Be Strong in the Lord

I remember 9-11 like it was yesterday. That day, nineteen years ago, was unlike any day I had ever lived. The horror of evil shook us. The heroism of police officers, firefighters, and everyday folks blessed us. The pictures and stories gripped us. I’ve been in the church building at Ground Zero in Manhattan and saw the wood pews forever marked by the police and firefighters who collapsed on them in grief and exhaustion. Churches held prayer vigils and we sought the Lord’s strength. 

As Christians we need to remember that the Bible teaches us that we are in a very real spiritual battle and to be strong in the Lord. Putting all dramatics aside, the Bible repeatedly records the warning of warfare and the call to be strong in the Lord.

Be Strong in the Lord Against the Assault of Evil. 

The Apostle Paul warns us about the assault. “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.” (Ephesians 6:10–11)

See how the Bible describes the commander of the assault of evil upon our families and communities: Revelation 12:10 – accuser; 1 Peter 5:8 – adversary; Matthew 13:19 – evil one; John 8:44 – murderer; 2 Cor 4:4 – god of this world; John 14:30 – ruler of this world; Matthew 4:3 – tempter; Matthew 12:42 – unclean spirit

Just remember, Jesus has defeated the evil one.  In contrast, here are some of the titles that describe our Victorious Lord Jesus:  advocate, almighty, alpha and omega, author of salvation, blessed and only sovereign, bread of life, chief shepherd, creator, deliverer, faithful witness, God, holy and righteous one, King of Kings, Leader, Life, Light of the world, Lord of Lords, Messiah, Mighty God, Prince of Life, Redeemer, Resurrection and Life, Savior, Truth, Wonderful Counselor.

Be Strong in the Lord with the Armor of God.

The Apostle Paul teaches us that God provides the armor. “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, (Ephesians 6:14–17)

The Armor God defeats the deception – the Belt of Truth.

The Armor of God defeats the dirt – the Breastplate of Righteousness.

The Armor of God defeat the discord – the Shoes of the Gospel.

The Armor of God defeats the doubts – the Shield of Faith.

The Armor of God defeats discouragement – the Helmet of Salvation.

The Armor of God defeats the devil – the Sword of the Spirit.

Be Strong in the Lord Through the Action of Prayer.

The Apostle Paul calls us to action, “…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:18–20)

Your brother in Christ,

Brian Autry