, this means believing in the promises of God, practicing His presence, and growing in grace. It requires time and diligence, not a quick fix or a second blessing. Faith involves action; it is not mere intellectual assent. Like the man with the withered hand who was commanded to stretch it forth, we must act on our faith to experience God's power. The enabling power is often found in the command itself, as seen in the miracles of Jesus and the apostles.
In our daily lives, this principle applies to various aspects, including preaching and healing. We must prepare and use the means God has provided, but ultimately rely on His Spirit. The balance is not between doing everything ourselves or doing nothing, but in our effort being energized by God. Trust in God, but also keep your powder dry, as Oliver Cromwell famously said. This is the essence of living a victorious Christian life.
Key Takeaways:
- Active Participation in Faith: Faith is not passive; it requires our active participation. We must exert ourselves with all our might, recognizing that our efforts alone are insufficient. The power we need comes from God, and it is through our union with Him that we receive strength. [01:52]
- Balance of Divine Strength and Human Effort: The Christian life is a balance of divine strength and human effort. Justification is entirely God's work, but sanctification involves our active participation. We are called to overcome, relying on the strength and power that God provides. [09:37]
- Practicing the Presence of God: Practically, living out our faith means believing in the promises of God, practicing His presence, and growing in grace. It requires time and diligence, not a quick fix or a second blessing. [12:46]
- Faith Involves Action: Faith involves action; it is not mere intellectual assent. Like the man with the withered hand who was commanded to stretch it forth, we must act on our faith to experience God's power. The enabling power is often found in the command itself. [24:44]
- Trust in God and Use Means: In our daily lives, we must prepare and use the means God has provided, but ultimately rely on His Spirit. The balance is not between doing everything ourselves or doing nothing, but in our effort being energized by God. [38:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 6:10-13
- [00:45] - Exhortation to Be Strong in the Lord
- [01:19] - The Necessity of Divine Strength
- [02:28] - Developing Spiritual Strength
- [03:48] - The Promise of God's Presence
- [05:42] - Practical Application of Faith
- [06:58] - Justification vs. Sanctification
- [09:37] - Overcoming in Revelation
- [11:29] - Practicing the Presence of God
- [14:53] - The Venture of Faith
- [18:42] - The Enabling Power in Command
- [24:44] - Faith in Action: Miracles of Jesus
- [29:02] - Apostolic Miracles in Acts
- [34:08] - Preaching and Preparation
- [38:14] - Trust in God and Use Means
- [42:23] - Conclusion and Exhortation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 6:10-13
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the two main exhortations Paul gives in Ephesians 6:10-13, and why are they essential for believers? [00:45]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between divine strength and human effort in the Christian life? [06:10]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the necessity of acting on faith to experience God's power? [24:44]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of "practicing the presence of God," and why is it important? [12:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can develop and foster the strength given to them in their new life in Christ? [02:28]
2. How does the sermon differentiate between justification and sanctification, and what role does human effort play in each? [06:58]
3. What does the sermon imply about the balance between using means provided by God and relying on His Spirit? How can this balance be applied in daily life? [38:14]
4. How does the sermon use the story of the man with the withered hand to illustrate the principle of faith involving action? [24:44]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a current struggle in your life. How can you actively participate in seeking God's strength while acknowledging your own limitations? [01:52]
2. Consider a time when you relied solely on your own efforts without seeking God's strength. What was the outcome, and how might you approach a similar situation differently now? [06:10]
3. How can you practice the presence of God in your daily routine? Identify one specific way you can remind yourself of His nearness throughout the day. [12:46]
4. Think of a command from God that you find challenging to obey. What steps can you take to act on your faith and trust in His enabling power? [24:44]
5. In what areas of your life do you tend to rely more on means than on God's Spirit? How can you adjust your approach to ensure a better balance? [38:14]
6. Identify a promise of God that you struggle to believe fully. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith in that promise? [11:29]
7. How can you encourage someone else in your life to "taste and see that the Lord is good"? What specific action can you take to share your faith with them? [17:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Active Faith Requires Our Participation
Faith is not a passive state but an active engagement with God. Believers are called to exert themselves with all their might, acknowledging that their efforts alone are insufficient. The strength needed comes from God, and it is through a union with Him that believers receive the power to overcome challenges. This active participation in faith is akin to a child growing into maturity, where the inherent power in a new life in Christ must be developed and fostered. The Christian journey involves a dynamic relationship with God, where believers are not merely spectators but active participants in their spiritual growth. [01:52]
"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you have been passive in your faith. What specific steps can you take today to actively engage with God in this area?
Day 2: Divine Strength and Human Effort in Harmony
The Christian life is a delicate balance between divine strength and human effort. While justification is entirely the work of God, sanctification requires active participation from believers. This process of becoming more like Christ involves overcoming challenges and engaging in spiritual battles, relying on the strength and power that God provides. The letters to the seven churches in Revelation highlight the promises made to those who overcome, emphasizing that this overcoming is not done for us but requires our engagement. Believers are called to actively participate in their spiritual journey, trusting in God's strength while exerting their own efforts. [09:37]
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you better balance your reliance on God's strength with your own efforts in your spiritual journey today?
Day 3: Practicing the Presence of God
Living out one's faith involves believing in the promises of God, practicing His presence, and growing in grace. This process requires time and diligence, as it is not a quick fix or a second blessing. Practicing the presence of God means being aware of His constant companionship and guidance in every aspect of life. It involves cultivating a relationship with God that is marked by trust, obedience, and a deepening understanding of His character. As believers grow in grace, they learn to rely on God's promises and presence, finding strength and encouragement in their daily walk with Him. [12:46]
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally practice the presence of God in your daily routine today? What specific actions can you take to draw nearer to Him?
Day 4: Faith in Action
Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves action. Believers are called to act on their faith to experience God's power, much like the man with the withered hand who was commanded to stretch it forth. The enabling power is often found in the command itself, as seen in the miracles of Jesus and the apostles. This principle applies to various aspects of life, including preaching and healing, where preparation and the use of means are essential, but reliance on God's Spirit is paramount. Faith in action requires believers to step out in obedience, trusting that God will provide the strength and power needed to accomplish His purposes. [24:44]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror." (James 1:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area where you can put your faith into action today? How can you take a step of obedience, trusting in God's enabling power?
Day 5: Trust in God and Use Means
In daily life, believers must prepare and use the means God has provided, while ultimately relying on His Spirit. The balance is not between doing everything ourselves or doing nothing, but in our efforts being energized by God. This principle is encapsulated in the saying, "Trust in God, but also keep your powder dry," emphasizing the need for both preparation and reliance on divine strength. Living a victorious Christian life involves trusting in God's provision and guidance while actively engaging in the tasks and responsibilities He has given. Believers are called to be diligent in their efforts, trusting that God will work through them to accomplish His purposes. [38:14]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble." (Proverbs 16:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you better prepare and use the means God has provided in your current situation? What steps can you take to ensure your efforts are energized by God's Spirit today?
Quotes
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We have considered why this is essential, absolutely essential, and how we are completely lost and defeated and undone without it. Therefore, we've been spending some time in discovering exactly what it means to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." [00:10:45]
"We are to exert ourselves with all our might and M But realize even as we do so that that is totally insufficient, that we must be strengthened with his Almighty power as we do everything we can in this way. In other words, the doctrine is that in the rebirth we are given a new principle of life, and in that life there is inherently of necessity power and strength." [00:19:33]
"Practically, living out our faith means believing in the promises of God, practicing His presence, and growing in grace. It requires time and diligence, not a quick fix or a second blessing. Faith involves action; it is not mere intellectual assent. Like the man with the withered hand who was commanded to stretch it forth, we must act on our faith to experience God's power." [00:12:46]
"Faith is entirely different from a mere intellectual ascent and belief. Faith is always the putting of the thing into practice and in into operation. I'm tempted to repeat the story that has been told in order to illustrate that of the men who were standing on one side of the Niagara Falls and there was a man one of these men who could walk over on a rope." [00:15:06]
"Faith gets into the wheelbarrow; it believes it to such an extent that it begins to practice it. Now, this is, I say, a fundamental principle with regard to Faith. There was a very good expression of it in that 34th Psalm which we read at the beginning this morning, and I read it in order to remind you of this principle." [00:16:04]
"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. You will never know this until you're practicing it. But come, there is a yet better illustration, it seems to me, which brings out still further elements. Now, I hope that we're all clear as to what I'm doing. I am not using the Miracles in order to teach sanctification." [00:25:35]
"Peter has to make the move. He has to, when Peter was come down out of the ship, the thing isn't done to Peter or for Peter. Peter now, who had never walked on the waves in his life before, believing this word, gets out of the boat and begins to put his feet onto the waves, and he begins to walk on the waves." [00:27:29]
"Trust in God and keep your powder dry. You don't just trust in God and do nothing. You've got to fight, keep your powder dry, make certain that you can use it in the thick and the Heat of the battle. But you notice the order: trust in God and keep your powder dry." [00:38:14]
"Faith involves action; it is not mere intellectual assent. Like the man with the withered hand who was commanded to stretch it forth, we must act on our faith to experience God's power. The enabling power is often found in the command itself, as seen in the miracles of Jesus and the apostles." [00:24:44]
"Now, you see, the danger is always to go to one or other of these two extremes. The moralists, the ethicists who are doing it all themselves, they think the people who say, 'Oh yes, I used to believe the whole of the Christian faith, but I've grown up now, I've rejected all the dogmas, but I'm holding on to the ethic.' That's wrong." [00:34:25]
"Faith is not passive; it requires our active participation. We must exert ourselves with all our might, recognizing that our efforts alone are insufficient. The power we need comes from God, and it is through our union with Him that we receive strength." [00:01:52]
"Faith involves action; it is not mere intellectual assent. Like the man with the withered hand who was commanded to stretch it forth, we must act on our faith to experience God's power. The enabling power is often found in the command itself, as seen in the miracles of Jesus and the apostles." [00:24:44]
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