Christian Duty #4

4) Be strong (krataioo; to increase in vigor/empower)
God has always wanted his people to be strong.

Joshua 1:6-9 "Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 "Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Courage and being strong go hand and hand. It takes courage to follow God's Will. Joshua was instructed not to turn away from God's commands, neither to the right or to the left.

Today it is imperative that we do not turn to the right or the left from God's commands. Notice for Joshua, how this is accomplished; "but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it."

Every Christian needs to be strong in the Lord. We need strong Elders in the church that are willing to stand against false teaching within the church and that are more afraid of God than man.

We need strong deacons who are willing to serve boldly in the capacity that has been given to them.
We need strong preachers within the church. Preachers who are willing to preach the whole council of God and not watered down versions.

Too many preachers today stay away from those topics which step on people toes and all they will preach are lesson that have very little scripture in them.
Finally all the rest of the members of Christ should be strong for lord by be committed to him looking for ways that you can glorify God almighty. If you are going to be strong in the Lord you must be a willing student of the Bible and in prayer.

Hebrews 5:13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the Word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

If you want to be strong in the lord you must be willing to leave the milk behind and go on to the solid food. I like to say at times, bring your shovel so we can dig together into God's Word. Let's Go deeper!!!