How the Weak Can Become Strong

Why are People Weak? They do not know God and thus are easily blinded by the god of this world to the truth of His word (2 Corinthians 4:4; Luke 8:12). Some are weak in the flesh, but even with good intentions they still give into temptation, and are dead in their sins. (Matthew 26:41; James 1:13-16; Luke 8:13) They fear what they perceive to be a stronger enemy (Numbers 13:18; 31-33).

Why are People Weak? Some compromise under pressure because they fear persecution in standing for the truth. (Matthew 13:21; Galatians 6:12; 2:11ff) Some worry about things they cannot control and demonstrate their lack of faith. (Matthew 6:25, 27, 30, 34; 13:22) Others have a “thorn in the flesh” (physical malady) (2 Corinthians 12:7)

How Can the Weak Become Strong? The unbeliever must humble himself so that he will open up his eyes to the evidence of God’s powerful word or he will remain a fool. (Romans 1:16ff; Hebrews 11:3; Psalms 14:1) Those who are weak in the flesh must realize that only through Christ can they ever overcome sin and death. (Hebrews 2:14-15; Romans 6:23; 8:2) Those who fear the enemy must place their trust in God’s promises to overcome. So put on His armor and you will not fail. (Num. 14:8-9; Deut. 20:1-4; Matt. 28:19-20; Eph. 6:10ff)

How Can the Weak Become Strong? The compromiser needs to fear God more than the persecutor realizing that His weapons are divinely powerful to destroy his false arguments and speculations. (Eph. 6:17; Matt. 10:28; 2 Cor. 10:3-6) The worrier should give their burdens to God so that he can have the “peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:6-7). Those who have a “thorn in the flesh” must realize that God’s grace is sufficient for them because power is perfected in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)

Conclusion The unbeliever doesn’t need a direct operation of the Holy Spirit to hear and be saved but must realize that if he doesn’t obey the gospel he will go to torment. (John 5:25; 2 Thess. 1:7-9) The tempted must quit placing confidence in the flesh but instead Jesus as the apostle Peter did (Luke 22:31ff; 1 Pet. 2:21ff) If you have a “grasshopper faith” you need to repent and realize that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13; 1 John 4:4)

Conclusion If you have a “persecution complex”, you should repent and realize that “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us”. (Romans 11:37; Revelation 21:8) If you are a “worry wart” remember to “cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you”. (1 Peter 5:7) If you are afflicted, hold fast to His word until death, because in the end, God will remove your pain and will wipe away every tear from your eyes (Luke 8:15; 2 Cor. 12:10; Rev. 21:4)