Brief Answer

To be strong in the Lord, as described in Ephesians 6:10, means to rely on God’s strength rather than our own, drawing power from His might and trusting in His provision to face spiritual battles. It involves putting on the full armor of God, standing firm in faith, and living a life empowered by His Spirit to overcome challenges and resist the forces of evil.

Understanding Strength in the Lord from a Biblical Perspective

Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 6:10, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power,” is part of his exhortation to believers to prepare for spiritual warfare. This strength is not about physical might or human determination but about relying on God’s infinite power.

Key Biblical Principles About Strength in the Lord:

1. God Is the Source of Strength: Believers are empowered by God’s strength, not their own abilities (Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 40:29-31).
2. Victory Through Christ: Jesus has already won the ultimate victory over sin and death, and believers share in His strength (1 Corinthians 15:57).
3. The Armor of God: Being strong in the Lord includes equipping ourselves with His spiritual armor, such as truth, righteousness, and faith (Ephesians 6:11-17).

This strength enables believers to stand firm against spiritual attacks and remain faithful to God.

Historical Context

Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison, addressing a church surrounded by a culture of idolatry and spiritual opposition. The imagery of strength and armor would have resonated with his audience, living in a Roman-occupied world where soldiers were a familiar sight.

Spiritual Context of Ephesians 6:

• The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: Paul emphasizes that believers wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12).
• Encouragement Amid Opposition: Facing persecution and challenges, the early Christians needed assurance that God’s power would sustain them.
• Paul’s Example: Paul’s own reliance on God’s strength, even in imprisonment, demonstrated the power of faith and dependence on the Lord (Philippians 4:13).

Understanding the cultural and spiritual backdrop of this passage deepens its meaning for believers today.

Practical Implications

Living out the command to be strong in the Lord requires intentional actions:

• Daily Dependence on God: Spend time in prayer and Scripture, seeking His strength for daily challenges (Philippians 4:6-7).
• Putting on the Armor of God: Equip yourself with God’s truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God to resist temptation and overcome trials (Ephesians 6:13-17).
• Standing Firm in Faith: Trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances are difficult or uncertain (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

This strength is not something we muster on our own but something we receive as we rely on God.

Theological Depth and Insight

The call to be strong in the Lord highlights key theological truths:

• God’s Omnipotence: Believers can trust in God’s unlimited power to sustain them in every situation (Psalm 62:11).
• Union with Christ: Strength comes from being united with Christ, who empowers us through His Spirit (John 15:5; Colossians 1:11).
• Victory Over Evil: Jesus’ triumph on the cross ensures that believers can stand firm against Satan’s schemes (Hebrews 2:14).

This teaching reminds us that spiritual strength is rooted in God’s character and His work on our behalf.

Broader Biblical Themes

The theme of relying on God’s strength is woven throughout Scripture:

• God as a Refuge and Fortress: The psalms frequently describe God as a source of protection and strength (Psalm 18:1-2; Psalm 91:1-2).
• Strength in Weakness: Paul’s declaration that God’s power is made perfect in weakness reveals that human frailty is an opportunity to experience divine strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
• Faithfulness in Trials: Stories of biblical figures like David, Daniel, and Esther illustrate how reliance on God’s strength leads to victory and courage.

These themes encourage believers to trust in God’s ability to sustain and deliver them.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in empowering believers to be strong in the Lord:

• Empowerment for Obedience: The Spirit gives believers the strength to live in righteousness and resist sin (Romans 8:11).
• Guidance in Battle: The Spirit leads believers in truth and helps them discern spiritual attacks (John 16:13).
• Assurance of Victory: The Spirit reminds us of God’s promises and His presence in the midst of challenges (2 Timothy 1:7).

Through the Spirit, believers have access to the full measure of God’s strength.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

In a world filled with spiritual challenges, being strong in the Lord remains essential:

• Facing Trials with Faith: Trust in God’s power when facing illness, loss, or other difficulties.
• Resisting Temptation: Rely on God’s strength to overcome sin and remain steadfast in your faith.
• Engaging in Spiritual Warfare: Recognize the spiritual nature of struggles and fight with God’s armor, not human effort.

This strength equips Christians to live victoriously, even in a broken world.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

Jesus embodies the ultimate source of strength. Through His death and resurrection, He defeated sin and death, offering believers the power to live in freedom and victory. Jesus’ example of reliance on the Father, even in His most challenging moments, shows us how to draw strength from God.

God’s love, demonstrated through Christ, assures us that His strength is always available to sustain us. As Romans 8:37 reminds us, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does relying on God’s strength look like in your daily life?
2. How can the armor of God help you stand firm against spiritual challenges?
3. In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in God’s power?
4. How does the example of Jesus inspire you to seek strength in the Lord?

Ephesians 6:10 is a powerful reminder that our strength comes not from ourselves but from the Lord. As we trust in His might, equip ourselves with His armor, and stand firm in faith, we can face life’s challenges with confidence and hope. Let us rely on the One who is always faithful to empower and sustain us.