Strength In Christ
Throughout our lives, and in various areas, we all become aware of the weaknesses we possess. In the physical contests of our youth, we likely were “bested” by some of our childhood competitors. Some seek to be “stronger, better, or faster”, by incorporating strength training into their regimen. As some grow up, they still continue to worry about physical weaknesses and inabilities, and some even turn to certain drugs or other synthetic substances to “enhance” their performance.
Unfortunately, there are many who are unaware that spiritual strength is of greater importance than physical strength. The Spirit had the apostle write in Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. But, before one can be strengthened by Christ, one must be “in Christ”. When one is “baptized into” Christ, they become “in Christ”. We are told this is when spiritual life begins in 2Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
We are aware that physical strength diminishes when muscles aren’t used. This type of strength also is reduced with age in most cases. This is where the differences between physical and spiritual strength becomes obvious. We do need to be mindful that strength in Christ must be maintained, or we can lose it as 2John 1:8 admonishes. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. However, our spiritual strength need not diminish with age. It is true, we can become “spiritual weaklings” if we allow it, but Ephesians 3:16 does remind us we can remain strong spiritually. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; We are also told this in the latter part of 2Corinthians 4:16. . . . but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
We shouldn’t have to be told that just because someone builds a gym near our house, it won’t benefit us if we don’t go in and exercise. However, it seems that some Christians have to be reminded that just because they own a Bible, or just because they happen to attend services occasionally, this is not a guarantee of spiritual strength. The “spiritual muscle”, the mind, must be exercised in order to remain strong. In 2Timothy 2:1-2, the Spirit had Paul tell Timothy how to maintain his spiritual strength. Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. The same applies to us today.
We are taught in Titus 2:11-12 what the grace of God is, and what benefit we can derive from it. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; From these verses, it should be obvious that God’s Word is what is meant by the grace of God. It is God’s Word that teaches, if we will take it in and learn from it. In 1Timothy 4:7-8 the Spirit had Paul direct Timothy (and us) in the way in which is most important to “exercise” and also showed the difference in physical and spiritual fitness. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
The Christians of Jewish nationality were reminded in Hebrews 5:12-14 that they were expected to grow and mature. Rather, some of them had not and were in danger of becoming apostate. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Some of them had not participated in the “spiritual exercise” that promotes growth and strength in Christ.
To ignore the need to exercise results in muscle atrophy and weakness. This is true in both the physical and spiritual part of man. If, and when we are weakened because of inactivity, we are much more likely to fall, and become injured. It seems the old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” can apply in both realms of life. Physically, through proper exercise, we can perhaps avoid injury and maintain health. Spiritually, we can best avoid apostasy, and also maintain our strength in Christ through the exercise of reading, studying, meditating in, and living by the Holy Word of God.
The Spirit had the apostle Peter write this to Christians in 2Peter 3:17-18, and it is equally applicable today. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. Christians, now’s the best time to start that spiritual exercise program and maintain spiritual strength. Then we can also lead the lost to Christ, and help the erring to find their way back to the fold. Let’s all strive to be “strong in the Lord”.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
