WAXING STRONGER
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Luke 2:40
Key Verse:
“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him.” — Luke 2:40
Supporting Texts: Daniel 11:32b; Proverbs 24:5; Ephesians 6:10; Isaiah 40:31; 2 Corinthians 4:16
INTRODUCTION
God’s expectation for every believer is growth, not stagnation. The Christian life is not meant to be a cycle of survival alone, but a progressive journey of increasing strength. Scripture repeatedly shows that those who walk with God are designed to wax stronger, not weaker.
Life brings seasons that test faith, endurance, and resolve. Trials have the tendency either to weaken a man or to fortify him. The difference lies in spiritual positioning. When a believer remains connected to God, challenges become instruments of strengthening rather than sources of defeat.
To wax stronger means to advance in capacity, authority, wisdom, and spiritual resilience. God is calling His people in this season to move from fragility to firmness, from fear to faith, and from barely holding on to standing strong in Him.
1. GOD ORDAINS CONTINUAL GROWTH IN STRENGTH
Waxing stronger is not optional; it is God’s design for His children.
a) Strength is God’s expectation for believers (Ephesians 6:10)
God commands believers to be strong in the Lord, making strength a responsibility, not a suggestion.
b) Spiritual growth brings increased capacity (Proverbs 24:5)
A wise man grows in strength because wisdom expands inner stability and ability.
c) Strength develops progressively, not instantly (Mark 4:28)
Growth occurs in stages as believers remain consistent in faith and discipline.
d) God’s grace empowers sustained strength (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Divine grace supplies strength beyond human limitation.
Biblical Example:
Jesus Himself waxed strong in spirit as He grew, demonstrating that spiritual strength develops through divine alignment (Luke 2:40).
2. KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IS A MAJOR SOURCE OF STRENGTH
Spiritual strength is directly connected to intimacy and understanding of God.
a) Knowing God produces inner stability (Daniel 11:32b)
Those who know their God are not only strong but also effective.
b) Revelation builds confidence in adversity (Psalm 46:1)
Understanding God as refuge and strength eliminates panic.
c) Truth dismantles spiritual weakness (John 8:32)
Ignorance weakens, but truth empowers believers to stand firm.
d) Fellowship deepens spiritual capacity (Philippians 3:10)
Relationship with God fuels spiritual vigor and endurance.
Biblical Example:
Daniel and his companions grew strong because they knew God, even in a hostile environment (Daniel 1:17-20).
3. PRESSURE IS A PLATFORM FOR WAXING STRONGER
Trials do not exist to destroy believers but to strengthen them.
a) Affliction refines inner strength (Isaiah 48:10)
God uses adversity to purify faith and produce resilience.
b) Resistance builds spiritual stamina (James 1:2-4)
Patience developed through trials leads to maturity and strength.
c) God’s strength manifests in weakness (2 Corinthians 4:16)
Though the outward man may face pressure, the inward man grows stronger daily.
d) Endurance brings spiritual authority (Romans 5:3-5)
Enduring hardship results in proven character and confident hope.
Biblical Example:
Job emerged stronger after intense trials, carrying double of all he lost (Job 42:10).
4. CONTINUAL DEPENDENCE ON GOD SUSTAINS STRENGTH
Lasting strength flows from ongoing reliance on the Lord.
a) Waiting on the Lord renews strength (Isaiah 40:31)
Divine strength is replenished through patient trust in God.
b) Prayer is a channel for renewal (Jude 1:20)
Praying in the Spirit builds inner spiritual strength.
c) God’s Word energizes the soul (Jeremiah 15:16)
Feeding on the Word restores spiritual vitality.
d) Obedience preserves strength (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
Staying aligned with God protects believers from avoidable weakness.
Biblical Example:
David strengthened himself in the Lord and recovered everything that was lost (1 Samuel 30:6-8).
CONCLUSION
God has not designed you to fade, shrink, or diminish. His intention is that you wax stronger in spirit, faith, wisdom, and authority. Every season you pass through carries the potential to push you into a higher level of strength if you remain connected to God.
As you continue in knowledge, obedience, and dependence on the Lord, weakness will give way to strength. You will not only survive what confronts you, you will emerge stronger, wiser, and more victorious.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, strengthen me in every weak area of my life.
2. Lord, let my inner man be renewed daily.
3. I receive grace to grow stronger in faith and wisdom.
4. Every force assigned to weaken me, lose your power.
5. Father, enforce spiritual strength in my destiny.
6. Lord, let trials in my life produce strength, not defeat.
7. I receive divine energy to prevail in every season.
8. Holy Spirit, build spiritual stamina within me.
9. Father, help me to remain consistent in walking with You.
10. Let my life reflect sustained strength and victory.
