Ephesians 6:10
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”
In order to live the life to which God calls us, we must do battle with the devil and his forces. In order to win that battle, we must “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”
When Paul urges us in verse 10 to draw upon the power of the Lord, he uses the same trio of words that he used in Ephesians 1:19 (dunamis, kratos and ischus). The use of these three different words for “strength” is a unique way of emphasizing just how important it is for us to trust in Christ and his power.
Dunamis means power, and you will recognize it as the Greek word from which we get the English words “dynamite” and “dynamo.”
Kratos means might, and it conveys the presence of “strength, power, or mighty deed.”
Ischus means strength, which carries the idea of endowed power or ability.
We simply cannot live the fulness of the Christian life if we do not tap into the power and strength the Lord makes available to us. This is a constant them throughout the NT.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1.7)
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1.3)
“He is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” (Ephesians 3.20)
As we do battle with the forces of darkness, the power of God is essential. In our own strength, we will not be successful at standing against the schemes of the Evil One. If we are going to defeat the internal impulses of the old nature and the external attacks of the Enemy, we must tap into God’s power. There is no other way to win.
Trust God, and walk in the power that he has given to you.
