Standing On Business

Partner With The Lord (v. 10a – “Be strong in the Lord”)

 “Grow powerful in union with the Lord” Walk with him in faith and obedience!

[Foundation] This is the SOURCE of our strength – our relational connection to God. Strength originates here, not in ourselves.

 Prioritize The Lord’s Power (v. 10b – “Be strong in the power of His might”)

 Rely on His power, trust it when you are in crisis. Let it be your first resort, Not the last!

[Reliance] This is about active dependence – trusting His power rather than our own efforts. We maintain strength by relying on THE SOURCE, not self-effort.

 Protect With The Armor (v. 11 – “Put on the whole armor of God”)

 Implicit in the text is the idea that you cannot put on the whole armor without being strong in the lord and being reliant on HIS power! Consider that the armor of God is not illustrated in things that we do as believers, i.e. prayer, praise, worship…. It’s centered on things that God alone provides…. Truth, peace, word of God, Gospel and so forth.

 CLARIFICATION: The Function of Armor

The armor does NOT create strength – it PROTECTS the strength that has already been established through union with God (Point I) and sustained through reliance on His power (Point II). The armor is defensive/protective, allowing us to MAINTAIN our strength against opposition that would otherwise erode it