1 Timothy 1:11-20, The Lord’s “In-Strengthening”

A long time ago we studied this word so as to contrast it with other NT terms for strength and power.  Today I want us to consider this in the context of 1 Tim. 1.  Paul says that “sound doctrine” is the equivalent of the “glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.”  Paul was a man of faith, a faithful brother, and God entrusted him with the glorious gospel.  But what mattered was not the great “faith” of Paul but the fact that being a man of faith, God was able to enable Paul.  “Enable” is literally to “power inside,” much as Paul prayed for in Eph. 3:15, that the Father would strengthen them by the Holy Spirit in the inner man.  This term, you will see today, is only used 8x but is found in some of your favorite NT passages. 

This verb is either in the “active” voice when the passage emphasizes the fact that the Lord did this, or in the “passive” voice when it emphasizes that this happened to someone.  In other words, it is ALWAYS the work of God.  We simply receive, which is why we must be people of faith.  Faith receives!  Faith is the absence of works in our own strength!

One final thought.  The word can be used in a sinful way, meaning to be “head-strong,” although it is never used like this in the NT.  So again, Paul was “steadfast” (faithful), not headstrong.  Since he was faithful, God in-powered him.

·       Ac 9:22: Paul kept increasing in strength.  In 9:19 Paul was “in-strengthened” with food but this is a different term, referring usually to physical strength.  Our term refers more to “ability.”

·       Rom. 4:20: Abraham didn't waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith (passive).  The story of Abram/Abraham shows how God, from Gen. 12-14 was at work strengthening his faith for that moment in Gen. 15 when Abram believed and it was accounted to him as righteousness.  Then in Gen. 16-21 God continued to strengthen Abraham’s faith for the test in Gen. 22 on a mount in Moriah.

·       Heb. 11:34: All the people of faith in the OT were, by definition, in-powered in their faith.  I say by definition because there is no faith apart from this.  And yet, faith opens the door for this in-powering to come.

·       Thus, in Eph 6:10: (be strong in the Lord, passive) and 2 Tim. 2:1 (be strong in grace that is in Christ Jesus, passive) all believers, and specifically Timothy, are encouraged in this.  We must continue to walk in faith.

And now, three reference where the term is “active” voice because it is being done by Someone outside the person who receives it.

·       Phil 4:13: I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.

·       1Ti 1:12: Paul thanks Christ Jesus who strengthened him.

·       2 Tim 4:17: the Lord strengthened Paul when he appeared before the emperor so that he might again, at the end of his life, declare the gospel.