1. Strength and Weakness

2. Introduction God’s people are repeatedly admonished in Scripture to “Be strong!” –Moses (Deuteronomy 11:8-9) –Joshua (Joshua 10:22-25) –David (Psalm 31:23-24) –Azariah (2 Chronicles 15:7-8) –Paul (1 Corinthians 16:13) Nevertheless, we must also honestly confront our frailty and weakness (Matthew 26:36-46; Romans 7:14-25).

3. Let Us Be Strong Spiritual strength comes through faith (Deuteronomy 31:1-8). Spiritual strength comes through obedience (Joshua 1:6-9). Spiritual strength comes through putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17).

4. Let Us Beware While striving to be strong, let us also beware, lets our strength becomes our weakness. Consider the example of the Great Albatross.

5. Let Us Beware While striving to be strong, let us also beware, lest our strength becomes our weakness. –We should grow in knowledge (2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:17-18) while recognizing the danger of pride (Romans 14:3; 1 Corinthians 8:1-3). –We should stand firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13; Philippians 4:1) but avoid over-confidence in self (1 Corinthians 10:11-12; Romans 11:17-22). –We should strive for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27; Jude 3) without being contentious (Proverbs 26:20-21; 2 Corinthians 12:20).

6. Let us Compensate In Christ, our weakness can become our strength (2 Corinthians 12:7-10; 13:3-4) –As we avoid tempting circumstances (Matthew 18:7-11; Mark 9:42-48) –As we wait on God (Psalm 27:13-14; Isaiah 40:27-31) –As we examine self (1 Corinthians 11:27-32)

7. Conclusion Spiritual empowerment comes from God (2 Corinthians 3:4-6; Philippians 4:13). Let us, therefore, walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May we be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light (Colossians 1:9-12).