"'If only I were stronger,' we say, 'I could overcome my...(fill in the blank sin),'
and so we plead with the Lord to strengthen us that we may exercise more self-control.
But this is altogether a fallacy; it is not Christianity.
God's means of delivering us from sin is not in making us stronger and stronger,
but by making us weaker and weaker.
That is surely rather a peculiar way of victory, you say; but it is the divine way...
Once you see the truth you will recognize that you are indeed powerless to do anything,
but that in setting you aside altogether God has done it all.
Such a discovery brings human striving and self-effort to an end."
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him,
he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:5
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me."
Galatians 2:20
"But [the Lord] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
Philippians 4:13
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.
For when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
