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The theme of the song "Finally, be strong in the Lord" is rooted directly in the exhortation of the Apostle Paul found in Ephesians 6:10-11, which states: "Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Here, the profound truth laid before us is not only an encouragement but a directive for living a victorious Christian life in the face of spiritual warfare.
The Epistle to the Ephesians is one of Paul's prison epistles, penned while he was under Roman custody. This letter was intended not only for the church in Ephesus but circulated among various early Christian communities. Ephesus was a city steeped in idolatry and occult practices, and therefore, it presented unique challenges for the early Christians. Paul, knowing the spiritual gravity of their environment, finishes his letter by equipping them with spiritual armor, tools for resistance and triumph over the spiritual adversary.
The word Paul uses here for "strong" in Ephesians 6:10 is taken from the Greek word "endunamoo" (ἐνδυναμόω), which means "to be empowered" or "to increase in strength." This is not merely a call to muster human willpower; rather, it demands a reliance upon and an infusion of divine power that surpasses human limitations.
The term "wiles" from Ephesians 6:11 is "methodeia" (μεθοδεία) in Greek, indicating deceitful scheming or cunning strategies. This implies a deliberate intention from our adversary, who is calculated and strategic in his attempts to derail believers from their walk with God.
The lyrics of the song call us immediately to "be strong in the Lord," emphasizing our source of strength. This is reminiscent of Nehemiah 8:10, which declares, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Our power is derived from a deeply rooted relationship with God, fueled by the Holy Spirit — this is paramount for waging the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12).
The call to "put on the whole armor of God" is an imperative — not an optional suggestion. Paul extensively outlines the armor in subsequent verses, yet here the focus is on the necessity of the entire armor to stand against the schemes of the devil. 2 Corinthians 10:4 supports this by stating, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds."
Ephesians 6:11 highlights the need for proactivity in our spiritual walk. The devil's methods are manifold, designed to exploit weaknesses, sow confusion and ultimately draw the believer away from their faith in Christ. This resonates with 1 Peter 5:8-9, which commands, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith."
First, we must rely on the strength of the Lord, understanding that our capabilities alone are insufficient. This requires daily submission to God, asking for His strength to be perfected in our weakness.
Second, we must equip ourselves with the whole armor of God — truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Each piece is vital for standing firm. They are not just metaphors but actual spiritual resources provided by the Holy Spirit for effective spiritual warfare.
Third, we must remain vigilant against the schemes of the devil (James 4:7). This involves being spiritually discerning, maintaining a prayerful life, and being part of a community of believers that encourages steadfastness.
Fourth, we must stay grounded in the Word of God, which is our sword (Hebrews 4:12). This involves meditating on scripture, memorizing it, and allowing it to transform our minds and reinforce our faith.
Proclamation:
"I proclaim that I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. I have put on the whole armor of God, and I stand firm against the wiles of the devil by the authority and grace of Jesus Christ."
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the provision of Your holy armor. I ask for Your strength to fill me, empowering me to walk victoriously over the enemy. Make me vigilant and wise to the devil’s schemes, that I may stand firm in my faith, fully reliant upon Your Word. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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