
I have been studying Ephesians 6 to better understand the nature of the power we have to endure the spiritual battle in which we, as born again believers in Jesus Christ, are constantly engaged. Verse 10 is where Paul begins to write about how we can stand firm in this battle. I looked at a number of different translations
Ephesians 6:10 (HCSB) Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength.
Ephesians 6:10 (KJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Ephesians 6:10 (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Particularly intriguing was the most recent HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) translation as it used the phrase "His vast strength" rather than "power of his might" or "his mighty power." I decided to research the Greek words used to better apprehend the depth and breadth of this "strength" or "power" or "might" of the Lord.
Kittle's (a multi-volume Greek theological dictionary of the New Testament) gave an expanded definition of the Greek word kratos that is translated "vast" in the HCSB: "the overwhelming greatness of the power of God...more particularly the outer aspects of the divine strength...its supremacy."
This is the power that is available to every believer as we enter into the battle that "is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens" (Eph. 6:13).
Only God has this power. Only God can manifest this power within us. Only God loves us enough to provide this power as we "put on the full armor of God so that [we] can stand against the tactics of the Devil" (Eph.6:12 HCSB).
It is this overwhelmingly, supreme power of God that gives us the ability to "resist in the evil day" and stand firm in the face of the promised onslaught. An incomprehensible power of an Almighty God!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
God's power to stand firm in the midst of the spiritual battle
Labels:
discipleship,
Ephesians,
kratos,
spiritual warfare
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)



0 comments:
Post a Comment