Be strong in the Lord

The 2012 theme verse for our church is taken from Eph 6:10, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."  It begs the question, "What does it mean to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power?"  For an answer, we need to read the verse in context from v10 to v18: 
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.


To be strong in the Lord is to be battle ready, not a physical one but a spiritual one.  I remember sharing on the armour of God in the 2006 church camp.  Let me reproduce it here with some modifications:


We have to recognise that our battle is not with humans but demonic powers.  Hence the need to be strong in the spirit using the weapons that God has provided.  We have to rely on the armour God gives and put them on. Paul may have drawn his picture "live" from the soldier he was chained to in his house arrest, though it is not altogether certain that such a soldier would have been in full battle dress.


Belt of truth – holds up the entire bodily armour together; it kept the armor in place and supported the sword. So truth holds the Christian armor and supports the sword of the Spirit; allowing the truth of God’s word to saturate our lives and not being swayed every wind of doctrine that comes our way; without the belt we’ll be exposed as a hypocrite or a charlatan in the kingdom. The belt of truth holds together our integrity as a believer in the Lord and being prepared for action any time.


Breastplate of righteousness – protect the heart; walking in holiness and right relationships ie. not giving offence and not taking any offence; many times accusations from the evil one comes to bring condemnation and guilt.  On such occasions, claim the righteousness of God imputed upon us through the blood of Jesus Christ. “If we confess our sins …cleanses us from all unrighteousness.” 1 Jn 1:9


Gospel shoes – protects our feet; it consisted of a sole with studs and straps to tie around the ankle. The use of them was not only to enable the soldier to stand his ground but also to defend the feet against the gall-traps, and sharp sticks, which were laid secretly in the way to obstruct a soldier’s progress. Those who fell upon them will be unfit to march. What is your direction in life? It is a readiness to declare God’s message of peace (in season and out of season) to a dying world and to discouraged soldiers of the cross. 


Helmet of salvation – protect the mind; assurance of God’s redemption in Christ Jesus through repentance and confession of sin; our mind is a great battlefield – it needs to be anchored on the hope of our salvation – Jesus Christ. Attacks on the mind are numerous – fears, evil thoughts, negative thoughts, doubts, unbelief, etc.


Shield of faith – protects us from the fiery darts of the enemy; It consisted of two layers of wood glued together, covered with linen and hide, and bound with iron. Darts were missiles hurled by the hand, and very dangerous unless stopped by the shield; darts of disease, discouragement, deception (false prophecies) and division will invariable be hurled at us. Each time they come, we have to lift up the shield (exercise faith). “ … each has been given a measure of faith..” Rom 12:3


Sword of the Spirit –short two-edged cut-and-thrust sword wielded by the heavily armed legionary; allowing the Holy Spirit to speak rhema word into our lives to keep us going and speaking God’s rhema into the lives of others through confessing the word by preaching, teaching and prophecy. “It is written …” Mt 4


“Spear” – prayerful attitude at all times for all the saints; throwing a spear at the enemy who tries to kill another soldier.  “Up to now, have you not asked for anything in My name …” Jn 16:24  Though Paul did not use the imagery of a spear, I am imagining that this could be a pertinent weapon for use in protection ourselves and others.  Indeed, prayer is such a wonderful weapon God has given to all His children.  Don't neglect to use it!


Check yourself - are you missing any part of the armour?  Note that 3 pieces of the armour are always put on at all times: the belt, breastplate and shoes.  When the war cry is sounded, the soldier quickly takes the helmet, shield and sword, and moves into battle formation.  We don't have to be afraid because Jesus, our commander in chief, leads in this army.  May the Lord strengthen you through the challenges ahead and make you more than a conqueror in 2012. 

Shalom.