Paul closes out his letter to the Ephesians, and TO US BY THE WAY! “Finally (loipon: besides this, furthermore), my brethren, BE STRONG IN THE LORD and IN THE POWER of HIS MIGHT.” We as believers cannot STRENGTHEN OURSELVES in the Lord; rather, we must be EMPOWERED or be STRENGTHENED, BY GOD! (Ephesians 6:10) Why do we have to be strong? We as believers are ENGAGED IN AN ONGOING SPIRITUAL BATTLE with the powers of darkness, we cannot endure WITHOUT THE POWER OF GOD. But you might say, “I don’t want to be in a battle!” Well, we must “Be sober, be vigilant; because YOUR ADVERSARY (antidikos: our opponent or enemy) the devil walks about like a roaring lion, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Paul REMINDED believers that the Christian life means INVOLVEMENT IN A SPIRITUAL BATTLE. From his own experience, the apostle knew the OPPOSITION IS REAL and THE WARFARE INTENSE: “For we do not wrestle against FLESH AND BLOOD, but against PRINCIPALITIES, against POWERS, against the RULERS OF THE DARKNESS of this age, against SPIRITUAL HOSTS OF WICKEDNESS in the heavenly places. 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.” (Ephesians 6:12-13) KEEP STANDING!
JUST WHO is involved in this warfare? Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for MY STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that THE POWER OF CHRIST MAY REST UPON ME.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham