Spiritual Strength
Spiritual Strength11
Daniel 11:32
By Chuck Smith0JHN 17:3EPH 6:10HEB 11:32Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of knowing God personally, contrasting mere knowledge about God with a deep, intimate relationship with Him. He illustrates this through the historical context of Judas Maccabeus and the exploits of biblical figures who knew their God, highlighting that true strength and ability to perform great deeds come from this relationship. Smith encourages believers to seek God through the Bible and Jesus Christ, asserting that knowing God is the most crucial aspect of life. He challenges the notion of God being unknowable and affirms that God has made Himself known through creation and scripture. Ultimately, he calls for a personal commitment to knowing God, which leads to spiritual strength and impactful living.
And Again I Say, Rejoice
By A.B. Simpson0PHP 4:4JAS 1:2A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the Lord, even in times of difficulty and temptation. He encourages believers to persist in joy, regardless of their circumstances, trusting that God will sustain them and fill their hearts with gladness through the Holy Spirit. Simpson assures that true joy is a source of strength for God's people, capable of transforming sorrow into gladness. He calls for a continual attitude of rejoicing, teaching that joy is essential for spiritual victory and resilience. Ultimately, he seeks to inspire a deeper reliance on God's joy as a refreshing fountain in life's wilderness.
The Sweetener
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 34:8PSA 73:28ISA 41:10JHN 15:5ROM 8:282CO 12:9PHP 4:13HEB 10:22JAS 4:81JN 1:3Thomas Brooks emphasizes the vital importance of communion with God, describing it as the essence of spiritual life and the source of strength and comfort. He asserts that true communion with God not only sweetens our experiences and afflictions but also fortifies us against temptations and trials. Brooks highlights that those who maintain a close relationship with God are empowered to withstand challenges, while those with little communion are easily overcome. Ultimately, he portrays communion with God as the crown of our souls and the key to a victorious Christian life.
Two Heavens
By Thomas Brooks0JDG 16:20PSA 23:4PSA 73:28MAT 28:20JHN 15:4ROM 8:382CO 12:9PHP 4:13JAS 4:81JN 1:3Thomas Brooks emphasizes the vital importance of communion with God, describing it as a source of strength and courage that enables believers to overcome all adversities. He illustrates communion as a reciprocal relationship between Christ and the soul, likening it to Jacob's ladder, where divine influences flow both ways. Brooks asserts that true communion provides both a present heaven on earth and a future heaven after death, making it the most valuable pursuit for a believer. He warns that without this communion, one loses comfort and strength, ultimately leading to spiritual captivity, as exemplified by Samson's downfall. Therefore, he urges believers to prioritize and maintain their communion with Christ above all else.
Weakness of Heart
By Charles Finney0PSA 27:14PRO 3:5ISA 40:31EZK 16:30ROM 8:312CO 12:7PHP 4:13HEB 4:16JAS 1:51PE 5:8Charles Finney addresses the 'Weakness of Heart' in the Church, emphasizing the importance of understanding the heart as the ruling disposition of the will. He explains that a weak heart is not divided or wicked but lacks the strength to resist temptation, leading to various evidences of weakness such as susceptibility to sin and difficulty in prayer. Finney outlines causes of this weakness, including ignorance and unbelief, and presents waiting on the Lord as the remedy, which involves active prayer, repentance, and a deepening relationship with God. He concludes that true strength of heart comes from an increase in knowledge, faith, and love towards God, enabling believers to resist temptation effectively.
1 John 2:14
By John Gill0ROM 8:372CO 12:9EPH 6:17PHP 4:13COL 3:16HEB 10:24JAS 4:71JN 2:141JN 4:4John Gill emphasizes the importance of spiritual strength and vigilance among both the aged and young believers in Christ. He encourages the fathers to remain zealous and not become indifferent, reminding them of their deep knowledge of God from the beginning. For the young men, he highlights their strength in Christ and the necessity of abiding in the Word of God to overcome temptations and the wicked one. Gill stresses that true strength comes not from oneself but through Christ, who empowers believers to fulfill their duties and resist sin.
Knowing God Intimately Is the Secret of Being Strong
By Zac Poonen01SA 3:10ISA 50:4DAN 11:32MAT 4:4LUK 10:42JHN 17:3PHP 3:10HEB 8:11Zac Poonen emphasizes that knowing God intimately is essential for spiritual strength, as highlighted in Daniel 11:32. He encourages believers to seek a personal relationship with God rather than relying on others' experiences, citing that eternal life is defined by knowing God and Jesus Christ (John 17:3). Poonen stresses the importance of listening to God daily, following Jesus' example of spiritual nourishment through His words (Matthew 4:4). He advocates for a continuous listening attitude, even during the night, to remain receptive to God's guidance (1 Samuel 3:10). Ultimately, knowing God equips us to overcome life's challenges by revealing His solutions to our problems.
Their Strength Is to Sit Still (Don't Dissipate Power, but Wait on the lord.)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0PSA 37:7PSA 46:10PSA 91:1ISA 30:7ISA 40:31LAM 3:25MAT 6:6JHN 15:5PHP 4:6HEB 4:10Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the profound strength found in stillness and waiting on the Lord, contrasting it with the futility of relying on human efforts. He reflects on the importance of dwelling in God's presence, where true security and strength are found, and shares personal anecdotes that illustrate the power of resting in God. Waldvogel encourages believers to cease from their own works and allow God to work through them, highlighting that effective service comes from a place of quietness and trust in God. He reminds us that spiritual strength is often realized in moments of stillness, where we can truly connect with the Almighty.
Spiritual Strength
By Martyn-Lloyd Jones0PSA 73:26ISA 40:29ROM 8:262CO 12:92CO 13:4EPH 6:10PHP 4:13COL 1:112TI 1:71PE 5:10Martyn-Lloyd Jones emphasizes the paradox of spiritual strength in the Christian life, where acknowledging our weakness allows God's grace to infuse us with power. He reflects on the moments of feeling feeble yet experiencing divine strength, reminding us that God knows our needs and provides accordingly. The preacher encourages believers to focus on living the Christian life, praying, and meditating on God, trusting that He will supply the strength needed for each day. This relationship with God transforms our weaknesses into strengths, as we rely on His power rather than our own. Ultimately, it is through our connection with Him that we find true vitality and purpose.
Spiritual Strength and Trust
By David Wilkerson0RUT 3:7PSA 46:10ISA 26:3PHP 4:6David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of spiritual strength and trust in God, using the story of Ruth and Naomi as a powerful example. After the death of her husband, Ruth demonstrates unwavering faith by following Naomi's guidance to seek Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer. Naomi reassures Ruth to remain calm and trust in God's plan, highlighting the peace that comes from surrendering our needs to Him. The sermon encourages believers to release their worries and trust in God's timing and provision, reminding them that God is in control of their circumstances.
Being Strengthened to Stand Without Compromise (Lk. 21:34-36)
By Mike Bickle2357:21LUK 21:34Mike Bickle emphasizes the necessity for believers to be spiritually strengthened in order to stand firm without compromise during the end times, as outlined in Luke 21:34-36. He highlights the importance of praying for inner strength, as this divine might will enable believers to resist the snares of sin, fear, and despair that will increase in the last days. Bickle urges the church to take heed of their spiritual condition and to remain vigilant through prayer, ensuring they are prepared to face the challenges ahead without falling into compromise. He reassures that while the snare is inevitable, believers can escape the resulting compromise by seeking God's strength. Ultimately, the call is to cultivate a deep connection with God through prayer to stand victorious when the Lord returns.