Rev. Chris Oyakhilome DSc. DSc. DD.
STRENGTHENED AND ESTABLISHED
đź“–Memory Verse: For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established (Romans 1:11).
The word “established” in the scripture above is translated from the Greek “stÄ“rizĹŤ,” which means to be made strong or strengthened again. Paul longed to see the Christians in Rome so he could minister to them to be strengthened, spiritually fortified, and grounded.
This same word appears in Acts 15:41, where it says, “And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.” Here, it’s translated as “confirming,” but it’s the same Greek word, “stÄ“rizĹŤ.” You’d also find it in Acts 16:5 translated as “established”: “And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.”
When the churches were strengthened, they grew. Establishment in the Word and in the Spirit results in spiritual maturity and church growth. This spiritual strengthening isn’t just about an increase in the number of people in the church; it’s about the spiritual depth and stability of the members. Paul’s impartation was to make them strong, to give them a spiritual advantage.
That’s the real “confirmation”; it’s not achieved through religious rituals or recitations, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, through the Word and oftentimes, the laying on of hands. Sometimes, for you to operate at a new and higher level of ministry requires more grace, this kind of strengthening; and you must be positioned to receive it.
James 4:6 says, “But he giveth more grace….” When there’s a new challenge, a new assignment, or an expanded vision, what you need is more grace. So, receive it even now, and function at a new and higher level; established, strong and courageous for the work of the Kingdom. Amen.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the impartation of spiritual gifts and the abundance of grace at work in my life. My spirit is strengthened and established by your Word. I receive more grace for every new level, new responsibility, and greater vision. I walk in the fullness of your divine enablement and fulfil my calling gloriously, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
If you’re blessed by this devotional, believing every words you heard by faith in your heart, and would love to make Jesus the lord of your life, then speak the confessions below out loud, and mean them with your heart:
“O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised Him from the dead. I believe He’s alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. Through Him and in His Name, I have eternal life; I’m born again. Thank you Lord, for saving my soul! I’m now a child of God. Hallelujah!”
FURTHER STUDY
2 Timothy 1:6 KJV
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
Acts 14:21-23 KJV
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and [to] Iconium, and Antioch,
22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
James 4:6 KJV
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Ephesians 3:14-16 KJV
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Planđź“–=>
Hebrews 9:11-28 &
Lamentations 3-5
2-Year Bible Reading Planđź“–=>
John 11:14-23 &
1 Chronicles 10
