Sermon: Efficacy
[ef-i-kuh-see]
by Chris Cumming
In the sermon, “Verity”
we discussed the prospect of seeing the invisible God. In the sermon, “Assiduity”
we discussed the concept of increasing your number of opportunities of
seeing the invisible God by putting all things into the hands of God.
Today we are going to discuss the subject of Efficacy or the means of
making those two sermons a reality in your life. Let us begin by
defining this word, “Efficacy.”
Efficacy
1. capacity for producing a desired result or effect; effectiveness.
2. the quality of being successful in producing an intended result;
effectiveness.
3. the power to produce a desired result or effect.
So efficacy is power. It is by some kind of power that we are able to
accomplish and be successful at things. According to the sermon,
“Assiduity”, what things? Answer: all things!!
God wants us to be successful at all things. God wants us to “see” the
invisible God. God wants us to put all things into His hands and then
have success with each of them. The question is how? How are we and by
what power are we to put all things into His hands and then reap success
and be effective in all things? What is a definitive verse to answer
this question? Turn to Philippians chapter 4.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
It is by the very power of God that we do all things. It is by the
power of God that we put all things in His hands and it is by His power
that we “see” the invisible God. The purpose of my sermon today is to
show you how this power works.
Invoke the Power of God.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
In this sermon we will look at the related verses for each of the two
phrases of this verse.
I can do all things:
John 15:4-5
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,
except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in
him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do
nothing.
Without me ye can do nothing - The expression “without me” denotes the
same as separate from me. As the branches, if separated from the parent
stock, could produce no fruit, but would immediately wither and die, so
Christians, if separate from Christ, could do nothing.
The expression is one, therefore, strongly implying dependence. The Son
of God was the original source of life, John 1:4. He also, by his work
as Mediator, gives life to the world John 6:33, and it is by the same
grace and agency that it is continued in the [Salvation Process].
We see hence:
1. that to him is due all the praise for all the good works the
Christian performs.
2. that they will perform good works just in proportion as they feel
their dependence on him and look to him.
3. that the reason why others fail of being holy is because they are
unwilling to look to him, and seek grace and strength from him who alone
is able to give it. ~Barnes Notes
For without me ye can do nothing - nothing that is spiritually good; no,
not anything at all, be it little or great, easy or difficult to be
performed; cannot think a good thought, speak a good word, or do a good
action; can neither begin one, nor, when it is begun, perfect it.
Nothing is to be done "without Christ"; without his Spirit, grace,
strength, and presence; or as "separate from" him. Were it possible for
the branches that are truly in him, to be removed from him, they could
bring forth no fruits of good works, any more than a branch separated
from the vine can bring forth grapes; so that all the fruitfulness of a
believer is to be ascribed to Christ, and his grace, and not to the free
will and power of man. ~John Gill
John 15:7
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will,
and it shall be done unto you.
My words - My doctrine; my commandments.
Abide in you - Not only are remembered, but are suffered to remain in
you as a living principle, to regulate your affections and life.
Ye shall ask - See John 14:13. This promise had particular reference to
the apostles. It is applicable to other Christians only so far as they
are in circumstances similar to the apostles, and only so far as they
possess their spirit. We learn from it that it is only when we keep the
commandments of Christ - only when we live by faith in him, and his
words are suffered to control our conduct and affections, that our
prayers will be heard. Were we perfect in all things, he would always
hear us, and we should be kept from making an improper petition; but
just so far as men regard iniquity in their heart, the Lord will not
hear them, Psalm 66:18. ~Barnes Notes
Quoted verses
John 14:13
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father
may be glorified in the Son.
Psalm 66:18 ...prayers of those with iniquity in their hearts
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
2 Corinthians 3:4-5
4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of
ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves - We do not arrogate to
ourselves any power to enlighten the mind or change the heart, we are
only instruments in the hand of God. Nor was it possible for us apostles
to think, to invent, such a scheme of salvation as is the Gospel; and if
we even had been equal to the invention, how could we have fulfilled
such promises as this scheme of salvation abounds with? God alone could
fulfill these promises, and he fulfils only those which he makes
himself. All these promises have been amen-ratified and fulfilled to you
who have believed on Christ Jesus according to our preaching; therefore,
ye are God’s workmanship and it is only by God’s sufficiency that we
have been able to do anything. This I believe to be the apostle’s
meaning in this place, and that he speaks here merely of the Gospel
scheme, and the inability of human wisdom to invent it; and the words
which we translate to think anything, signify, properly, to find
anything out by reasoning; and as the Gospel scheme of salvation is the
subject in hand, to that subject the words are to be referred and
limited. The words, however, contain also a general truth; we can
neither think, act, nor be, without God. From him we have received all
our powers, whether of body or of mind, and without him we can do
nothing. But we may abuse both our power of thinking and acting; for the
power to think, and the power to act, are widely different from the act
of thinking, and the act of doing. God gives us the power or capacity to
think and act, but he neither thinks nor acts for us. It is on this
ground that we may abuse our powers, and think evil, and act wickedly;
and it is on this ground that we are accountable for our thoughts,
words, and deeds. ~Adam Clarke
Through Christ who strengthens me.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength
is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory
in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when
I am weak, then am I strong.
My grace is sufficient for thee - Thou shalt not be permitted to sink
under these afflictions. Thy enemies shall not be able to prevail
against thee.
My strength is made perfect in weakness - The more, and the more
violently, thou art afflicted and tried, being upheld by my power, and
prospered in all thy labors, the more eminently will my power be seen
and acknowledged. For the weaker the instrument I use, the more the
power of my grace shall be manifested. ~Adam Clarke
In weakness — The Lord has more need of our weakness than of our
strength: our strength is often His rival; our weakness, His servant,
drawing on His resources, and showing forth His glory. Man’s extremity
is God’s opportunity; man’s security is Satan’s opportunity. God’s way
is not to [always] take His children out of trial, but to give
them strength to bear up against it. ~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
Ephesians 3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be
strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
According to the riches of his glory - According to the glorious
abundance of his mercy. Out of those stores of rich grace which can
never be exhausted. The word “riches,” so often used by Paul, denotes
“abundance,” and the idea here is, that his grace was inexhaustible and
ample for all their needs.
To be strengthened with might - To be powerfully strengthened. That is,
to give you abundant strength to bear trials; to perform your duties; to
glorify his name.
In the inner man - In the heart, the mind, the soul; see the notes on
Romans 7:22. The “body” needs to be strengthened every day. In like
manner the soul needs constant supplies of grace. Piety needs to be
constantly invigorated, or it withers and decays. Every Christian needs
grace given each day to enable him to bear trials, to resist temptation,
to discharge his duty, to live a life of faith. ~Barnes Notes
Note: Throughout this commentary, you see the word,
"grace"---that God's grace is inexhaustible and that we need grace given
each day. This is speaking to the fact we are in the Salvation Process
by virtue of grace [or abundant pardon by God]. Better to say,
in this instance, that His strength is inexhaustible and that
firstfruits need strength each day to enable us to bear trials, resist
temptation and perform your duties and good works. Clearly God is
giving us grace in abundance by allowing us to remain in the Salvation
Process.
Quoted verse:
Romans 7:22
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Notice the commentary on the "inward man."
The “inward man” is called elsewhere “the new man” Ephesians 4:24; and
denotes not the mere intellect, or conscience, but is a personification
of the principles of action by which a Christian is governed; the new
nature; the holy disposition; the inclination of the heart that is
renewed. ~Barnes Notes
Quoted verse:
Ephesians 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness.
Note: Everything spiritual we learn and do is for the inner
man. The character of Christ is being built in the inner man. Note
that phrase from the commentary, "Personification of the principles of
action by which a Christian is governed. The "inner man" is totally
different from the sensual man or what we call the carnal and corrupt
nature of ourselves. Indeed, the inner man is being developed by God in
us to govern and overcome the carnal and corrupt nature of ourselves.
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his
might.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord - Paul had now stated to the
Ephesians the duties which they were to perform. He had considered the
various relations of life which they sustained, and the obligations
resulting from them. He was not unaware that in the discharge of their
duties they would need strength from above. He knew that they had great
and mighty foes, and that to meet them, they needed to be clothed in the
panoply [pan-uh-plee
–
complete suit of armor] of the Christian
soldier. He closes, therefore, by exhorting them to put on all the
strength which they could to meet the enemies with which they had to
contend; and in the commencement of his exhortation he reminds them that
it was only by the strength of the Lord that they could hope for
victory. To be “strong in the Lord,” is:
(1) to be strong or courageous in his cause;
(2) to feel that he is our strength, and to rely on him and his
promises. ~Barnes Notes
Be strong in the Lord - You must have strength, and strength of a
spiritual kind, and such strength too as the Lord himself can furnish;
and you must have this strength through an indwelling God, the power of
his might working in you. ~Adam Clarke
Let us read Ephesians 6:10 again but add verses 11 and 12 to see just
how we are to be strong in the Lord:
Ephesians 6:10-12
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his
might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Notice the John Wesley on verse 10:
Brethren - This is the only place in this epistle where he uses this
compellation. Soldiers frequently use it to each other in the field.
Be strong - Nothing less will suffice for such a fight: to be weak, and
remain so, is the way to perish. In the power of his might - A very
uncommon expression, plainly denoting what great assistance we need as
if his might would not do, it must be the powerful exertion of his
might. ~John Wesley Explanatory Notes
Colossians 1:11
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all
patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Notice the commentaries:
Strengthened - Made mighty by the divine power. ~ People's New
Testament
Strengthened with all might - This was also an object of Paul’s earnest
prayer. He desired that they might be strengthened for the performance
of duty; to meet temptations; and to bear up under the various trials of
life. ~Barnes Notes
Strengthened with all might -This is still a continuation of the
apostle's prayer for these believers; for having prayed for an increase
of spiritual knowledge, and that this might be put into practice, he
proceeds to pray for strength for them, that they might be enabled to
practice what they had knowledge of; to walk worthily, to please God in
all things, to bring forth fruit with patience, to persevere in
knowledge, practice, fruitfulness, and in an increase thereof. It
implies, that believers are weak in themselves, and insufficient to do
or bear anything of themselves, but stand in need of strength from
above, even of "all might"; of all kind of spiritual might and strength,
proportionate to the various kinds of services, temptations, and trials
they are called unto, and exercised with: they have need of every kind,
degree, and supply of strength, to enable them to resist the temptations
of Satan, to stand against them, and bear up under them; to oppose the
corruptions of their own nature, that great company which comes upon
them, wars against them, threatens to carry them captive, and destroy
them, and against which they have no power of their own; to bear the
cross, which, without the presence and grace of Christ, is very heavy,
and all afflictions and adversities of every sort, which are grievous to
the flesh, and at which it recoils; to perform the various duties of
religion, and the whole of the work of their generation; which though
they have a will unto, yet often know not how to perform, they want
renewed strength their souls; and also to persevere in faith and
holiness, and hold on and out to the end: and which strength they cannot
expect to have from themselves. ~John Gill
Notice the context of verse 11:
Colossians 1:9-13
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to
pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge
of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being
fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto
all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be
partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated
us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Note: We can easily see that everything in our lives needs to be
put in God's hands. Whether we are talking of life in general, in this
physical world or the spiritual things we do in the Salvation Process
beginning with knowledge and understanding, we need and must have His
mighty strength.
Isaiah 40:29-31
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he
increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall
utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they
shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Let us read from the Barnes Notes:
He giveth power to the faint - To his weak and feeble people. This is
one of his attributes; and his people, therefore, should put their trust
in him, and look to him for aid (compare 2 Corinthians 12:9). The design
of this verse is to give consolation to the afflicted and down-trodden
people in Babylon, by recalling to their minds the truth that it was one
of the characteristics of God that he ministered strength to those who
were conscious of their own feebleness, and who looked to him for
support. It is a truth, however, as applicable to us as to truth
inestimably precious to those who feel that they are weak and feeble,
and who look to God for aid.
Quoted verse:
2 Corinthians 12:9 …which we read earlier
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in
my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Note two things here:
1] God's strength is made perfect in weakness. That "weakness" is best
described as firstfruits acknowledging their weakness in all things [physical,
mental, emotional and spiritual]. When you give over all things to
God, you are making this acknowledgment. This is when you best see the
invisible God.
2] Going back to the commentary on Isaiah 40 when it says that the
design of this verse is to give consolation to the afflicted and
downtrodden people in Babylon, have you ever considered the fact that in
your life you might just be in a situation like them? Who knows what
waits for us in the coming years and in the Great Tribulation?
Notice now the commentary on verse 31 and the phrase, "They that wait
upon the Lord."
But they that wait upon the Lord - The word rendered ‘wait upon’ here
(from קוה qâvâh), denotes properly to wait, in the sense of
expecting. The phrase, ‘to wait on Yahweh,’ means to wait for his help;
that is, to trust in him, to put our hope or confidence in him. It is
applicable to those who are in circumstances of danger or want, and who
look to him for his merciful interposition. Here it properly refers to
those who were suffering a long and grievous captivity in Babylon, and
who had no prospect of deliverance but in him. The phrase is applicable
also to all who feel that they are weak, feeble, guilty, and helpless,
and who, in view of this, put their trust in Yahweh. ~Barnes Notes
In the John Wesley commentary for the word, "Wait" they give the meaning
as "That rely upon him” and for the phrase, "shall renew their strength"
they give the meaning as, "Shall grow stronger and stronger."
Note: The more you give over to God, knowing nothing is too
trivial for God, the stronger you will become. This is part of what 2
Corinthians 3:18 states about us...going from "glory to glory." Each
"glory" makes us stronger.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I
will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee
with the right hand of my righteousness.
Notice a couple of commentaries:
Fear thou not - This verse is plain in its meaning, and is full of
consolation. It is to be regarded as addressed primarily to the exiled
Jews during their long and painful captivity in Babylon; and the idea
is, that they who had been selected by God to be his special people had
nothing to fear. But the promise is one that may be regarded as
addressed to all his people in similar circumstances, and it is as true
now as it was then, that those whom God has chosen have nothing to fear.
For I am with thee - This is a reason why they should not be afraid. God
was their protector, and of whom should they be afraid. ‘If God be for
us, who can be against us?’ What higher consolation can man desire than
the assurance that he is with him to protect him?
Be not dismayed - The word rendered here ‘dismayed’ (תשׁתע tı̂shetta‛)
is derived from שׁעה shâ‛âh, “to see, to look”; and then to look
about as one does in a state of alarm, or danger. The sense here is,
that they should be calm, and under no apprehension from their foes.
For I am thy God - I am able to preserve and strengthen thee. The God of
heaven was their God; and as he had all power, and that power was
pledged for their protection, they had nothing to fear.
I will uphold thee - I will enable you to bear all your trials.
With the right hand of my righteousness
- With my faithful right hand. The phrase is a Hebrew mode of
expression, meaning that God’s hand was faithful, that it might be
relied on, and would secure them. ~Barnes Notes
For the phrase, "I will strengthen thee:
I will strengthen thee - with strength in their souls, to perform
duties, exercise grace, withstand corruptions, resist temptations, bear
afflictions, suffer persecutions, and do their generation work,
according to the will of God; and if God is the strength of his people,
they need not be afraid of any persons or things. See Psalm 27:1
Quoted verse:
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is
the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? ~John Gill
Isaiah 45:24
Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength:
even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall
be ashamed.
The John Wesley for "strength" has "Support and assistance to bear all
my burdens, overcome all my enemies, and perform all my duties.
Invoke the power of God.
What did we learn in this sermon?
1. Efficacy is power.
2. We do all things through Christ and the strength of God. Philippians
4:13
3. By God's power we do all things.
4. By God's power we put all things in His hands.
5. By God's power we "see" the invisible God.
6. We are totally dependent on God, through Christ. John 15:4-5
7. God gets all the praise for the works we do.
8. God's Words control our conduct and affections. John 15:7
9. We are instruments in the hand of God.
10. Without God we can do nothing. 2 Corinthians 3:4-5
11. God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. 2 Corinthians
12:9-10
12. God strengthens us with might. Ephesians 3:16
13. Firstfruits need strength each day.
14. The inner man or new man is a personification of the principles of
action by which a Christian is governed. Romans 7:22 and Ephesians 4:24
15. Everything spiritual we learn and do is for the inner man.
16. The character of Christ is being built in the inner man.
17. God's strength is our only hope of victory or success. Ephesians
6:10
18. We are made mighty by divine power. Colossians 1:11
19. God gives power to the faint. Isaiah 40:29-31
20. That "weakness" in 2 Corinthians 12:9 is best described as
firstfruits acknowledging their weakness in all things.
21. The word, "wait" as in "wait upon the Lord" denotes properly to
wait, in the sense of expecting. Isaiah 40:31
22. The phrase, "shall renew their strength" in Isaiah 40:31 has the
meaning of growing stronger and stronger.
23. The more you give over to God, the stronger you will become.
24. We have nothing to fear from this world or this life. Isaiah 41:10
25. God will enable you to bear all your trials, all your burdens,
overcome all enemies and perform all your duties and works. Isaiah
45:24
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