We That Are Strong

We all celebrate those who are strong, and in the world, we look at those that win a gold medal or play on the team that wins the championship. My topic tonight centers on “the strong”. But we are Christians and we have a different culture that the world.

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Delivered: December 19, 2017

Introduction – 6 min

We all celebrate those who are strong, and in the world, we look at those that win a gold medal or play on the team that wins the championship. My topic tonight centers on “the strong”. But we are Christians and we have a different culture that the world.

Let’s read our main text:

ASV

(1) Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (2) Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, unto edifying. (3) For Christ also pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell upon me.

Now, let’s take talk about this. There is an unstated expectation that there are those in the Church that are strong. And, this is where we see the key difference with the strong in the world, the strong in the Church are to bear the infirmities of the weak. And, even more than that, to bear their reproaches.

חֶרְפָּה Abridged BDB (6×) (BDB 357.2)

n.f. reproach — 1. taunt of enemy; reproach cast upon another, scorn, contumely (slander). 2. reproach which rests upon one, condition of shame, disgrace: a. sexual. b. barrenness of womb…

Dictionary.com says contumely means: insulting display of contempt in words or actions; contemptuous or humiliating treatment.

There is here, room for self-reflection. Are you strong as a human being? Even more important, are you strong in the Lord?

As a Christian, what does it mean to be strong?

ASV

(17) (as it is written, A father of many nations have I made thee) before him whom he believed, even God, who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were. (18) Who in hope believed against hope, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, So shall thy seed be. (19) And without being weakened in faith he considered his own body now as good as dead (he being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb; (20) yet, looking unto the promise of God, he wavered not through unbelief, but waxed strong through faith, giving glory to God, (21) and being fully assured that what he had promised, he was able also to perform. (22) Wherefore also it was reckoned unto him for righteousness.

Abraham was nor weak in faith, he was strong. He did not doubt God’s word to him, he held on to it, and believed God would do what he said he would.

One more verse here:

ASV

(10) Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. (11) Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Being strong in the Lord isn’t a natural characteristic that we can improve with physical exercise. There is a spiritual part of it and there is righteousness is part of it.

Let me give you a short example here. Some years ago, I had lower back pain that was incapacitating. So, I went to a Chiropractor because I had previously gotten relief form neck pain. But it didn’t help so I went to a Doctor and got an MRI that showed two bad disks. The Doctor said the only relief was surgery. I remember walking out of his office saying to myself that surgery wasn’t an option Then I prayed something like “Lord I need help, show me what to do”. I went back to the Chiropractor and he said I have done everything I can do. Then he said, when I was a hockey player, inversion therapy helped me. I went to the local sporting goods store, and just inside, was an inversion table on sale. I had never seen one before, but I bought it. In about two weeks, I felt something happen in my back and have been pain free since.

You see, I didn’t know and didn’t have anyone to tell me this:

KJV

(14) Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: (15) And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

(16) Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

I share that to make this point,

The Propositional Statement

There are people that are weak, that need help, that are struggling in the world even though Jesus said,

ASV

(33) These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

And, we that are strong, are to carry the weight, not only of our own faith and walk with God, but also the needs of those around us. As Christians,

“We That Are Strong, Ought to Bear the Infirmities of the Weak.”

The Transitional Sentence

Well, let’s go back to Hebrews and look at the growth of a Christian, but first, listen to this statement:

Eric R. Ross. (2018). Eric’s Public Messages. Omegaman Radio.