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I. THE PROCESS EXPERIENCED. Strengthened with all might.

1. Man is essentially weak, and his frequent boasting of strength is but a sign of it. Adam was weak, and fell before the first assault; and now that sin, thus triumphing, has entered into our world, degenerate men are weaker still. It was when we were without strength that God laid help on One mighty to save.

2. Yet men rarely think of their weakness, and consider themselves equal to all the demands made upon them. It is only when a man receives new power that he is conscious of his weakness. It is when you try to stem a torrent that you know its force, so when a Christian begins to crucify his flesh he knows its power. But for him there is might to overcome. Yet how much weakness is manifest in professors. You see men conquered by the love of the world, and those who began well slackening their pace, and instead of resisting the allurements around them becoming entangled by them and falling into spiritual apostasy.

3. Mark the fulness of the blessing.

(1) With might for all the faculties

of the soul, so that every power of manhood shall be invigorated.

(2) For all the wants of life created by its varied circumstances of prosperity and adversity.

II. THE DIVINE PRINCIPLE MANIFESTED — "according to the power of His glory" (Ephesians 3:16).

1. Spiritual power, then, is not indigenous to the soul; it is from God, who alone knows its capacities and needs. If the word or smile of an earthly: parent can strengthen the soul of his child, much more God. We can only influence from without, God from within.

2. The principle of this Divine action is "according," etc. Often are God's power and glory conjoined (Psalm 63:2; Revelation 19:1). Power is an essential attribute of the Divine glory.

(1) The glory of God is powerful in creation. "The heavens declare," etc. Power is everywhere apparent. Even the thoughtless, who have no eye to trace His wisdom and no heart to acknowledge His goodness, are constrained to see "His eternal power and Godhead."(2) In providence (Psalm 62:11; Job 9:19; Daniel 4:35). What power in ordering times and seasons, governing a tumultuous world, restraining powers of darkness and preserving a feeble Church.

(3) In redemption. Christ, who is "the brightness of His glory," is "the power of God." The exceeding greatness of His power working by His spirit accomplishes the new creation and strengthens the souls of His children.

3. The expression suggests the measure of the might imparted — not according to human power or angelic might, but according to a Divine measure. As the power of the Divine glory is manifested in nature, providence, or redemption, so will it be in the souls,'experiences, and triumphs of His people.

4. It is also the model of our might. We may be strengthened with a might corresponding to the power of God's glory, so that we shall be strong in accordance with our finite nature as God is strong according to His infinite nature.

III. THE GREAT MORAL PURPOSE OF THIS STRENGTHENING — not so much to do as to suffer, which requires the greatest strength.

1. Patience has its sphere in relation to God.

(1) In the endurance of trial. Our discipline is often protracted, and we are apt to sink. How much we need the promised strength.

(2) In anticipation of coming good. The deliverance is long protracted. We become impatient, and ask, "Where is the promise of His coming?" and impatience often leads to sin, and is always a sign of weakness. To possess our souls in patience and bide God's time requires His strength. Long-suffering has its sphere in relation to man, and means long-mindedness as opposed to shortness of temper in the midst of irritation. It requires the strength of God to imitate His forbearance who "endured such contradiction of sinners."

3. The spirit of this patience or joyfulness produced by a consciousness of power to strengthen, deliver, reward.

(J. Spence, D. D.)

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KJV: Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

WEB: strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy;