Post by Lee on Jul 19, 2014 16:10:53 GMT
WHO are the strong? Job says of God (9:19)- "If I speak of strength, lo, He is strong (omnipotent)."
In Jeremiah 9, God says (vs. 23-24)-
"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom; neither let the mighty man glory in his might; let not the rich man glory in his riches:
"But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness,
judgment and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."
Here is strength. Solomon was noted for wisdom, yet he was weak: women led him astray. Samson was very strong; but the Philistine girl was stronger than he. David was a mighty man of valor, and strong in faith; yet his own inner weakness led him to adultery and murder. All humans are weak. Some are able to control their weakness better than others, because they realize their weak points, and avoid situations that tempt themselves; also by having the mind firmly exercised in other things of a more uplifting character, and by constantly seeking God in prayer, the temptation is lessened, and is easier to resist. We, perhaps, all think we are stronger than we are; which in itself exposes us to danger. Like Paul, we must clearly recognize and face the existence of 2 laws within us. The one is a natural law that needs no education or encouragement, but works automatically in the one direction: to please the body in which it resides, uninfluenced by any higher way of life. It only tries to please others if there is some advantage to be gained, present or future.
1977 Berean
In Jeremiah 9, God says (vs. 23-24)-
"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom; neither let the mighty man glory in his might; let not the rich man glory in his riches:
"But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness,
judgment and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."
Here is strength. Solomon was noted for wisdom, yet he was weak: women led him astray. Samson was very strong; but the Philistine girl was stronger than he. David was a mighty man of valor, and strong in faith; yet his own inner weakness led him to adultery and murder. All humans are weak. Some are able to control their weakness better than others, because they realize their weak points, and avoid situations that tempt themselves; also by having the mind firmly exercised in other things of a more uplifting character, and by constantly seeking God in prayer, the temptation is lessened, and is easier to resist. We, perhaps, all think we are stronger than we are; which in itself exposes us to danger. Like Paul, we must clearly recognize and face the existence of 2 laws within us. The one is a natural law that needs no education or encouragement, but works automatically in the one direction: to please the body in which it resides, uninfluenced by any higher way of life. It only tries to please others if there is some advantage to be gained, present or future.
1977 Berean