Empowered Strength: Actively Trusting in God's Power

Summary

In Ephesians 6:10-13, we are called 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, while recognizing that our strength alone is insufficient. The power we need comes from God, and it is through our union with Him that we receive the strength to stand firm against the challenges we face.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that in our rebirth, we are given a new principle of life, which inherently includes power and strength. This power is not our own but is a gift from God, and it must be developed and fostered. We are reminded that in times of stress and difficulty, God is with us, helping and strengthening us. Therefore, we should proceed with confidence in our Christian walk, knowing that we are not alone.

The practical application of this teaching involves believing in the promises of God, practicing His presence, and growing in grace. It requires us to act on our faith, to venture out and trust in God's enabling power. The command to be strong is itself a source of strength, as the power to obey is given in the command. This principle is illustrated through biblical examples, such as Moses striking the rock and Peter walking on water, where the act of faith resulted in the manifestation of God's power.

Ultimately, the secret to living a victorious Christian life lies in believing God's word and acting upon it. We are to stop saying "I can't" and start trusting in the power that God provides. As we do so, we will find ourselves strengthened and empowered beyond our natural abilities, able to face whatever challenges come our way.

Key Takeaways:

1. Active Participation in Faith: Our strength in the Lord requires active participation, not passive reliance. We must exert ourselves while recognizing that our strength alone is insufficient. The power we need comes from God, and it is through our union with Him that we receive the strength to stand firm. [01:52]

2. Developing Spiritual Strength: In our rebirth, we are given a new principle of life that includes power and strength. This power is not our own but is a gift from God, and it must be developed and fostered. We are reminded that in times of stress and difficulty, God is with us, helping and strengthening us. [03:18]

3. Believing and Practicing God's Promises: The practical application of this teaching involves believing in the promises of God, practicing His presence, and growing in grace. It requires us to act on our faith, to venture out and trust in God's enabling power. [11:29]

4. The Enabling Power of God's Command: The command to be strong is itself a source of strength, as the power to obey is given in the command. This principle is illustrated through biblical examples, such as Moses striking the rock and Peter walking on water, where the act of faith resulted in the manifestation of God's power. [19:18]

5. Trusting in God's Provision: We are to stop saying "I can't" and start trusting in the power that God provides. As we do so, we will find ourselves strengthened and empowered beyond our natural abilities, able to face whatever challenges come our way. [42:23]

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 God's Strength
- [02:09] - New Life and Power in Rebirth
- [03:01] - Union with Christ and His Strength
- [04:25] - Practical Application of Strength
- [05:42] - John Newton's Hymn and Its Message
- [06:39] - Justification vs. Sanctification
- [08:18] - Overcoming in Revelation
- [10:41] - Applying the Teaching in Daily Life
- [12:46] - The Practice of God's Presence
- [14:53] - The Venture of Faith
- [19:18] - The Enabling Power of God's Command
- [26:13] - Peter Walking on Water
- [29:02] - Miracles in Acts and Their Lessons
- [34:25] - The Role of Preparation and Spirit
- [38:14] - Trust in God and Use of Means
- [42:23] - Conclusion: Be Strong in the Lord

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 6:10-13
- Matthew 14:22-33 (Peter walking on water)
- Exodus 17:1-7 (Moses striking the rock)

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#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two main exhortations given in Ephesians 6:10-13? How do they relate to each other? [00:45]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the command to "be strong in the Lord"? [01:19]
3. How does the story of Moses striking the rock illustrate the principle of faith and action? [20:04]
4. What role does active participation play in the Christian life, as discussed in the sermon? [06:10]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon explain the relationship between God's strength and our own efforts in living a Christian life? [07:48]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the command to "be strong" is itself a source of strength? [19:18]
3. How does the example of Peter walking on water serve as a metaphor for faith and doubt in the Christian journey? [27:16]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of practicing God's presence in our daily lives? [12:46]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a current challenge in your life. How can you actively participate in seeking God's strength to overcome it? [04:06]
2. Identify a promise of God that you struggle to believe. What steps can you take to practice trusting in that promise this week? [11:29]
3. Think of a situation where you have said "I can't" in your spiritual journey. How can you change your mindset to trust in God's provision? [42:23]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of God's presence into your daily routine? What specific actions will you take to grow in this area? [12:46]
5. Consider a time when you hesitated to act on your faith. What can you learn from the examples of Moses and Peter to encourage you to take a step of faith? [20:04] and [27:16]
6. How can you support others in your small group to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might? What practical ways can you encourage each other? [40:57]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the enabling power of God's command. How can you apply this principle to a specific area of your life where you feel weak? [19:18]

Devotional

Day 1: Active Engagement in Divine Strength
Our journey of faith requires active engagement, not passive reliance. Ephesians 6:10-13 calls us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, emphasizing that this strength is not passive but requires our active participation. We are not to simply hand over our struggles to God and do nothing. Instead, we must exert ourselves with all our might, while recognizing that our strength alone is insufficient. The power we need comes from God, and it is through our union with Him that we receive the strength to stand firm against the challenges we face. This active engagement in faith is a partnership with God, where we do our part, and He provides the strength we need. [01:52]

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:10-12, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life are you relying solely on your own strength? How can you actively engage with God to receive His strength today?

Day 2: Cultivating the Gift of Spiritual Strength
In our rebirth, we are given a new principle of life that includes power and strength. This power is not our own but is a gift from God, and it must be developed and fostered. The Apostle Paul reminds us that in times of stress and difficulty, God is with us, helping and strengthening us. This spiritual strength is cultivated through our relationship with God, as we grow in our understanding of His presence and His promises. We are encouraged to proceed with confidence in our Christian walk, knowing that we are not alone and that God is our source of strength. [03:18]

"May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." (Colossians 1:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take to cultivate the spiritual strength that God has given you? How can you remind yourself of His presence in times of difficulty?

Day 3: Trusting in God's Promises
The practical application of our faith involves believing in the promises of God, practicing His presence, and growing in grace. It requires us to act on our faith, to venture out and trust in God's enabling power. The command to be strong is itself a source of strength, as the power to obey is given in the command. This principle is illustrated through biblical examples, such as Moses striking the rock and Peter walking on water, where the act of faith resulted in the manifestation of God's power. By trusting in God's promises, we find the courage to step out in faith and experience His power in our lives. [11:29]

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." (Hebrews 10:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: What promise of God do you need to trust in today? How can you take a step of faith to act on that promise?

Day 4: The Power of Obedience
The command to be strong is itself a source of strength, as the power to obey is given in the command. This principle is illustrated through biblical examples, such as Moses striking the rock and Peter walking on water, where the act of faith resulted in the manifestation of God's power. When we obey God's commands, we tap into the power that He provides, enabling us to accomplish what we could not do on our own. Obedience is not just about following rules; it is about aligning ourselves with God's will and experiencing His power in our lives. [19:18]

"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a specific area where God is calling you to obedience? How can you trust in His power to help you obey?

Day 5: Embracing God's Provision
We are to stop saying "I can't" and start trusting in the power that God provides. As we do so, we will find ourselves strengthened and empowered beyond our natural abilities, able to face whatever challenges come our way. The secret to living a victorious Christian life lies in believing God's word and acting upon it. By embracing God's provision, we move from a mindset of limitation to one of possibility, where we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. This shift in perspective allows us to face life's challenges with confidence and hope. [42:23]

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel limited? How can you embrace God's provision and move from "I can't" to "I can" through His strength?

Quotes

In the rebirth, we are given a new principle of life and in that life there is inherently of necessity power and strength. You can't have life without having power, without having strength. At first, of course, it's very small, it's very incomplete. The infant, the child, while it has strength, has very little strength, so that needs to be developed and fostered. [00:02:19]

We are promised that in times of stress and unusual difficulty and strain, we shall also be made conscious of the fact that he is with us, that he is at hand, that he is helping us and strengthening us and enabling us and guarding us and shielding us. Therefore, we came to this conclusion that relying on all this we should immediately therefore proceed to enter the battle in the fight to go on with the Christian Life without fear and without any hesitation. [00:03:46]

The realization of his grace, the realization of his nearness and of his presence, we've got to practice that, the practice if you like of the presence of the Lord, and it takes time, it takes it means practice. Any teaching which gives you the impression that you can suddenly get all this in a meeting is entirely opposed to the New Testament which keeps on telling you to go on with these things, to continue in them, to give diligence. [00:11:41]

Faith is entirely different from a mere intellectual ascent and belief. Faith is always the putting of the thing into practice and 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 and not only could he walk over on a rope he could wheel a wheelbarrow over on the Rope across the Niagara. [00:15:06]

The enabling is in the command itself. Now that to me is the whole secret. Be strong. How can I be strong? You can be strong by obeying the command to be strong. Now let me expound that a little by giving you some illustrations to try to show what I mean. I say that the enabling, the power to do these things is rarely implicit in and contained in the command to do it. [00:19:02]

Moses is a man and though he's a very good man he knows perfectly well that if he but strikes rocks nothing will happen. He may have struck many a rock but no water had come gushing out. But here he's told that if he strikes That Rock with his Rod that water will come gushing out of it. Now there is the whole predicament of Faith. That's exactly the position of all of us as we stand face to face with this be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. [00:20:08]

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. You see his effort, he has to make his effort but he's given the power to do it. Then when he doubts of course he loses the power and down he goes but our Lord lays hold upon him. [00:27:40]

The apostles never did that and I think the reason is obvious. They never knew when they were going to do it. They had no idea when they were going to do it. Well then you say well how did they do it when they did it and the answer is again they were given the commission, they were given the power. So Peter and John seeing the men sitting at the beautiful gate of the temple, Peter knew he'd got the commission so he says in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. [00:29:06]

The answer to all that of course is that it is utterly unscriptural. You go through the scriptures and see the men whom God has used, see how they prepared themselves and their matter. Paul spends three years in Arabia. What was he doing there? Working it out, working out the Old Testament. This thing had suddenly come, how does he reconcile all this? He's got to have his case ready so he spends his three years in Arabia. [00:32:45]

The ultimate faith is in God. Well the last word on this of course was said by Oliver Cromwell: 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]

We are meant to listen to this great exhortation and as you hear it saying be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might it's no use you're saying but I'm weak, I'm feeble, it's because you are you're given the exhortation. You're not being told that you've got this tremendous power in yourself and simply that. No, no, what you're being told is this: that you're a child of God, that you've got a seed of Divine Life in you. [00:40:45]

We take him at his word. He's saying to every one of us in some shape or form stretch forth thine hand, stop saying I can't do it, stop talking about your paralysis, listen to what I am saying, there is the power given. Do it. Go on doing it, keep on doing it and as we put it into practice we shall find that it is not only true but infinitely more true than we've ever imagined or ever thought. [00:42:27]

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Transcript

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