Spiritual Warfare – Part 1

The Apostle Paul had a whole lot to say in the book of Ephesians. It is one of the richest books in the New Testament. I encourage you to come to know it well. Let its truth sink deep down in your spirit. Paul ends the book with these mighty words:

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Eph 6:1)

By saying “finally” the Apostle Paul was saying “Yes, I have said a lot of important things in this letter but something of greater importance remains.” We need to pay special attention to these things and especially what Paul says here. Now, let’s break down this verse. It has much to say to us.

The first command – or strong admonishment – was to “be strong.” When we were young our fathers may have told us to be strong. That being strong meant conjuring up strength from within in order to face something. But that is not at all what this verse is saying. In fact, it is saying the opposite.

The Greek word be strong is endynamoō and means “to be strong, endue with strength, strengthen.” It is found in the passive voice meaning it is something received. It is likened to being clothed by another. Or we can think of a man being knighted. Our being strong pulls from His empowering us not us conjuring up strength. Knowing this takes the burden off our backs and puts it on the Lord. It is His strength, not mine that I am to be strong in.

We are to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. First off, we are to be strong in the Lord. This speaks of our nearness to Him. Strength through intimacy. Now, we find 2 more Greek word for power in this verse. Each are different and allow us to battle in a different way against the enemy. “…and in the power of His might.”

• Power – krátos “force, strength.” This is the Greek word for dominion. The advancement of His kingdom. We are to be strong in His power – the dominion that He has given us as children of the King.
• Might – ischys “ability, force, strength, might.” This word indicates a show of force.

In conclusion, we can say use liberty to translate the verse like this:

“At last, brethren, be strengthened in the Lord and in His dominion power, using a great show of force.”

There is a battle raging whether we realize it or even like it. It is time to be strong in his dominion power. We have been given all authority. Jesus said to the disciples and us “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)