“Be Strong in the Lord” Ephesians 6:10 Physical strength is fairly easy to measure, but spiritual strength is often much more difficult to determine. Why? How do you determine the physical strength of a person, or even of a machine? You measure it, right? With what do you measure it? Standardized weights and other gauges which use standardized measurements of comparison, right? By the way, have you ever stepped on the scales and gotten all excited because you had lost (or gained, depending on your desires) several pounds only to have then figured out that the little adjustment wheel had been turned so that the scale was not accurate? Accuracy in measuring is important, right? Now, how do you measure spiritual strength? With what standardized weight or gauge is it determined?

“Be Strong in the Lord” Ephesians 6:10 I. False Standards of Strength: A. Wisdom of Men, 1Cor.2:1-4 Paul’s physical appearance and demeanor were altogether unimpressive to the Corinthians. At least part of this image was intentional by Paul so that strength would be revealed not in himself, but in the power of God, v.5; 1:18-25 > 2:6-8ff. Many churches now only allow those without academic degrees and doctorates to speak for them, Acts 4:13. B. Worldly Acclaim, Acts 8:9-13 All too often, worldly acclaim is based on the old adage of “fooling most of the people some of the time.” This seems to have been Simon’s claim to fame also. But the presence of true light quickly reveals the imperfections of the imitations/imitators! Question: Can a man who rides the back of a garbage truck for a living be an Elder in a local church?

“Be Strong in the Lord” Ephesians 6:10 I. False Standards of Strength: C. Religious Position, Phil.3:2-7 Prior to his conversion to Christ, Paul had attained a very favorable and respected position among his own people- he was a Hebrew of Hebrews. And yet, this very position put him at cross-purposes with the Lord, Acts 9:1-2,4. Preachers, Teachers, Elders, and Deacons should also be models of strength, but still do fail to fully obey God. We must not invest our trust in men rather than in God! D. Length of Service, 2Tim.3:7 Great years are only an advantage if they have attained wisdom. Longevity in and of itself is not an accurate measure of spiritual strength- “there is no fool like an old fool!” There are plenty of people, in the church and out of it, who, although advanced in years, have never demonstrated the wisdom that should properly come with such vast experience, Heb.5:12.

“Be Strong in the Lord” Ephesians 6:10 II. True Measurements of Strength: A. Preparation, Luke 11:21-22 Fully armed is a sign of preparation and strength, v.21. But in v.22, we see this “strong man” was not as “fully armed” as he thought! Adequate planning and preparation are true indicators of strength, cf. Luke 14:28-31; 6: B. Ability to Protect and Defend, Matt.12:29 Another true measurement of spiritual strength is the ability to protect and defend: Himself- Eph.6:10-17 Truth- Titus 1:9-11; 1Tim.3:15; 2Tim.2:24-26 Others/the weak- Rom.15:1-2; 1Thess.5:14; Heb.12:12-13

“Be Strong in the Lord” Ephesians 6:10 II. True Measurements of Strength: C. Family Ties, Rom.8:14-17, 26-27, Family ties refer first to a right relationship to, and affection for, God our Father and Jesus Christ our brother (and the Spirit also), but these relationships are further supported by those with the brethren, Heb.10: In 27 years of preaching, I have never yet seen one who spends considerable time with their brethren, in and out of the assembly, fall away from the Lord. And those who do, invariably first begin to separate and isolate themselves from spiritual and social contact with the people of God. Family ties are strong!

“Be Strong in the Lord” Ephesians 6:10 II. True Measurements of Strength: D. Grace, 2Tim.2:1 For some, the manifestation of grace is a sign of weakness rather than strength- but they are wrong. One of the truest measures of strength is the gracious ability to manage it properly. Spiritual grace for the Christian is a derivative of the grace applied by God to him through Jesus Christ: - He loves because he is loved, 1John 4:7-11 -He forgives because he is forgiven, Eph.4:32 -He manifests grace because it has been manifested to him, Eph.4:7 > 11-16; Rom.12:2,6ff. The ability to transfer godly attributes given him to others is a true measure of strength, Jude 21 >

“Be Strong in the Lord” Ephesians 6:10 III. Measurements of Strength Concluded: Are you measuring your strength with false or true standards of measurement? By the wisdom of men, worldly acclaim, religious position, and length of service, or by your Preparation(s) for Service, Ability to Protect and Defend, Family Ties, and Manifested Grace? Are you really “Strong in the Lord”? If not, why not? Let’s start getting you that way today!