The Concept of Strength
In this sermon, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III reflects on the true concept of strength from a spiritual and human perspective. He explains that strength is not in the body or in authority, but in the relationship with God and in the inner strength that the Holy Spirit gives to the believer. True strength does not come from man, but from God, who is the source of all real strength.
Topics and summary:
God is the source of strength:
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God Himself is strong; that is why in the liturgies we say: “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal.”
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All strength belongs to God alone: “For Yours is the power and the glory forever.”
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Therefore Scripture says: “I love You, O Lord, my strength” (Psalm 18).
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Our strength, then, is not in us but in God: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Strength from the Spirit of God:
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As the Lord told Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
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Strength is not human but spiritual, for the Spirit of God works in us.
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When the apostles performed miracles they declared: “It is not by our power or piety that this man was made to walk,” but by God’s power.
Kinds of strength:
Strength is not only bodily — there are deeper and nobler kinds of strength:
A. Muscular strength:
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Like Samson’s strength; yet it did not help him when he failed the test, because he lost the strength of his vow and purity.
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Lesson: bodily strength alone does not guarantee victory unless it is backed by spiritual strength.
B. Strength of personality and intellect:
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Strength of thought, intelligence, quick wit, persuasion, argument and logic.
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Even such strength must be guided by the Spirit of God so it serves edification and not pride.
C. Strength of nerves and endurance:
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A strong person controls his nerves in anger and endures troubles and afflictions.
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As Paul wrote: “I write to you who are strong to bear the weaknesses of the weak” (Romans 15:1).
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True strength is not quick temper but self-control, like a mountain unmoved by storms.
D. Strength of will and self-discipline:
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A firm will carries out what it decides.
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Self-discipline is the ability to curb desires, anger and speech.
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One who controls himself in small things (e.g., food) can control himself in greater trials.
E. Strength of the soul:
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The strong soul does not fear or collapse before problems.
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As David said: “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war rise against me, in this I will be confident.”
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The martyrs are examples of a strong soul that did not weaken before pain or temptation.
F. Strength of the spirit:
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A strong spirit resists sin even to the point of blood, and does not yield to wars, deception or temptation.
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Paul reproves the Hebrews: “You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood, striving against sin.”
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Spiritual strength overcomes the flesh, the world and the devil.
G. Inner strength:
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This is the core of the sermon: to be strong from within even if outwardly one seems weak.
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The strong person conquers himself rather than others.
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As a saint said: “The strength given to you is for you to be angry with yourself when you sin, not with others.”
H. Power to influence:
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A strong person can influence others by word, by love and by example.
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A word from a heart strong in faith is “alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.”
I. Power of prayer:
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Strong prayer moves heaven — like the apostles’ prayer that shook the place.
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Not every prayer is strong; strong prayer comes from a heart full of faith and trust in God.
J. Power of love:
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Scripture says: “Love is strong as death.”
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Christ’s love, which endured the weaknesses of the disciples, is one of the greatest images of strength.
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True love endures all things and never falls.
K. Power of faith:
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Faith that does not waver before trials.
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Peter weakened when he feared the wind and waves; the Lord said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
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Strong faith walks on water, raises the dead, and performs miracles.
Sources of strength in man:
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The main source is the Holy Spirit: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”
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Strength comes from a strong relationship with God, from faith and trust in Him.
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The person whose relationship with God is weak falls at the slightest trial.
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Those who rely on God can say: “My strength and my song is the LORD; He has become my salvation.”
Spiritual conclusion:
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True strength is not in the body, rank, or wealth, but in God dwelling in the heart.
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The strong person is one who conquers himself, controls his tongue, loves despite hurt, and believes despite the storm.
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Strength is not about defeating others, but about overcoming oneself.
🌿 Golden quotation:
“The strong person is the one who conquers himself, not the one who conquers others.”