The Grand Finale

 

          Like a symphonic masterpiece, the apostle Paul reaches a final crescendo and its climactic imperative with these words: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

           Every note he has sounded hitherto is built into this grand finale:

           Because you are the temple of Jesus of Nazareth, with a treasury laden with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3-14), it is imperative that you continually strengthen yourself in the lone Potentate of our universe and in the sovereign dominion of His omnipotence.

           Because the architect and engineer of this great temple has been seated at the right hand of heaven’s throne with authority and power superior to any rival (Ephesians 1:20-23), it is imperative that you continually strengthen yourself in the lone Potentate of our universe and in the sovereign dominion of His omnipotence.

           Because God has resurrected you spiritually from death to life in and through Christ, and you are now God’s majestic poem—an exquisite ode to the riches of His grace, wisdom, and mercy (Ephesians 2:1-10), it is imperative that you continually strengthen yourself in the lone Potentate of our universe and in the sovereign dominion of His omnipotence.

           Because you have been transformed from strangers and foreigners—spiritually bankrupt and barren—into citizens, saints and members of God’s family and are building blocks of a holy temple in the Lord (Ephesians 2:11-22), it is imperative that you continually strengthen yourself in the lone Potentate of our universe and in the sovereign dominion of His omnipotence.

          Because you are the fulfillment of God’s eternally purposed plan to make all humanity His heirs within the one church Jesus purchased and built (Ephesians 3:1-13), it is imperative that you continually strengthen yourself in the lone Potentate of our universe and in the sovereign dominion of His omnipotence.

          Because you ought to live your daily life worthy of the calling with which you have been called (Ephesians 4:1-16), it is imperative that you continually strengthen yourself in the lone Potentate of our universe and in the sovereign dominion of His omnipotence.

          Because you are to no longer live in darkness and wickedness but in righteousness and holiness as a new creature in Christ, imitating God as a beloved child (Ephesians 4:17-5:1), it is imperative that you continually strengthen yourself in the lone Potentate of our universe and in the sovereign dominion of His omnipotence.

          Because you are to walk in love, which—to be like God—must be a holy love (Ephesians 5:2-7), it is imperative that you continually strengthen yourself in the lone Potentate of our universe and in the sovereign dominion of His omnipotence.

          Because you are to walk appropriately to your calling (Ephesians 5:8-14), it is imperative that you continually strengthen yourself in the lone Potentate of our universe and in the sovereign dominion of His omnipotence.

          Because you are to walk circumspectly—not foolishly but wisely by redeeming the time and being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-6:9), it is imperative that you continually strengthen yourself in the lone Potentate of our universe and in the sovereign dominion of His omnipotence.

          Because you, regardless of your social standing, will have your life judged impartially by the Lord (Ephesians 6:8-9), it is imperative that you continually strengthen yourself in the lone Potentate of our universe and in the sovereign dominion of His omnipotence.

          There is no reason in heaven or earth for you to be anything but an uber-conqueror in all spiritual warfare.

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Author: jchowning

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