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Before I gave my life to Christ\u2014and even during my early, immature days in faith\u2014I believed that spiritual strength<\/strong> was measured by how much \u201canointing\u201d one had. By \u201canointing\u201d I meant supernatural gifts: miracles, visions, discerning spirits, speaking in tongues, and other signs. I believed that someone without these was weak in spirit, while someone who manifested them abundantly was spiritually powerful and feared by Satan.<\/p>\n Yet as I studied Scripture more deeply, I discovered that the Bible\u2019s standard<\/strong> for spiritual strength is not necessarily the external manifestation of gifts, but the depth of one\u2019s relationship with Christ<\/strong>, the measure of one\u2019s revelation of Jesus<\/strong>, and perseverance in faith. In this revised version, I’ll integrate some theological clarifications\u2014especially from a Reformed \/ evangelical perspective\u2014to help ground the message more solidly theologically. I will use the New International Version (NIV)<\/strong> for most Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted.<\/p>\n To define spiritual strength<\/strong>, we must first see how \u201cstrength\u201d appears in other domains:<\/p>\n A physically strong creature (like a lion) conquers<\/strong> or dominates.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Someone economically powerful influences<\/strong> markets and decisions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n A political leader uses influence to govern.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Technological power shapes societies.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n By analogy, spiritual strength<\/strong> is the ability to take ground<\/strong>, resist the powers of darkness<\/strong>, and advance the reign<\/strong> of Christ\u2014in one\u2019s life, in one\u2019s sphere, and spiritually. It is not simply about spectacular manifestations<\/em>, but about spiritual authority, maturity, and perseverance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Jesus alluded to this when He said:<\/p>\n \u201cFrom the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and violent people have been taking it by force.\u201d<\/em> The Greek word translated \u201csuffers violence\u201d or \u201cis subjected to violence\u201d is biazetai<\/strong> (from biaz\u014d<\/em>), and \u201cviolent people\u201d is biastai<\/em> (those who use force). The imagery suggests that the Kingdom of God is under contest<\/strong>, being advanced with urgency and spiritual intensity (not physical brute force). Theologically, this has been interpreted in various ways:<\/p>\n Some see it as conflict: spiritual warfare in which the forces of darkness oppose the spread of the Kingdom.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Others see \u201cthe violent\u201d as those who press earnestly<\/em> into the Kingdom\u2014who will not be passive but are relentless in pursuit of God\u2019s purposes. (In Luke 16:16, a parallel passage, Jesus says: \u201cthe Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached.\u201d)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The Church Father Augustine and others interpreted it as the internal struggle of the believer: to take hold of what grace offers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n In other words, strength in the spiritual life involves fervent pursuit<\/strong>, endurance<\/strong>, resistance<\/strong> to evil, and faithful advance<\/strong> of Christ\u2019s reign.<\/p>\n
\nWhat Is Spiritual Strength?<\/h2>\n
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(Matthew 11:12, NIV) (YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
\nWhy John the Baptist? What Spiritual Example Does He Offer?<\/h2>\n