This lecture talks about the concept of strength from a Coptic Orthodox Christian perspective. It clarifies that God is the source of every true strength, and that the strength of Christ and the apostles springs from the Spirit of God and not from personal human ability. Children of God are required to be strong, but their strength must be connected to God.

Spiritual and educational dimension:

• Emphasis that true strength is internal and from God: true strength springs from a real relationship with the Holy Spirit and manifests in self-control and victory over the self.

• A call to rely on God’s strength not human strength: examples from Scripture (David vs Goliath, the ministry of the apostles, and examples from the martyrs) show that God uses the weak to reveal His glory.

• Endurance and forbearance as signs of strength: strength is not muscular but the ability to endure, control the nerves, and withstand trials and persecution without collapse.

• Willpower and self-discipline: spiritual strength appears in the ability to resist passions and temptations and to control the tongue, thought, and behavior.

• The power of prayer, love, and faith: fervent prayer, steadfast love, and strong faith are sources of power that show practical spiritual effects (miracles, change, perseverance).

• Being used as fragile vessels so that God’s grace appears: the apostle Paul reminds us that we are earthen vessels so that the grace of divine power, not our own greatness, is shown.

Practical points (brief):

1. Ask God for strength and confess your weakness: “Without me you can do nothing.”

2. Work to strengthen your connection with the Holy Spirit through prayer, repentance, and piety.

3. Cultivate self-discipline and will in spiritual life (fasting, spiritual training, resisting temptations).

4. Show love and patience in relationships as evidence of true strength.

5. Remember that true victory begins with victory over the self.

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