"Paul is praying for an ongoing power that will help us as believers to live in a world where satan is god, and a culture that is anti-God, anti-Christ, anti-Bible, and anti-Christian." Learn more in the 3rd installment of the "Paul's Prayer" series by Pastor Jeff. Message Notes: MAIN TEXT: Colossians 1:9-12 To be strengthened assumes that we have been weakened. It assumes that what we are faced with can’t be dealt with in our own strength. We need help. We are strengthened by His Spirit. Strengthened with God’s Glorious Power. 2 Corinthians 1:8 Paul was “Pressed out of measure, above his own strength to endure, insomuch that we despaired even of life.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 God’s strength is made perfect, it is complete, in our weakness. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 1 Corinthians 2:3-5 NLT "I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit."  John 14:16-17 Acts 2:33 TLB And now He sits on the throne of highest honor in heaven, next to God. And just as promised, the Father gave Him the authority to send the Holy Spirit. Regeneration is the work of God to bring us to Christ. John 6:29 KJV This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.  John 6:43 NLT For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me. Sanctification is the process where the Holy Spirit begins to change us. It is the progressive powerful work of the Holy Spirit to turn us from sin to righteousness. 2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.  Romans 7:18 The Message I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it.  The Bible makes it very clear, that for the Christian, developing endurance is essential. No pain, no gain. This is where endurance comes from. There is no other way around it. Paul is praying for an ongoing power that will help us as believers to live in a world where satan is god, and a culture that is anti-God, anti-Christ, anti-Bible, and anti-Christian.