Be Strong: Strength In Weakness

July 13, 2025

Be Strong: Strength in Weakness


Brothers,


As we continue our journey through 1 Corinthians 16:13, we come to Paul’s fourth imperative: “Be strong.” This command, simple yet profound, speaks directly to the heart of our walk as Christian men. What does it mean to “be strong” in the biblical sense, and how can we live this out in our daily lives?


Strength: More Than Muscle

Biblical strength is not about physical might or bravado. Paul’s call to “be strong” is a call to spiritual resilience - a strength that is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. The original word Paul uses here means “to keep increasing in strength,” but it’s clear from the rest of Scripture that this strength is not self-generated. Rather, it is a gift from God, cultivated as we depend on Him and walk in the power of His Spirit.


Paul himself was no stranger to weakness. He wrote, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Our culture may prize self-sufficiency, but the gospel teaches us that real strength comes from recognizing our dependence on God. We are like clay jars holding a priceless treasure; our power is from God, not from ourselves.


Strength for the Battle

Paul’s exhortation comes in the context of spiritual warfare. He urges us to “put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). We face real opposition - temptation, discouragement, and the pressures of a world that often runs counter to our faith. To stand firm, we need strength that endures, strength that is renewed daily by God’s Spirit.


Strength in Community

We are not called to be strong in isolation. Paul’s words were addressed to a church - a community of believers standing together. As brothers, we are called to encourage one another, to hold each other up when we are weary, and to remind each other of the source of our strength. We are soldiers on the same battlefield, not lone warriors.


How Do We Grow in Strength?

  • Abide in Christ: Spend time in prayer and the Word, drawing near to the One who gives strength.
  • Rely on the Spirit: Ask God daily for His power to stand firm and resist temptation.
  • Encourage One Another: Reach out to a brother this week-pray together, share your burdens, and remind each other of God’s promises.
  • Remember Your Identity: You are a son of God, empowered by His Spirit, called to stand firm for His glory.


A Call to Endurance

Brothers, being strong does not mean never feeling weak. It means pressing on in faith, trusting God’s power to sustain us. As we look toward the next men’s retreat and beyond, let’s commit to growing in the strength that only Christ provides. Let’s stand firm, not in our own might, but in the strength of our Savior.


Reflection Questions:

  • Where do you feel weakest right now? How can you invite God’s strength into that area?
  • Who can you encourage or lean on for support this week?

Let’s be strong, together, for the glory of Christ.


"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14