Playbook For Christian Living - Relying On His Strength

Play Two: Relying On His Strength 
11.1.15

When a team takes the field, they have to rely on the strength of either the offense or defense. The element of the team that has helped them to victory in the past. As a Christian, our greatest strength is Christ! We read in Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Today we will explore some of the elements found in this powerful verse!

1. I Can

There is a prideful way in which we as humans can say with defiance to God - "I can!" The people of ancient Babel had this attitude. In Genesis 11:4 we read where they made plans to build a city with a tower that would reach the heavens, so that they may make a name for themselves. This pride persists today. It is in our culture that leads to self important players and leaders thinking they did it - all by themselves! Unfortunately, this pride is seen in churches of today as well. Men and women who "build" a church with their name and brand on it and call it "good".

Instead of the prideful approach to the I Can statement, let us consider what Paul writes about we who are doing good for God. In 1 Corinthians 1:27-28, he reminds us that "God chose the foolish things of this world (that's us) to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things -and the that that are not- to nullify the things that are." The "i can" should be with a little "i". A humble spirit for sure.

2. All Things

Colossians 1:16 and John 1:3 both remind us that God created ALL THINGS, and that he governs over all things which means there are no limits of what we can do or accomplish In HIM! All things which are according to HIS WILL can be accomplished because he has rule over all things and all situations.

3. Through Him Who Gives Strength

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power." - 2 Timothy 1:7

When you consider the power of the Holy Spirit - creation, sustaining, convicting of sin, and bringing Christ back from the dead - all of this power is available to us through the Spirit. But we must be connected to the power source. The lamp does not generate its own power, but if it is plugged into a power outlet, it can produce light. We are called to be light, and that requires power through us.

4. Strength Comes From Within

The power and strength offered to us is a spiritual strength. No amount of push ups or weight lifting will give it to us. It must come from a spiritual source. Paul prays in Ephesians 3:16 that those in Ephesus will be "strengthened with power through his Spirit" in their inner being. His prayer was the the strength came from the spiritual, not the physical. We must be in tune spiritually to process the power and strength promised.

5. We Are Strengthened For His Glory

"But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed...The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - 2 Timothy 4:17-18