Be Strong In The Lord Ephesians 6:10 I. Introduction. A. Churches are no stronger than those who compose them(members). B. It is right for every member to be strong in the Lord: Ephesians 6:10. C. Yet--recognize: Romans 14:1. 1. Some do not have proper understanding of truth or expectations for a Christian. 2. Even in early church--some needed to be taught and made strong. 3. There comes a time, however, that one has NO excuse for being weak(too many opportunities to grow & be strong). 4. That weakness could be in following false doctrine, not living a righteous life, failing to grow due to lack of interest, or a myriad of other causes. 5. Paul said: Hebrews 5:12.(Have I ever taught someone, taught a class, or assisted in any way the work of the church?) 6. One cannot attend services once a week and expect to be as strong in the Lord as one can be. 7. Hence: Hebrews 5:14. II. Body. What does it take to be "strong in the Lord?" A. Studying the word of God: II Timothy 2:15. 1. How much do I study and think about the word each week? 2. Compare to reading other materials and literature. 3. If I don't study it: I won't live it. 4. Some can remember practically every item in the newspaper, but cannot remember the word of God. 5. If I attended every opportunity of public study, still not enough to make one strong as should be. 6. Listening to a sermon once a week will not be enough to make me strong. B. Living a life of holiness: Romans 12:1-2. 1. By putting on armor: Ephesians 6:11. 2. Holiness: set apart. a. One who thinks, lives, and behaves as the world is not being holy. b. The Christian will by one's life, leave an example to friends and neighbors. 3. The disciple speaks words of grace: Colossians 4:6. a. If one's speech is no different from world: in trouble. b. Gossip, cursing, wrangling, accusing, etc. will weaken a person. 4. Psalm 19:14. C. Putting the kingdom first: Matthew 6:33. 1. What does "first" mean? a. They had been concerned about eating, drinking and clothing themselves. b. Strong Christians trust in the Lord for their needs. 2. Before entertainment, fleshly pursuits, and even: Matthew 10:37. 3. It is a matter of priority: what is important to me? 4. Jesus said: Luke 17:10. a. Is doing the least acceptable? b. Will Jesus accept the least? 5. If other pursuits and interests occupy my time, effort, and funds to the neglect of service to God: I need to be strengthened. D. Supporting and participating in the activities of the kingdom: Acts 2:42. 1. What would Paul and the apostles do if they were in our community? a. Be present for all services? or watching TV on Sunday night or Wednesday night? b. We have great freedom in this country--but do not always take advantage of it! 2. But I take the Lord's Supper and contribute on Sundays--is that enough? NO! a. Not all the Lord commanded-- b. Note: Acts 2:46-47. 3. Do I support the decisions that will spread the truth and cause the kingdom to grow? 4. The world is full of self-appointed critics who do nothing but complain: will not make one strong! 5. How far do I go for fleshly pursuits? Compare with spiritual activities(ever gone to a meeting in another locality?). E. Presenting a worthy example to those we contact: I Timothy 4:12. 1. What do my friends and neighbors see in me? 2. Does the life I lead point to Jesus Christ? 3. Does my speech say "I am a Christian?" 4. How different is my life from the worldly? 5. Does my appearance and attitudes state my character? 6. Just how worthy is my example? F. Setting my mind on things above: Colossians 3:1-2. 1. Where are my thoughts and energies focused? a. As a man thinketh: are they spiritual? b. How much effort do I exert--to live right? 2. Is prayer a part of my life? 3. Do I encourage my mate, my family and my friends to look beyond this life? 4. If my mind dwelt upon the things above as much as on things beneath: what a difference it would make in my life. III. Conclusion. A. My strength in the Lord is not wholly dependent upon others--but is primarily my responsibility. B. Strength comes from practicing God's will and living a righteous life-how strong am 1? How strong is the church at this place?-jy