He Will Strengthen You – The Disciple-Making Lifestyle

The truth is – no one is actually strong and no one is blameless in the eyes of God, apart from His Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence. Only after we have entered a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ are we faithfully kept and prepared for service. All fruit-bearing remains totally dependent upon our appropriation of His power. This is why we are warned not to quench His Spirit through sinful choices (see 1 Thessalonians 5:19). The Lord Jesus explained our spiritual dependence saying, “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Ultimately, all spiritual effectiveness depends upon our willingness to trust in God’s patient grace. The Lord’s goal in our experience is to make us truly usable – “For it is God who is at work in you both to will and to do according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) This sanctifying process of transformation is accomplished by our personal surrender.

In comparison with the great value of our Savior’s strength, all our combined efforts are – as Isaiah explained, worth no more than “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). It was only through His death and resurrection, followed by their spiritual baptism at Pentecost that the first disciples were cleansed and empowered for their ministries. Without His sacrifice on their behalf and ours – the Scripture’s descriptive words – strong and blameless would never refer to us!

The Apostle Paul said, “He will strengthen you to the end, 
so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(1 Corinthians 1:8)

For the Apostles, sanctification’s life-changing reality took place slowly as they learned to live by faith. Perhaps their comprehension began to crystallize when they heard the Lord say, “…you are clean through the words that I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3) Until that time, they had done almost nothing but follow. However, they had – believed, so surprisingly He declared, “…you are clean…”

Up to this point, the first 12 disciples had simply been following, watching, listening, and asking spontaneous questions. Yet somehow, including Thomas, they were now being affirmed as – clean! (see John 15:3) This wonderful condition was not deserved nor could it ever be earned; yet it accurately reflected the validity of God’s provision and the result of their fledgling trust!

“And Jesus said to them, “…He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)

At first, the 12 were mostly curious, but slowly Jesus’ values and divine knowledge begin to be personally absorbed. As a result, they experienced the fulfillment of His promises. Eventually, when they become courageous martyrs, they also modeled His amazing strength!

The Bible says, “He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8a) so let’s stand together on that promise!

In every generation, the Lord’s disciples have enjoyed His matchless provision. As you pray for the opportunity to share your faith, let the inner peace of the Holy Spirit produce new boldness in your heart. In spite of every imperfection, because of your faith and personal acceptance of the Lord’s teaching – even now – you are being perpetually made clean and useable!

Consider again what our Redeemer said, “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.”
(John 15:3)

Due to your acceptance of God’s message and grace, you are already eternally secure. Why? Because He promised “…never will I leave you…” (Hebrews 13:5). If you will trust in Him, He will keep you strong and blameless until the end! Even now, His indwelling presence and guidance is an evidence that He greatly loves you. An important part of your testimony will be centered on His – power to keep you strong and blameless until you meet Him face-to-face! (see John 10:28-30)