Be Strong in the Lord: The Call to Courage
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." - Eph. 6:10
The apostle starts his message with words of encouragement to fight: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord." This is the best way to prepare them for the instructions that follow. A person who is overwhelmed with fear and worried about danger is not ready to listen to advice. Just like in an army, when soldiers are scared by a sudden alarm or threat, it's hard to get them back in order until the fear passes. So, the apostle first lifts their spirits by saying, "be strong in the Lord." It's like he's saying, maybe some of you feel discouraged because your enemies seem so strong and you feel weak; they are many, and you are few; they are well-equipped, and you feel unprepared; they are skilled, and you are inexperienced. Don't let these or any other thoughts scare you. Instead, move forward with courage and be strong in the Lord, because the outcome of the battle depends on Him, not on your own skill or strength. It's important for a minister to skillfully teach the Christian's duty without overwhelming their spirit by making them rely on their own strength instead of the Lord's, as the apostle teaches here. In this verse, we see four main points: First, a friendly address, "my brethren." Second, an encouragement, "be strong." Third, a caution added to the encouragement, "in the Lord." Fourth, an encouraging expansion of the direction, "and in the power of his might," or in his mighty power.
Doctrine: The Christian, more than anyone, needs courage and determination. In fact, everything a Christian does is an act of bravery. A cowardly attitude is below even the simplest duty of a Christian. "Be strong and very courageous, that you may"—do what? Stand in battle against those warlike nations? No, but so that you may "observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you" (Josh. 1:7). It takes more courage and greatness of spirit to obey God faithfully than to lead an army; being a Christian is harder than being a captain. What seems simpler than a Christian praying? Yet, this cannot be done properly without a noble spirit. Jacob is said to have acted like a prince when he prayed, and for that, he came out as God's champion. If you consider the kind of prayer a worldly person performs, nothing is more weak and cowardly. Such a person is as unfamiliar with this task as a cowardly soldier is with the exploits of a brave leader. In prayer, the Christian approaches God with humble boldness and faith, grabs hold of Him, wrestles with Him, and won't let go without a blessing, even in the face of their own sins and divine justice, which confronts them from the fiery mouth of the law. Meanwhile, the boldness of the other person in prayer comes from either ignorance or a hardened heart. Not feeling their sins or knowing their danger, they rush into duty with blind confidence, which quickly fades when their conscience awakens and warns them that their sins are upon them, like the Philistines on Samson. In fear, the weak-spirited person drops their weapon, flees from God's presence like guilty Adam, and dares not look Him in the face. Indeed, there is no duty in the Christian's entire journey with God, or acting for God, that isn't filled with many challenges, which attack like enemies as they journey towards heaven. They must fight for every step they take. Only a few noble-spirited souls, who dare to take heaven by force, are fit for this calling. To further prove this point, let's look at some tasks that every Christian takes on.
First, the Christian must declare and carry out an unending war against their own personal sins; those sins that have been closest to their heart must now be crushed underfoot. Like David said, "I have kept myself from my iniquity." Now, what courage and determination does this require? You might think Abraham was truly tested when he was called to take his "son, his son Isaac, his only son whom he loved" (Gen. 22:2), and offer him up with his own hands, and no one else's. Yet, what was that compared to this? Soul, take your desire, your only desire, which is the child of your deepest love, your Isaac, the sin that has brought you the most joy and laughter, from which you have promised yourself the greatest return of pleasure or profit; if you ever hope to see my face with comfort, lay hands on it and offer it up: pour out its blood before me; drive the sacrificial knife of self-denial into its very heart; and do this freely, joyfully, for it is no pleasing sacrifice if it is offered with a downcast face—and do all this now, before you have one more embrace from it. Truly, this is a difficult task; human nature cannot bear this command; our desires will not lie so quietly on the altar, like Isaac, or like a "lamb that is brought to the slaughter which was dumb," but will roar and scream; yes, even shake and tear the heart with its terrible cries.
Who can truly describe the struggles, the battles, and the inner turmoil a Christian experiences before they can commit their heart to this task? Or who can fully explain the clever arguments and persuasive tactics that a sinful desire will use to defend itself? Sometimes, Satan will downplay the issue: "It's just a small thing, spare it, and your soul will still be fine." Other times, he will reassure the soul with the promise of secrecy: "You can keep me and your reputation intact; I won't embarrass you in front of others. Just keep me hidden in the most private part of your heart, away from others, if you'll only let me occasionally enjoy your secret thoughts and feelings." If even that can't be allowed, then Satan will pretend to only ask for a delay, like Jephthah's daughter asked her father: "Let me alone for two months, that I may go up and down on the mountains and weep for my virginity, I and my companions" (Judges 11:37), knowing that most desires given a temporary reprieve eventually get full forgiveness and regain favor with the soul. Now, what determination is needed to break through such pressure and insistence, and despite all this, to take immediate action? Here, the brave warriors of the world have shown themselves to be mere cowards, who have returned from the battlefield with victorious banners, only to live and die as slaves to a lowly desire at home. As someone once said about a great Roman captain who, while riding in his triumphant chariot through Rome, couldn't take his eyes off a courtesan walking along the street: "Look at how this impressive captain, who conquered such powerful armies, is himself conquered by one simple woman."
Second, the Christian is to walk uniquely, not following the world's ways (Rom. 12:2). We are told not to adapt ourselves to the corrupt customs of the world. A Christian shouldn't be so agreeable that they change their beliefs to fit the trends of the times or the mood of the people they are with. Like that courtier who, when asked how he managed to keep his position during changing times—sometimes under a prince who supported Popery and other times against it—replied that he was "e salice, non ex quercu ortus," meaning he was not a stubborn oak but a flexible willow that could bend with the wind. No, the Christian must stay true to their principles and not change their beliefs, openly showing their true identity through their steadfastness in the truth. Now, what ridicule, what traps, what dangers does this uniqueness expose the Christian to? Some will mock and laugh at them, just like someone wearing a Spanish outfit might be laughed at in your streets. This is how Michal mocked David. Indeed, the world sees the Christian's unique way of life as foolishness, which might be why people often call a silly person or a fool "a mere Abraham." But why Abraham? Because Abraham did what worldly logic, the world's idol, laughs at as pure folly; he left his current life in his father's house to go to an unknown place to receive an inheritance he didn't know when he would get. Truly, all saints are labeled as fools by the so-called wise world. "You know the man and his communication," said Jehu to his companions when asked about the mad fellow, who was actually a prophet (2 Kings 9:11). Now, it takes courage to ignore the shame that a Christian must expect to face for their uniqueness. Shame is something that proud human nature despises the most, and to avoid it, many didn't dare "confess Christ openly" (John 7:13). Many miss out on heaven because they are ashamed to wear a fool's coat to get there. Furthermore, while some will mock, others will persecute to death simply because the Christian's beliefs and actions don't conform to theirs. This was the trap set for the three young men; they had to dance to Nebuchadnezzar's tune or face the fire. This was the scheme to trap Daniel, who lived so blamelessly that even his enemies admitted his only fault was his unique religious beliefs (Dan. 6:5). It is a great honor to a Christian, and to religion itself, when all their enemies can say is, "They are precise and will not do as we do." In such situations, when a Christian must choose between conforming or facing persecution, stopping their prayers or becoming prey to cruel and violent people, how many clever excuses and self-preserving distinctions would a cowardly, indecisive heart come up with? The Christian, facing such great opposition, needs to be firmly committed to their faith, or else they will soon be knocked off course.
The third point is that a Christian must continue on their path to heaven despite all the negative examples and scandals caused by those who claim to follow God but fall away or act wrongly. There have always been people in the church who, through their poor judgment and actions, create obstacles for others. These incidents can cause weaker Christians to hesitate, much like when people stopped at the sight of Asahel's bloody body (2 Sam. 2:22), unsure if they should continue in their faith when they see those they admired falling away. These individuals may go from being enthusiastic believers to fierce persecutors, or from devout practitioners of religious duties to irreligious atheists. They are no more like the people they once were than the valley of Sodom, now a swamp, is like it was when it was compared to the garden of the Lord for its fruitfulness. We need a strong, holy determination to stand firm against such discouragements and not lose heart, just like Joshua. He witnessed almost the entire camp of Israel, except for a few, turning back in their hearts to Egypt, yet he maintained his integrity with courage and resolved to serve the Lord, even if no one else would join him.
Fourth, the Christian must trust in a God who seems distant, as stated in Isaiah 50:10: "Let him that walks in darkness, and sees no light, trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." This requires a strong and courageous faith, to approach God like Esther did with Ahasuerus, even when there is no smile on His face or promise visible to encourage coming closer. It's like saying, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). Even more challenging is trusting not just in a withdrawing God, but in a "killing God," as mentioned in Job 13:15. This isn't just when His love is hidden, but when His anger seems to be directed at you. For a soul to approach God with faith when it feels like God is against it, shooting His frowns like poisoned arrows, is tough and truly tests a Christian's strength. Yet, we see such a strong spirit in the Canaanite woman, who takes Christ's challenges and, with humble boldness, turns them into her prayer.
The fifth point is that a believer must continue in their Christian journey until the end of their life. Their work and life should end together. This makes every other challenge in a Christian's life even harder. We've seen many who have started strong, enjoying the work of a soldier for a battle or two, but soon get tired and run back home. Few can handle it as a lifelong commitment. Many quickly get involved in holy duties, easily convinced to start a religious life, and just as easily convinced to give it up, like the new moon that shines a little at the start of the night but disappears before the night is half over—people who are enthusiastic in their youth but whose old age is filled with sin and wickedness. Oh, persevering is a tough challenge! This means taking up the cross daily, praying always, watching day and night, and never taking off our clothes and armor—in other words, not allowing ourselves to relax and let go in our devotion to God and our walk with Him. This is what makes many turn away from Christ with sorrow, yet it is a saint's duty to make religion their everyday work, without any break from one end of the year to the other. These few examples are enough to show why a Christian needs determination. The application follows.
Application #1: This explains why there are so many people who claim to be Christians but so few who truly are; so many who start the journey but so few who reach the goal; so many who go into battle against Satan, but so few who come out victorious. Everyone wants to be happy, but few have the courage and determination to face the challenges on the path to their happiness. All of Israel joyfully left Egypt under Moses' leadership, and even a mixed group went with them. But when they got a little hungry and their hopes of reaching the promised land were delayed, instead of finding peace and plenty, they found war and scarcity. Like cowardly soldiers, they were ready to abandon their mission and make a dishonorable retreat back to Egypt. In the same way, many who claim to follow the gospel, when faced with real challenges, refuse to endure for Christ and lose interest in their mission. Their hearts fail them, like the waters of Bethlehem. If they have to fight through so many obstacles, they would rather settle for what they have and leave heaven to others who are willing to risk more for it. Oh, how many people turn away from Christ at this crossroads! Like Orpah, they walk a short distance with Christ, but when he asks them to let go of their worldly hopes and prepare for hardship, they politely say goodbye. They are reluctant to lose heaven, but even more reluctant to pay such a high price for it. It's like young people who choose a sweet trade, like a confectioner's, because they love the treats it offers. But when they encounter the hard work that comes with it, they give up and grow tired of the job. Similarly, the appealing side of religion draws many in, but when they face the tough demands it requires, they become disillusioned. It takes a different spirit than what the world can offer to truly follow Christ.
Application #2: Let this encourage you, Christians, to work hard for this holy determination and bravery, which is so essential for your Christian life that without it, you can't truly be what you claim to be. The fearful are at the front of those heading to hell (Rev. 21:8); the bold and brave are the ones who take heaven by force. Cowards never won heaven. Don't say you have royal blood running in your veins and are born of God unless you can prove your lineage with this heroic spirit, daring to be holy despite men and devils. The eagle tests her young by the sun; Christ tests his children by their courage, daring to face death and danger for his sake (Mark 8:34-35). Oh, how unbecoming it is to see a bold sinner and a fearful saint, one determined to be wicked, and a Christian wavering in their holy path; to see guilt making innocence flee, and hell standing strong, shamelessly flaunting open wickedness; to see saints hiding their colors out of shame or running from them out of fear, who should instead wrap themselves in them and die on the spot, rather than betray the glorious name of God, which is called upon by them to the scorn of the unbelievers. Take heart, therefore, O saints, and be strong; your cause is just, God himself supports your fight, appointing his own Son as the General of the field, called "the Captain of our salvation" (Heb. 2:10). He will lead you with courage and bring you off with honor. He lived and died for you; he will live and die with you; for mercy and tenderness to his soldiers, none like him. It is said that Trajan tore his clothes to bind up his soldiers' wounds: Christ poured out his blood as balm to heal his saints' wounds; tore off his flesh to bind them up. For bravery, none compare with him: he never turned away from danger, not even when hell's malice and heaven's justice stood against him; knowing all that would happen to him, he went forth and said, "Whom seek ye?" (John 18:4). For unbeatable success: he never lost a battle, even when he lost his life; he won the field, carrying the spoils in the triumphant chariot of his ascension to heaven with him, where he displays them to the unspeakable joy of saints and angels. You march among noble spirits, your fellow soldiers, each one a prince's son. Behold, some enduring with you here below a great fight of afflictions and temptation, take heaven by storm and force. Others you may see, after many assaults, setbacks, and rallies of their faith and patience, have reached the walls of heaven as conquerors, from where they look down, calling you, their fellow brothers on earth, to march up the hill after them, crying aloud: "Fall on, and the city is yours, as it is now ours, who for a few days' conflict are now crowned with heaven's glory, one moment's enjoyment of which has dried up all our tears, healed all our wounds, and made us forget the sharpness of the fight, with the joy of our present victory." In short, Christians, God and angels are watching, observing how you conduct yourselves as children of the Most High; every act of faith against sin and Satan causes a shout in heaven; while you bravely overcome this temptation, scale that difficulty, and regain the ground you just lost from your enemies' hands. Your dear Savior, who stands by with a reserve for your relief in a crisis, his very heart leaps with joy to see the proof of your love for him and zeal for him in all your battles; and he will not forget all the faithful service you have done in his wars on earth; but when you come out of the field, he will welcome you with the same joy as he was welcomed himself at his return to heaven by his Father.
Now, Christian, if you intend to bravely stand against all opposition on your journey to heaven, as you should, it's important to lift your spirit with noble and uplifting thoughts. However, you must also ensure that your principles are firmly established. Otherwise, your heart will be unstable, and an unstable heart is as weak as water; it cannot excel in courage. Two things are needed to establish our principles.
First, you need a solid understanding of God's truth. If you don't clearly know what or whom you're fighting for, you might easily be convinced to switch sides or at least remain neutral. There are people who claim to be believers but can barely explain what they hope for or whom they trust in. Yet, they insist on being seen as Christians, even though they rush ahead without knowing their purpose. Even if they have some beliefs, they're so unstable that any little challenge knocks them down, like loose tiles falling off a roof. Blind enthusiasm quickly retreats in shame, while strong determination, based on firm beliefs, stands tall like a rock amidst the waves. "The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Dan. 11:32). The angel told Daniel who would remain steadfast and stand up for God during the time of temptation and persecution brought by Antiochus. Not all Jews, but some, would be corrupted by flattery, and others scared away from their faith by threats. Only a few with firm beliefs, who truly knew the God they served and were grounded in their faith, would be strong and do great things. They would be incorruptible to flattery and unconquerable by power and force.
Second, a sincere aim at the right goal of our faith. No matter how much a person knows about Christ, if their intentions aren't right in their faith, their beliefs will be shaky; they won't risk much or go far for Christ, only as far as they can protect their own interests. A hypocrite might show some bravery for a short time, overcoming some challenges, but eventually, they'll give up. Someone with false intentions in their faith will quickly abandon it when they are pressured to give up what their selfish heart has been focused on all along. At that point, their heart fails them, and they can't continue. Be careful of focusing on profit, pleasure, honor, or anything less than Christ and heaven; these things will steal your heart, as the prophet says about wine and women—they take away our love, and without love, there is little courage left for Christ. Jehu was very brave at first, claiming it was zeal for God! But why did his heart fail before he finished his work? His heart was never truly set right; the same ambition that fueled his initial zeal eventually extinguished it. His desire for a kingdom made him eager to destroy Ahab's house, eliminating those who might threaten his throne. Once he was secure, he didn't dare complete God's work, fearing he would lose what he gained by upsetting the people with a full reformation. Like some soldiers who, after finding a rich treasure during the sacking of a town, are ruined for fighting ever again.
