Tag: strength

POWER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

This word throughout the biblical text is indicative of might, strength, and force.  It is used in the Old Testament to render many Hebrew words like that for valor, rule, and dominion.  The principal words for “power” in the New Testament are ‎dunamis‎, from which we get the word dynamite in English, and ‎exousia which refers to jurisdiction over a certain realm, a right, privilege, or ability.  In Mark 3:15 and 6:7 Jesus gives His followers authority over demons and/or unclean spirits; and in Ephesians 1:21 Christ Himself is depicted with strength, “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and (above and over) every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Romans 9:21 reinforces this understanding of “power” when asking, “does not the potter have a right over the clay?”

This type of “power” is attributed preeminently to God, whose absolute attribute of omnipotence (almighty, all-powerful) is referenced in I Chronicles 29:11-13:    

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth;  Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.  Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.  Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.

In Revelation 7:12 the testimony of God’s power is expressed as those gathered around the throne fall on their faces and declare,   

Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever.  Amen.

God’s supreme manifestation of this “power,” as in His wisdom, His mercy, His grace, and His love, is redemption.

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  — I Corinthians 1:18

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.  For indeed Jews  ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.     — I Corinthians 1:21-2

In addition, the preaching of Christ’s gospel is often accompanied by a display, manifestation, or demonstration of “power” as affirmed in I Corinthians 2:4.  Paul reminds us in I Thessalonians 1:5 that this transforming message of grace, forgiveness, love, joy, peace, and hope, “did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction!”  Miracles are also noted by Jesus Christ, when translated literally, as “works of power” in reference to His own supernatural ministry on earth in Matthew 11:21, 23.  

As we’ve been studying on Sunday mornings and most recently on Wednesday evenings, we, as faithful followers of JC, recognize and are fully aware of these truths.

1.  The power of God raised Christ from the dead.

2.  That same power will raise all true believers who are Christ’s as part of the first resurrection.

3.  This power, God’s supernatural, incomparable, immeasurable, restorative, rejuvenating omnipotence, resides within us.

Therefore, we shall not be moved, we shall remain steadfast through all things (even physical persecution which may lay at our doorstep) in the hope and confidence of our Lord, Jesus Christ and His provision of great “power” … “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” I  John 4:4.  In the consideration of “power” I’m challenging all of us to study, meditate upon, and fully embrace  II Timothy 1:7:

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power (dunámeoos – dynamite) and love and discipline.

His & Yours, PF

DIGNITY

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Now there’s a word you don’t hear much anymore!  In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a sermon or teaching on the topic other than a brief pass-by when someone is teaching on the “virtuous woman” of Proverbs 31 or a short mention when discussing the biblical qualifications for the New Testament offices of Overseer (Elders) and/or Deacons in I Timothy 3. 

Actually, there are at least 9 Hebrew words and 10 Greek words in our bibles that mean and/or could be translated into English as “dignity”.  In Proverbs 31:25, which is perhaps most familiar passage where this word occurs, that after talking about this incredible lady literally making clothing for her family and others, the writer of Proverbs also makes a spiritual application about her spiritual attire.  One can certainly have garments and fine fashions that makes you look dignified, but that has little to nothing to do with the divine attribute of dignity! In Galatians 3:27, Paul uses a similar illustration by comparing what one wears as an outer garment in a practical sense to spiritual adornment when declaring, “For all of you who were baptized (as believers) into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” when becoming God’s children through new-birth by faith in Jesus Christ.  Romans 13:14 also reminds us of our everyday need for spiritual attire as we are instructed to, “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.”

Throughout the scriptures, the word “dignity” is used in reference to an inner quality of amiable behavior as well as that of being very or extremely honorable, having a good name (reputation), virtuous (upright and honest), noble and excellent. In Proverbs 31:25 this woman’s beauty shines forth from her inner most being as she has wrapped herself in the very attributes and characteristics of the Lord, therefore she is no shameful, unskilled, unimportant weakling in the family, society, or in reference to God’s perfect design for humanity! 

 As a result of her spiritual garments, she is clothed with strength, which means power over the changes of temporal circumstances … which too often and easily shatter families, bringing whole households to ruin when built and resting upon shaky and less solid foundations.  She rises above the common, the deceptive traps of one’s culture, society, peer pressure, and the like. Her raiment is spot-on . . . “dignity” which empowers her to peer confidently into the future and all that it holds for her family, business, and ministry, as well as her faith-based relationship with the Lord. She moves from strength to strength (Psalm 84:6-7) with the blessings of Almighty God, maintaining her faith and “dignity” through the plethora of situations and circumstances she encounters on a daily basis!  She is invested with a moral force and “dignity” which arm her against the typical distracting cares and worries of this life with the divine (supernatural) power of a righteous purpose that reveals itself in her deportment and demeanor.

No wonder she’s been given the renowned and glorious title, “Virtuous Woman.”  She enjoys a firmness and constancy of mind, has spirit to bear up under the many crosses and disappointments which even the wise and virtuous must expect to meet within this world; and this is her clothing, for defense as well as decency. She deals honorably with all, and takes great delight, fulfillment, and pleasure in so doing. 

Unquestionably, this one of “dignity” reflects upon life with comfort, and even as she grows old, knows her life was not filled with idleness and/or uselessness.  She is not disquieted by fears of what might/may be or happen, knowing full well in whom she trusts (Psalm 112:1-10), and having done her duty responsibly and to the utmost of her ability.  Even in the day of her death it will be a pleasure for her to reflect, absolutely and assuredly knowing that she lived for a purpose higher than herself — her Lord’s glory good purposes!  Yes, she will rejoice in the things of an eternity to come … being recompensed for her life, her adornment, her service, and the authenticated and indisputable “dignity” she so willingly, honestly, and openly displayed.

In our common English language, “dignity” is defined as:

1.  the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.

     “a person of dignity is one of unbending principle”

2.  a composed or serious manner or style.

     “he/she bowed with great dignity”

3. a sense of self-respect.

4.  a high or honorable rank or position.

Perhaps today we ask ourselves, “Are we individuals of dignity?”  If not, why not?   Think about it. His & Yours by GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)  –PF   

SAMSON

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

This man embodies/personifies all that is wrong in Israel… In the narrator’s eyes Samson represents the nation. This person — uniquely set apart, called, and gifted (by God) for divine service — not only fraternizes with the enemy, but he also seeks to live among them.

Daniel Block

                  

At the point in Israel’s history when Samson appeared, the nation was rudderless and the people were adrift.  Sound familiar?  In more recent history we see a similar event with the countries of Europe prior to the World War II (1939-1945) and perhaps even today with the civil, political, social, and spiritual unrest that is working to openly paganize most of our world. As spiritual complacency sets in, the sacred was discarded for the secular and the condition of Lord’s people continually digressed into self-satisfaction/gratification as depicted in the biblical text and unmistakably exemplified in life of Samson.

Samson was a Nazirite (Hebrew – “nazir” meaning a consecrated one or devotee), therefore, as an individual he was committed to the Lord’s service/ministry (as was Samuel and John the Baptist in the time of Christ) and set apart from the society by the Nazirite oath/covenant/ lifestyle/behavior. (See Numbers 6:1-21)  The Lord God intentionally, at the appointed time, raised up Samson to make the Hebrew people’s coexistence with the Philistines less comfortable and in fact, difficult. (See Judges 14:4) His purpose was to “begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines” (See Judges 13:5) which would keep the nation committed to its intrinsic values and help them resist being influenced, dominated, and ultimately absorbed spiritually and culturally by this pagan society (See Exodus 19:5, Leviticus 20:26). Unquestionably, according to the OT scriptures, this was his life’s purpose. However, Samson’s infatuation with a Philistine woman in the neighboring town was understandably very disappointing to his parents (See Judges 14:3-4). But they “did not know that it was from the Lord,”… GOD was “seeking an occasion against the Philistines.” Curiously, Samson’s non-conformance to his godly upbringing provided the spark for the chain of events that eventually undermined some of  the Philistine’s dominance.  Nonetheless, his rebellion festered when after killing a lion, he chose to eat honey found in it’s decaying carcass. (See Judges 14:5-9) This behavior illustrated both his heroic strength and his disregard of the Nazirite prohibition against contact with dead bodies.  He then openly violated his vow once again by having a wedding “feast” where there was extremely heavy/excessive drinking (Hebrew “‎mišteh” — which literally means a drinking party). (See Judges 14:10)  How many call themselves “Christians” yet abandon their values to partake of the world’s delights?

The rest of Samson’s life was pretty much a disaster until its very end, when he once again cried out to the Lord and was graciously granted supernatural ability/power to defeat the enemies of God.

  • He engaged in an intimate relationship with a prostitute
  1. The first was a brief affair that gave clue to his moral and spiritual undoing (See Judges 16:1-3)
  2. Even though a trap was set for his capture, he ultimately escaped
  • He engaged in an intimate relationship with a prostitute named Delilah
  1. Samson “loved her” (See Judges 16:4)
  2. Like his former wife, Delilah was persuaded by the Philistines (this time with a large bribe) to betray him
  3. After putting her off three times, he finally/sinfully divulged the secret of his strength: the Nazirite vow prohibiting the cutting of his hair. While he was sleeping his hair was shorn, and “his strength left him … And he did not know that the Lord had left him” (See Judges 16:19)
  4. The Philistines seized Samson, gouged out his eyes, and forced him into humiliating slavery
  •  Samson returned to the Lord’s favor (Judges 16:23-30) when the defeated Israelite was brought in to “make sport” of.  Samson’s motives once again aligned with God’s purpose of discomfiting the Philistines. In a grim, heroic climax, Samson pulled down the two main supporting pillars of the temple portico killing about   three thousand Philistines and himself — the (one true) God of  Israel showing Himself more powerful than the pagan deity, Dagon
  • Ironically, Samson killed more Philistines at his death than during any point in the rest of his life

I wonder how much, and how often we are too much like Samson.  Believe me, I know his name is listed in Hebrews with the “heroes” of faith.  Nonetheless, his character/behavior reveled the condition of his soul as well as that of his nation.  I pray we don’t wait for blindness, slavery, and death before calling upon our Lord for strength and through a life of commitment and obedience, resisting all the enemies of our faith!                     

Think about it, ask the Lord about it!  

His & yours, PF           

STRENGTH

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God, the God who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless?  He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, and sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; and Your gentleness makes me great.

Psalm 18:31-35

The Hebrew word “chaayi” — translated here as “strength” — is used approximately 244 times in the Old Testament, with about 20 of those references in the Psalms related to God’s might/omnipotence.  In this passage, “strength” is used in an absolute state which indicates possession; thus God is viewed as girding (binding up) the psalmist with His strength.

It’s important to note that in a practical sense, or modern-day application, the phrase “girds me with strength” means to make strong — assuring the readers that, in context, it is the one true God that is working to make the writer strong.

Our psalmist is now a warrior, being trained for war with a might far above all other created sources or strengths!  Without this wondrous girding/belt, he would have been feeble, with uncertain energies and a misguided or misdirected human force/ability.  Now, however, he himself is daring in purpose, courageous, and in possession of, or perhaps possessed by, a concentrated, holy power.

Have we too, as believers, and Christ’s disciples, been made more than human conquerors? Are we fully equipped and empowered from on-high with strength and might greater than anything known to humanity? 

If yes, then let us ascribe all the glory and honor to Him Who has girded us with His own inexhaustible strength — that we might be unwearied during our pilgrimage of faith, and victorious throughout our battles with the world, the flesh and the devil (our enemy, Satan).

As we turn to our New Testament, we find the Apostle Paul, early in his ministry (Acts 9:22), “increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.” The Greek word used here, “endunamoo,” translated “increasing in strength,” is a compound word from the Greek root word “dunamis,” meaning power.  Should we even question or ever wonder what’s actually at work in him?

It was also this same apostle, who, in Philippians 4:13, boldly declares, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”  Do you suppose he had been girded with strength from the Lord above?

I Peter 4:11 brings this concept home for us… for each of our own individual, day-to-day lives –

Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Now, as many of you have already anticipated, this lands us right in Ephesians 6:10-17:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Whose armor is this?  Is He not girding us with His strength?  –PF