EPHESIANS 6:10

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”

When I was in junior high and high school, I loved to lift weights. We had a great weightlifting coach who pushed us to get bigger and stronger. The results were phenomenal. I was benching twice my weight and deadlifting three to four times my weight. There is not one trace of all that work today. Why? Because I did not keep lifting.

Hmmm! Today’s verse talks about power and strength. In fact, there are three different Greek words used here by Paul. Why did he do that, or should I say why did the Spirit inspire him to use three different Greek words? Well, these three words carry different meanings of power or strength. Let’s take a look.

APPLICATION

The first word Paul uses is “be strong.” It is the Greek word, endynamóō, which means to impart ability or make able, to be empowered. This word is used by Paul in his letter to the Romans. In Romans 4:20 Paul is talking about Abraham and said, “yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,” So, this word means to have the ability or power.

The next word used is “strength” which is the Greek word, krátos which is dominion or exerted power. We find this word over in 1 Peter 4:11, “Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words 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.” We saw the ability in the first power. Here we see that power exerted.

Finally, Paul uses another word, “might.” This is ischus, which carried a different definition. It means might or strength that can be seen but not necessarily exerted at the time. Think of a body builder just standing there flexing his muscles. You see the might or strength, but he has done anything to show just how strong he is. The word is used in 2 Thessalonians 1:9. It says, “These people will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,”

Three different words all showing the different aspects of strength or might or power. Isn’t it great how the Holy Spirit used Paul to pen these words so carefully to display God’s greatness? We will get into the Armor of God in the next several days. Hang on!

Father, Your power is limitless. We know that. Thank You that Your power does not diminish.