Which New Testament verses echo the call to "be strong" found here? Tracing the Call to “Be Strong” in the New Testament The Old Testament summons God’s people to “be strong,” and the New Testament picks up the same heartbeat, calling believers to stand firm in Christ’s strength. Key New Testament Echoes • 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.” • Ephesians 6:10 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” • 2 Timothy 2:1 – “You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” • 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – “May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good word and deed.” • Hebrews 12:12 – “Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.” • Revelation 3:2 – “Wake up and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of My God.” • 1 Peter 5:10 – “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, confirm you, strengthen you, and establish you.” Shared Themes Across These Verses • Source of Strength – Always rooted “in the Lord” or “in His grace” (Ephesians 6:10; 2 Timothy 2:1). • Stand-Firm Posture – Alertness and courage accompany strength (1 Corinthians 16:13). • Purposeful Endurance – Strength equips believers for “every good word and deed” (2 Thessalonians 2:17) and persevering service (Revelation 3:2). • Divine Enablement, Not Self-Reliance – God Himself “strengthens” and “establishes” (1 Peter 5:10), echoing His Old Testament reassurance (cf. Joshua 1:9). Living It Out Today • Anchor in Christ’s power, not personal resolve (Ephesians 6:10). • Guard vigilance and courage as marks of spiritual strength (1 Corinthians 16:13). • Draw fresh grace daily through prayer and the Word (2 Timothy 2:1). • Look for God’s strengthening work especially during hardship (1 Peter 5:10; Hebrews 12:12). |
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