Curry's Chapel Church
20260322 Lent 5
  • SLIDE: Scripture 2 Timothy 1:7
    2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
    7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
    SLIDE: Introduction

    INTRODUCTION — Resurrection Power for Real‑Life Weakness

    Have you ever had one of those days where you wake up feeling like your “battery level” is already at 8%? You haven’t even gotten out of bed yet, and you’re praying, “Lord, multiply my strength like You multiplied the loaves and fish.”
    We all hit moments where our strength runs out. But the New Testament gives us a different picture: Strength isn’t something we muster — it’s Someone we receive.
    Paul says in Ephesians 1:19–20 that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us. That’s not “try harder” power. That’s resurrection power.
    And that’s the heart of today’s message: Strength: When Jesus Becomes Our Power.
    SLIDE: Main Teaching

    MAIN TEACHING — The Strength of Jesus Is Not Muscle… It’s Resurrection

    SLIDE: Point 1

    1. The Disciples Were Weak — Until Jesus Rose

    Before Easter morning, the disciples were hiding behind locked doors (John 20:19). They weren’t bold. They weren’t courageous. They weren’t preaching. They were scared.
    Joke: If courage were a spiritual gift, the disciples were still waiting for their Amazon Prime delivery.
    But after the resurrection? Everything changed.
    Peter — the same guy who denied Jesus to a middle‑school‑aged servant girl — stands up in Acts 2 and preaches with fire.
    What happened? Jesus became their strength.
    Application: If you feel weak, anxious, or overwhelmed, congratulations — you’re exactly the kind of person Jesus empowers.
    SLIDE: Point 2

    2. Jesus Gives Strength by His Spirit, Not Our Effort

    Acts 1:8 says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”
    Not: “You will receive power when you get your life together.” Not: “You will receive power when you feel confident.” Not: “You will receive power when you stop messing up.”
    No — power comes from the Spirit, not self‑effort.
    Illustration: Trying to live the Christian life without the Spirit is like trying to vacuum without plugging in the cord. You can push it around all day, but nothing changes.
    Application: Strength comes when we stay connected to Jesus — through prayer, worship, Scripture, and surrender.
    SLIDE: Point 3

    3. Jesus’ Strength Shows Up Most Clearly in Our Weakness

    In 2 Corinthians 12 Paul begged God to remove his “thorn,” but Jesus answered: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
    In other words: Weakness is not a disqualification — it’s an invitation.
    Joke: If God only used strong people, the New Testament would be only a pamphlet.
    Peter was impulsive. Thomas doubted. John wanted to call down fire on people. Paul had a thorn. Timothy had anxiety. And yet God used every one of them.
    Application: Your weakness is not the end of your story — it’s the place where Jesus begins to show His strength.
    SLIDE: Point 4

    4. The Resurrection Means We Don’t Fight for Victory — We Fight From Victory

    Romans 8:11 says, “The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.”
    That means:
    You’re not fighting alone
    You’re not standing alone
    You’re not carrying life alone
    You’re not trying to be strong alone
    The resurrection isn’t just a past event — it’s a present power.
    Illustration: It’s like having a massive generator in your house but living as if you’re still using a flashlight. The power is already there — we just need to plug into it.
    Application: Every time you pray, “Jesus, help me,” you’re plugging into resurrection power.
    SLIDE: Point 5

    5. Strength in Christ Is Strength for Serving, Not Showing Off

    1 Peter 4:11 says, “If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides.”
    Jesus doesn’t give strength so we can flex spiritually. He gives strength so we can love, serve, forgive, and endure.
    Joke: If spiritual strength were about showing off, Paul would’ve written, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me abs.”
    But he didn’t. He wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
    Application: Strength isn’t about impressing people — it’s about blessing people.
    SLIDE: Conclusion

    CONCLUSION — You Don’t Need to Be Strong Enough

    Maybe today you feel tired. Maybe you’re carrying something heavy. Maybe you’re trying to be strong for everyone else.
    Here’s the good news: Jesus is strong for you.
    Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever‑present help in trouble.”
    You don’t need to be strong enough. You just need to be close enough to the One who is.
    The resurrection means Jesus didn’t just rise — He raises us. He strengthens us. He empowers us. He lives in us.
    Strength isn’t something you earn. It’s Someone you receive.
    SLIDE: Prayer

    CLOSING PRAYER

    Jesus, thank You for being our strength when we feel weak. Thank You that the same power that raised You from the dead now lives in us. Teach us to rely on Your Spirit instead of our own effort. Lift the burdens we’ve been carrying alone. Fill us with resurrection power — power to love, to serve, to endure, and to hope. Make us people who walk in Your strength, not our own. We rest in You, Jesus. Be our power today and every day.
    Amen.
    SLIDE: Offering

      • 2 Timothy 1:7NKJV

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