1. Invincible strength —
[In ourselves, we remain as weak as ever : but in Christ we are strong : for in him there is all fulness treasured up for usn; and out of that fulness we are privileged to receive even grace corresponding with all the grace that is in him °. He is appointed " Head over all things to the Church," for that very endp ; that we, as members, may be " strengthened with all might, by his Spirit in the inner manq, and have all our " ene- mies bruised under our feet." We are commanded to " be strong, not in ourselves, but in the Lord, and in the power of his might1:" and to regard our own weakness rather as an encouragement, than as any ground of despondency; because he will delight to " perfect his own strength in our weakness s." Without hesitation, then, do I say to every believing soul, " Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus1:" and never contemplate the strength of your adversaries, but the power of your heavenly Lord. Never doubt, for a moment, but that " his grace shall be sufficient for you :" and let your daily consolation be, " that you can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth youu.]
2. Assured confidence —
[St. Paul's direction, probably in allusion to this very passage, is, " As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in himx." Never for a moment forget " in whom you have believed, or how able he is to keep that which you have committed to him." Wherever you turn your steps, you will doubtless meet with many adversaries: but " in him" you may " walk up and down" with confidence, defying every enemy, and saying, " If God be for me, who can be against me?" See how the Messiah himself exulted in the days of his flesh ; and what an example he has therein afforded you ! " The Lord God will help me ; therefore shall I not be con- founded: therefore have I set my face like a flint; and I know that I shall not be ashamed. He is near that justifieth me ; who will contend with me ? let us stand together. Who is mine adversary ? let him come near to me. Behold, the Lord God will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment ; the moth shall eat them upy." Indeed, this very language is adopted by the Apostle Paul, who proceeds yet further to challenge every created being : " Who shall separate us from the love of Christ ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or
n Col. i. 19. ° John i. 1G. p Eph. i. 22, 23.
i Eph. iii. 16. r Eph. vi. 10. s 2 Cor. xii. 9.
* 2 Tim. ii. 1. « Phil. iv. 13. x Col. ii. 6. y Tsai. 1. 7—9.