The Strong Church

Introduction. Paul urges the brethren to “be strong” in the Lord. This is not speaking of physical strength. Yet, how were the Ephesians to “be strong“? What makes a church strong? This morning I’d like for us to consider for a few moments what is (and it not) necessary to make a strong church.

What makes a church strong?

I. Not...

  1. Large numbers.
    • (Deuteronomy 7:6-8) Israel was not chosen because they were great in numbers.
    • (Matthew 7:13,14). Salvation does not come to large numbers. A church does not have to be large to be strong.
  2. Riches.
    • (James 2:5) Note: God has chosen the “poor of this world“ to be “heirs of the kingdom.“
    • (James 5:1-5). Riches are fleeting - they are corrupted.
    • (I Timothy 6:9,10) “Love of money” is the root of evil.
    • (Revelation 3:15-18). Laodicea was rich, but they were not strong.
  3. Worldly Wisdom
    • (I Corinthians 1:19-21). Worldly wisdom does not recognize God.
    • (James 3:13-18). Wisdom from “below” approves of that which is sinful.
  4. Social Class
    • (I Corinthians 1:26,27). Early Christians were not the “movers and shakers” of the ancient world. They were common people.
    • Mark 12:37 tells us that when Jesus taught, “the common people heard Him gladly.”

II. What makes a church strong is...

  1. Members who are truly converted to Christ.
    • (Matthew 18:1-3) We must be “converted” and become like children accepting the gospel.
    • (John 3:3-5). This is a new birth. If we still live our old life we have not been converted.
    • (Colossians 3:1,2). A strong church is made up of those who “set their minds” on things above.
  2. Members “rich in faith.“
    • James 2:5, which speaks of God choosing the “poor of this world” that they might be “rich in faith.“
    • (Matthew 6:19-21) We must set our treasure in heaven.
    • (I Timothy 6:17-19). Those who are rich are to become “rich in good works.”
  3. Members wise in the word of God.
    • (John 8:31,32). Note: The Lord’s word “is truth.”
    • (Ephesians 5:17). Knowledge of God’s will is true wisdom.
    • (II Timothy 3:14,15). Note: Scriptures make us “wise unto salvation.” A strong church will have those who know God’s word -- can teach it, live by it, and look to it for guidance.
  4. Members willing to work.
    • Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are “God’s workmanship” in Christ we are created for good works that God has prepared in advance for us to walk in.
    • (Philippians 2:12,13). There is work we must do to “work out our own salvation.”
    • (I Corinthians 15:58). In Christ we can know this work is not in vain. A strong church will be made up of members that see this and are zealous to do the work that is needed.