Hope Now Bible Church: Fresno, California

Be Strong in the Lord and The Strength of His Might

Ephesians 6:10-13 Pastor Roger Feenstra

Please take your Bible and turn to the book of Ephesians, chapter 6. We are nearing the conclusion of our study through this wonderful letter of Ephesians, written by the Apostle Paul to the church in the city of Ephesus nearly 2,000 years ago. As we have shared with you over the past few months, because this is the holy Word of God, this letter is just as relevant for us today in 2009 as it was when it was first written.

Throughout the book of Ephesians we have touched on a lot of subjects that are of importance to us:

In Chapter 1 we are told to be "holy and blameless" (vs. 4)

In Chapter 2 we are told that our salvation is purely a gift of grace, not works.

In Chapter 3 we are told to be rooted and grounded in love and to know the love of Christ.

In Chapter 4 we are instructed to "Put off our old self" (vs. 22)

In Chapter 5 we are commanded to "Be imitators of God" (vs. 1); to not be sexually immoral (vs. 3); to not get drunk (vs. 18); for wives to submit to their husbands (vs. 22), and for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church (vs. 25)

In Chapter 6 we're given instruction for children to "obey their parents" (vs. 1); For fathers to "not make their children angry" (vs. 4); for slaves, or in our day, employees, "to obey your earthly masters" (vs. 5)

And now, Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit begins to sum up the entire book in chapter 6:10 with a powerful message to us all:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might."

I love this verse as it is touches on the heart of the Gospel (Or, the Good News) of Jesus Christ.

What is the Good News? What is the Gospel? If you had only one minute to tell someone about Jesus Christ; who he is, what he did for you, you might give a one minute testimony of your life; what Jesus has done for you and how your life is changed. This might be a good approach, but probably one of the best ways to tell someone the pure Gospel or Good News of Jesus Christ is to quote 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. Keep your place in Ephesians, but turn back a few books to 1st Corinthians.

The Good News is this,

"Jesus Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time...then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles and finally to the apostle Paul" (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

So when this verse in Ephesians tells you to be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might it is proclaiming good news to you and me. The Lord, strong and mighty, who had the power to rise from the dead, is the source of your spiritual strength.

How to Be Strong

Have you ever needed spiritual strength? Perhaps you have been through a time in your life when it seemed as if there was no hope? Maybe you've lost a loved one and all of your plans and dreams came crashing in around you? Possibly you've lost a job, or have financial difficulties? Maybe you're trying to live your life for Christ, but your friends and family mock you for your new found faith and they say, "It won't last." Maybe you need spiritual strength today, right now? Is it possible to be "Strong in the Lord and the strength of his might?"

By the way, do you know when the best time is to be strong in the Lord? It is when you are weak -- when you've reached the end, when you can go no farther. When the world is against you. Hear the words of the Lord from 2 Corinthians 12:10:

"For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Paul is not talking here about his own strength. He's not saying, if I just pull myself up by my bootstraps and try harder I'll be strong. No, Paul is talking about being strong in the Lord and the strength of his might whenever you encounter trials.

Tortured For Faith

History is replete (filled) with Christians who have endured trials like you; those who have been persecuted for their faith and yet have remained strong in the Lord and refused to turn away from their Lord.

In the book Tortures and Torments of Christian Martyrs (A martyr is someone who suffers to the point of death), by Antonio Gallonio written in 1903; He lists various methods that Christians were tortured for their faith.

He describes:

Red hot plates: a piece of metal heated to the point of glowing red hot was placed upon the Christian until he or she renounced their faith in Christ.
Burning torches: A branch with its tip dipped in pine tar and lit on fire was pressed against the Christian.
Stakes or crosses: Where the Christian was hung sometimes upside down and fire lit beneath him to produce a long, slow, torturous death.

Other punishments for believing in Christ included:

Buried alive: Often these martyrs for Christ were not buried completely, but only up to their necks where they were left to bake in the sun without food or water.

Sewn inside a bag and thrown into the River.
If ever there was a time when spiritual strength was needed, it was during these times.

What was it that allowed these Christians to remain true to Jesus Christ? How could they endure the slow pain of death? It was because they were "Strong in the Lord and the strength of his might."

Strength in the King of Glory

All of our strength comes from Jesus Christ. We can never be strong in ourselves. We can never be strong in our own might.

This is the crux (the heart, or main point) of the Gospel: That our spiritual strength comes from our Savior Jesus Christ who was so strong and mighty that he rose from the dead. That is the good news!

Psalm 24:8 describes him this way:

"Who is this king of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle."

How strong?

Jesus Christ was laughed at, tortured, beaten with rods, pierced on his head with a crown of thorns, spit upon, crucified on a cross, buried, YET, He rose from the grave, he conquered death -- He is strong and mighty even over death and he offers that same resurrection power to you and me! Because of Christ, we too have power over death and are promised to be resurrected someday. Our strength is made sure in the fact that we will someday escape this body of sorrow and death and will be resurrected to live eternally with Jesus Christ. Our strength comes from the truth that Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has conquered death for us.

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:!6)

The Lord strong and mighty!

Our Lord, strong and mighty!

Why Do You Need Strength

But why do we need to be strong in the Lord and strength of his might? I mean, we are not facing torture or physical persecution in Fresno in 2009.

No, you and I are facing a much greater foe. You need his strength because the devil is trying to destroy you. So Paul relays to us God's plan to help us to be strong in the Lord and 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." (vs. 11).

Here's how the dictionary describes the word "scheme":

"A large-scale systematic plan or arrangement for attaining some particular object or putting a particular idea into effect...A secret of underhanded plan."

Satan has a secret plan to destroy you. You may not be facing red hot plates, burning torches, burning at the stake or being buried alive or thrown into the river for your faith in Christ, but make no mistake, you are being tempted and tested in other ways: drugs, alcohol, sex outside of marriage, stealing, lying, cheating -- all of the things from your former life (See Ephesians 4:22-31) Satan is making a bold attempt to draw you away from Christ, even to the point of physical death if need be.

Therefore, we need to be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might and we need to put on the whole armor of God so that we may be able to stand against the secret underhanded plan of the devil!

You see, you may think that all of the temptations you face are a result of your former life or your upbringing - "That's the way our family rolled, you might say." But the truth is that the battle you face in serving Christ has nothing to do with your physical upbringing, your parents or your past.

And while the events of your past are real and cannot always be forgotten, the temptations you face today, to live your life for Jesus Christ, are purely from a spiritual battle that is raging all around you.

"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 6:12).

Not a Physical Problem 

Your struggle with sin is not due to your background. You use that as an excuse, because it's all you know. The truth is, you can't change where you came from, or what your past was like. And you can't change the way you are. Why? Because your problem is not a physical problem, it is a spiritual one. You see, when you try to use the world's medicine to make your life better; when you listen to the Dr. Phil's and the Oprah's, and try your best to "heal" your past or to search for your inner happiness you will never be able to find it. Listen to the mission statement of Oprah Winfrey's television show:

"Our mission statement for ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ is to use television to transform people’s lives, to make viewers see themselves differently and to bring happiness and a sense of fulfillment into every home.

”

I don't know about you, but when I'm faced with a choice have my life transformed, and I'm facing great trials and temptations, I'm not going to turn to television for the answer. I'm turning to the Lord, strong and mighty.

Dr. Phil's method to help you overcome your sin and your past is to simply rely upon yourself to do it. And while his methods at face value seem harmless and at times even helpful, it is the same old false story that people have been listening to for thousands of years, "You can solve your life's problems on your own."

But the truth of the matter is when you become a believer in Jesus Christ, you have the power through Christ, not yourself, to overcome the struggle of sin in your life. And when you turn to your past to try to figure it out you are never able to trust our Lord Christ or to depend on his strength. You become what the apostle Peter said in 2 Peter 2:22 (quoting from Proverbs):

[Like a] dog [who] returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

You Can't Do It 

Satan is trying to bring you down and it is only by "being strong in the Lord and the strength of his might" that you will be able to move on in your life and conquer your past, your sin and the temptations that seem to so easily befall you.

Some people say to me, "I'm trying to change to become a better person, but it's just not working." That's good that you want to change, but do you know why it's not working? It's because you are trying to make the change in your life. Rather God says, "Be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might."

Why do you think Jesus died on the cross? So that you could keep trying on your own to do good? Did he die simply so you could think he was a good guy? Did he suffer on the cross so that you could continue to be mired in your past life? No! Jesus Christ died on the cross in order to do all of the work for you! He took all of your sins, past, present and future and put them on himself so that you could place your faith in him and be rescued from a life of sin and death. Remember the sin you committed recently (maybe even last night?), the one that is causing you so much guilt? He took that sin too upon himself and he offers you forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

It is only through Jesus Christ that you can withstand and overcome the temptations that are thrown at you.

Be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might: Because your problems are not physical. They appear physical because that is the lie of Satan. Jesus said this about Satan:

"He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44)

If he can make you think that your problems are about your past then he has succeeded in producing a great lie that you will believe.

Rather, the truth is that your struggle is against Satan and his forces. And to overcome that struggle you need to "Be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might." You will not overcome your temptations and struggles by trying to do good, or trying to figure out your past, or blaming others. When you do that, Satan has you right where he wants you.

You are to "be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might." And to fight this battle that is raging all around you, you need to "put on Christ." And next time we'll look more closely at what that means and how we do that.

Jesus is Your Covering

But the Bible is clear that to fight the spiritual battle; to be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might, you need to put on Christ. Here's what God said about putting on Christ in Romans 13:14:

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires."

You see, Jesus is our covering. He covers us with his righteousness, and this is what God was showing us from the very beginning. Turn to Genesis 3:21. After Adam and Eve sinned, they were immediately guilty -- their guilt showed in that they realized that they were naked and their nakedness caused them shame. Therefore, verse 21 says that God "clothed them." This verse is a prophecy of what Jesus Christ would someday do for us. From the very beginning God was showing that he was going to make a covering for our sin. And that covering is Jesus Christ.

From the moment you believe in him, you are covered with the righteousness of Christ. No longer are you walking around naked in your sin, you are covered with his righteousness; and to fight the spiritual battle, you are to put on Christ.

That's why so many Christians today (even many in this room), are weak and defeated. Christian by name only, but not by deed. They walk around week after week, with the same problems. "Woe is me" they cry. I have so many problems, you don't understand my problems." And they go through life never growing in their relationship with Christ, never reading God's Word, praying only when they have a real serious problem. Playing hit and miss when they attend church to worship the Lord. Denying their children the blessing of learning about Jesus Christ by not bringing them to Sunday School and not training them up at home to know the Lord Jesus Christ and to love Him.

This is a spiritual battle -- be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might. Put on Jesus Christ daily - wear him as your whole armor against the onslaught of Satan. Be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might:

"Santoso" is a farmer and a pastor for a small village church in Indonesia. Recently, he was attacked on the way home after sharing Christ with Muslims on a farm in the city of Poso. He and a friend, both on motorbikes, were hit with a machete wielded by a Muslim who jumped from a bush. The Muslim tried to cut off his head but missed, hitting him in the mouth. He ran to his village holding his face. Because of the attack Santoso lost 10 teeth and damaged his tongue and his friend's fingers were cut off. (This was the third attempt on Santoso's life.) Before going into his last surgery, he said, "I read Ephesians 1:19 which promises God's great power to us who believe. God sends me power so I can bear suffering. We rejoice that one Muslim has come to Christ."

Where do men and women like Santoso get their strength to endure torture? It comes from the Lord Jesus Christ -- by being strong in the Lord and the strength of his might. The power to live our lives for Jesus Christ comes through recognizing that we are not in a physical war, but a spiritual one; and to win the war, we must put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Next time, I am going to share with you how to do that. In Ephesians, it's called "putting on the whole armor of God."

Do you need spiritual strength today? Then be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might. And when you do that; when you take the focus off your own strength which is weak and feeble, and when you finally determine to be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might, then we can rest assured that we will win the sprirtual battle and will become as Paul said in Romans 8:37:

...In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
There is good news for us today! Be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might!

Are you trying to fight the battle of life on your own strength? Do you try and take matters into your own hands on a daily basis? You need money so you steal and rob. You struggle with your relationship with your wife or husband or girlfriend or boyfriend so you act superior, like you're better than them and you become the shot caller in your relationship. I'll take control of this myself, you say. But God is calling out to you today -- to be strong in the Lord and strength of his might. He is calling you to turn to him, to put your faith and trust in him. And when you do, he promises to help you and to guide you and to give you the strength you need to overcome the spiritual battle that you are facing.

Some of you might even leave here today and ignore everything that God has been trying to show you today. You'll go home and get drunk or high. You'll revert back to your old self -- But God is still calling you -- Be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might is his call to you. Follow him and be strong in him today.

"Our Lord strong and mighty, please give me the strength right now to put my trust in you, to be strong in you and the strength of your might." Amen.

An Overview of Philippians

We are such weak Christians in America. Let's face it; we have no real challenges for being a Christian. Oh, maybe our family or friends will make fun of us from time-to-time, but the plain truth is we can be Christians in America and live a pretty uneventful life.

That is not the case in other parts of the world. Consider the country of Turkey for example. According to a July 2007 report in Christianity Today magazine, "Turkey has become more and more hostile to its tiny Christian minority. Though the nation is 99 percent Muslim, the government and media look at any activities of Christians with great suspicion." Within the last year several Christians have been murdered. Why? Because they are Christians.

On Wednesday morning, April 18, German missionary Tilmann Geske, a 43 year father of three, kissed his wife goodbye and headed to work -- His job entailed editing a Turkish Christian Study Bible. Another man, who was a pastor, went to the same building for a Bible Study. Earlier, two Muslims had befriended both men and had expressed interest in Jesus Christ. They showed up at the building and began discussing faith in Jesus Christ with the Christian. Several minutes later three other Muslims entered carrying guns and knives. The two Christians were bound hand and foot and the Muslims began stabbing them, slowly and deliberately. Another Christian showed up and they began torturing him too. Three hours after the torture began; someone heard the noise and called police. Before the police could intervene, the Muslims slashed the Christians throats, killing all three of them.

This type of persecution is almost like a fantasy to Christians living in America. We can't imagine what it must be like to be susceptible to torture for faith in Jesus Christ. Yet Jesus said, "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). While we have not felt the blows of persecution in the U.S. the time is coming when we will. Those who profess Jesus as "The way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) will be labeled narrow minded and intolerant. Already the media has turned against and mocks those who have true faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to gain eternal life. Persecution is coming. The question is, are you ready?

That's what the book of Philippians is all about. It is God's handbook on how to be content in whatever circumstance we find ourselves.

Background

The book of Philippians, found in the New Testament, is really a letter. The apostle Paul wrote letters to many of the churches in order to encourage them in faith, or to give them some instruction from God. The apostle Paul was a missionary. He would travel all over most of the known world and share the message of Jesus Christ to all who would listen.

The saga of Paul's close relationship with the Philippians began on his second missionary journey. Philippi was the leading city of the district of Macedonia and was also a Roman colony. It was a military outpost. The first convert to Christianity in that city was not a military person; it was a woman named Lydia. Before Paul came to Philippi, Lydia was a believer in God, but had not yet believed in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. When she heard Paul's message, the Lord opened her heart and she became a follower of Christ.

Maybe that is what your life is like now? Perhaps you believe in God, but have never made a conscious decision to believe in Jesus. Jesus said, "Whoever believes in me has eternal life" (John 6:47). You see, just believing in God is not enough. We must believe in the one God sent as a sacrifice for our sins. In Acts 16:14 we read this about Lydia, "The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul." It is the Lord that opens hearts. Your responsibility is to be willing to allowing him access to your heart. "Lord, help me in my unbelief" was the prayer of a father whose son was filled with a demonic spirit in Mark 9:24. When the father cried out to Jesus, immediately, Jesus healed the boy. If you are unsure of your relationship with Jesus Christ, make that your prayer. Cry out to God and ask him to help you in your unbelief.

Paul’s Gratitude and Prayers (Philippians 1:1-11)

Paul wrote this letter along with his co-worker, Pastor Timothy. He points out in verse 4 that whenever he prays for the Philippians, he prays with joy because of their unwavering faith in the Lord, a faith that has remained strong since Paul first started the church in that city. He calls them partners in the gospel. In other words, they weren’t just bystanders; they participated in sharing the gospel of Jesus with others.

In verse 6 Paul makes a wonderful statement that applies to all of us today: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” There are three major things to consider in this verse:

1. Jesus Christ begins the work. That “good work” is the saving knowledge of Christ and following him. Remember, it is God who chose us. He begins the work in your life. You can’t do it on your own.
2. Jesus perfects the work in us: We can do nothing to get better or become less sinful except to obey him. We can’t change on our own. We owe all of our growth to the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Jesus will continue to perfect us until the Second Coming: It is a lifelong process of spiritual growth and perfection will never be achieved while we are on earth.

In verse 9 Paul explains his prayer; that the Philippians will grow in knowledge and discernment. That would be my prayer for all who are reading this Bible study. Our goal should be to grow in our knowledge of Jesus Christ so that through our testimony others might believe and gain the gift of eternal life.

Two Methods of Preaching the Gospel (Philippians 1:12-18)

Paul notes that there are two ways to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

1. Some preach the gospel from “envy and rivalry”: Meaning they do it for their own self-interest. That can happen today. Some churches strive to have the biggest and best program. Just take a look during Easter or Christmas and see what methods some churches will use to bring people in the door. Last Easter one church in Fresno advertised a former American Idol as the main feature. I thought Jesus was the main attraction? There is nothing wrong with encouraging people to go to church, but our methods must be carefully evaluated to ensure we are not doing it to build up our own church or our own selves.

2. Others preach the gospel from “good will” and “love.”: We should always build up Christ Jesus. Our goal should not be to make ourselves look good, but to glorify and lift up Jesus.

But Paul makes and interesting statement, “Whether in pretense (insincere) or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.”

Paul is saying that is doesn’t matter what the motives are; the important thing is that the name of Jesus is proclaimed. That reminds me of a shopping trip I took during Christmas. As I walked through the mall, the last thing on people’s minds was the fact that Jesus was born in a manger and that he came to die for their sins. But in the background, behind all the noise of the hustle and bustle, I could hear the song O Little Town of Bethlehem playing over the speakers. People weren’t consciously aware of it and the music wasn’t being played sincerely to introduce people to Christ, nevertheless Jesus was being preached.

Don’t Be Frightened (Philippians 1:19-26)

Paul wanted to remain faithful to Jesus Christ, even while in prison. He wasn’t worried about dying in fact he said, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” In other words it is great to live because we can live for Christ, but if we die we will be with the Lord, we gain eternal life.

Because of that, he told the Philippians to not be “frightened” by those who seek to kill Christians. In fact he goes on to say that suffering as a Christian has been “granted” to you for the “sake of Christ.” It is a privilege to suffer for Jesus Christ.

What Are the Marks of a Christian (Philippians 2:1-18)

Have you ever wondered what the marks of a Christian are? Paul lists them for us in this passage:

1. Be of the same mind (2:2): That means don’t be argumentative on everything. Trust Christ, have faith in him and work together to spread the gospel.
2. Have the same love for each other (2:2): Our love for each other should be consistent. We should love all who call themselves Christians.
3. Don’t be competitive or conceited (2:3): In other words, don’t think you are better than other Christians.
4. Treat others as better than yourself (2:3): Being humble is a great virtue. Make others feel that they are more significant than you.

Paul gives the example of Jesus. Even though he was God, as a man he didn’t try to prove that he was better than God, instead he became a servant – he made himself nothing. He went so far that he even died for the sins of mankind. He didn’t have to do that, he was God! But he did so in order that our sins might be forgiven and we might inherit the free gift of eternal life.

In verse 12 Paul tells them to “work out their salvation.” This does not mean that salvation comes from works. You can’t work your way to heaven! Some cults will try to convince you from this verse that you can. But they forget to read the next verse; “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

When Paul talks about “working out your salvation” he is referring to carrying out our obedience to the finish. How do we do that? He tells us in vs. 14-16:

1. Don’t grumble (2:14)
2. Don’t question (2:14)
3. Be blameless (2:15)
4. Be innocent (2:15)
5. Shine as a light to the world (2:15)
6. Hold fast to God’s Word (2:16)

Consider Yourself a Citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:1-21)

There is a lot of great stuff in this chapter, but I want to point out a couple of key points.

1. Nothing is more important than knowing Christ. Everything else is rubbish (3:7,8): Gaining Christ is the most important thing a person can do. All other earthly pleasures and possessions are worthless.
2. Our citizenship is in heaven, not on earth (3:20): It’s okay to be patriotic and to love ones country, but we must always remember that our true citizenship is in heaven. This world is not our home. We are only here temporarily, and then we will spend eternity somewhere. If we know Jesus Christ we are promised eternal life with him.

The Boundaries For Living a Joyful Christian Life (Philippians 4:1-8)

Paul doesn’t give a list of things we cannot do in this passage, rather he lists the things that we should be dwelling on in our daily lives. He gives the boundaries of where the Christian’s mind should be:

1. Whatever is true
2. Whatever is honorable
3. Whatever is just
4. Whatever is pure
5. Whatever is lovely
6. Whatever is commendable
7. Whatever is excellent
8. Whatever is worthy of praise

“…Think about these things.”

Paul ends the letter with a promise for everyone in verse 19:

“And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Notice that he says “according to his riches” not according to our riches or our desires. God supplies what we need not what we want. It may be that you will suffer for Christ someday – if that is the case, then God will supply the necessary strength to endure the persecution.

This Week: Read the book of Philippians everyday this week. Paul’s message to the Philippians is as relevant today as it was back in the first century. Live your life pure and pleasing to the Lord. Don’t be afraid to suffer for the Lord and pray for boldness to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in love.