Strength 2026
Strength in the Word of God
Sunday, March 8, 2026
The Word of God is one of the greatest sources of strength in a believer’s life. Through Scripture we learn God’s character, His standards, and how He calls us to live. The Word corrects our thinking and protects us from deception, helping us align our lives with His truth instead of our own understanding.
Sometimes people misunderstand God’s patience. When consequences do not come immediately, it can be easy to assume that God must be okay with what we are doing.
But God’s patience should never be mistaken for tolerance.
We cannot take God’s patience toward us to mean He approves of our actions. He is patient because He loves us. He is patient because He wants us to change according to His Word—not change the Word to fit our lives or justify our sin.
God may be patient with us when we sin, but that does not mean He approves of the sin. He may delay discipline, but He does not change His standard.
God’s patience is meant to lead us to repentance, not to give us permission to continue in the same behavior.
Discussion Point #1: Why do you think people sometimes mistake God’s patience for tolerance or approval?
Psalm 50:21–23 (AMP) 21“These things you have done and I kept silent; You thought that I was just like you. Now I will reprimand and denounce you and state the case in order before your eyes. 22“Now consider this, you who forget God, Or I will tear you in pieces, and there will be no one to rescue [you]. 23“He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way rightly [who follows the way that I show him], I shall show the salvation of God.”
Romans 2:4–5, 7 (AMP) 4Or do you have no regard for the wealth of His kindness and tolerance and patience [in withholding His wrath]? Are you [actually] unaware or ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness leads you to repentance [that is, to change your inner self, your old way of thinking—seek His purpose for your life]? 5But because of your callous stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are [deliberately] storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 7to those who by persistence in doing good seek [unseen but certain heavenly] glory, honor, and immortality, [He will give the gift of] eternal life.
Ecclesiastes 8:11–12 (AMP) 11Because the sentence against an evil act is not executed quickly, the hearts of the sons of men are fully set to do evil. 12Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and his life [seemingly] is prolonged [in spite of his wickedness], still I know that it will be well with those who [reverently] fear God, who fear and worship Him openly [realizing His omnipresence and His power].
The Scriptures we just read show that God’s patience is meant to lead us to repentance and to a deeper understanding of who He is.
That leads to an important question: what does it really mean to fear the Lord?
The Bible teaches that we are called to fear God with reverential fear.
Reverential fear is not being afraid of God in terror. It is a profound blend of deep respect, awe, and admiration for Him. It recognizes His holiness, authority, and power.
When we truly understand who God is, it changes the way we live.
Disobedience and reverential fear cannot exist in the same place in our spiritual walk. When we have a true reverence for God, we desire to obey Him.
Discussion Point #2: What does it mean to have a reverential fear of God, and how is it different from being afraid of Him? How does reverential fear shape the way we live and make decisions?
Psalm 111:9–10 (AMP) 9He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name—[inspiring reverence and godly fear]. 10The [reverent] fear of the Lord is the beginning (the prerequisite, the absolute essential, the alphabet) of wisdom; A good understanding and a teachable heart are possessed by all those who do the will of the Lord; His praise endures forever.
When we truly fear the Lord, it changes how we live. Just as disobedience brings the curse, obedience brings blessing.
When we have a true reverential fear of God, we want to please Him because we love Him.
Because of that love, we should not be easily pulled away by our feelings.
Sometimes the enemy tries to keep us focused on our emotions—hurt, frustration, anger, or discouragement. When we stay trapped in those feelings, it can lead us into disobedience.
In those moments we are no longer walking in the Spirit, but in the flesh.
But where are we supposed to live as believers?
Discussion Point #3: How can we tell when we are being led by our feelings instead of by the Spirit? What helps us stay focused on God’s truth when our emotions try to pull us another direction?
Romans 8:6–10 (AMP) 6Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever—because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever]; 7the mind of the flesh [with its sinful pursuits] is actively hostile to God. It does not submit itself to God’s law, since it cannot, 8and those who are in the flesh [living a life that caters to sinful appetites and impulses] cannot please God. 9However, you are not [living] in the flesh [controlled by the sinful nature] but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God lives in you [directing and guiding you]. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him [and is not a child of God]. 10If Christ lives in you, though your [natural] body is dead because of sin, your spirit is alive because of righteousness [which He provides].
When we reside in God, we care more about obeying Him than we care about our feelings—because we love Him and feelings can lie.
Residing in Him brings freedom from depression, anxiety, and fear. When we tolerate those things in our lives, we are not using the strength of the Word of God and rearranging our lives according to it.