Strength in Weakness - Part 3

Popeye the Sailor is a well-known and beloved cartoon character. In just about every Popeye cartoon, the sailor finds himself in what appears to be a hopeless situation. Typically after taking a beating and being left in a weakened state, he comes across a can of spinach. After eating the spinach, he would receive superhuman strength. He would then go on to save the day with his newfound strength.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Cor. 12:9

In part one we talked about our weakness and our need for strength. Let’s take a deeper look at the word “weakness”. When we examine the word “weakness” in the Greek, we discover that it means; to be feeble, a lack of vigor and strength.

The word used for weakness is “astheneo” (Strongs #770). It means to be feeble, to be without strength or power. Its root is the word “asthenes” (Strong #772). This words means strength-less , impotent. Here is where it gets tricky. “Asthenes” is sourced from two different Greek words; “alpha” (Strongs #1 – as a negative particle) and “sthenoo” (Strong’s #4599).

Alpha means “beginning”. Sthenoo means to strengthen, bodily vigor, to confirm (in spiritual knowledge and power). It gets trickier still. Sthenoo is sourced from the word “histemi” (Strong’s #2476). “Histemi” means to stand, to establish or to appoint.

When we put our thinking caps on, here is what appears to be the meaning. This would seem to indicate that the Lord is telling us something about the fundamental nature of weakness. Spiritually we lack the strength to stand and to be established on our own. We are too weak to stand up against or to stand up under. We did not become weak. We started out as weak. Neither did we grow weak over time. We were always weak. We are always in need of a strength that we do not inherently possess.

(Our inability to stand becomes provocative in this sense. In Ephesians we are told to stand.)

Popeye the Sailor was strong to the finish because he ate his spinach. As believers we stay strong when we:

• Rejoice in His presence
• Remain prayerful
• Read His Word.

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Remember, while I can not run your race for you, I can run it with you. Stay encouraged and be blessed.