Note 25 at Col 1:11: The Greek word "DUNAMOO," which was translated "strengthened" here, is a present participle, signifying continuous action. That means God doesn't just strengthen us one time; it is a continuous process.

The laws of gravity don't stop when a plane flies. The plane must continuously produce thrust to stay in flight. If the engines are cut off, the plane will begin to fall. Likewise, Satan's warfare against us doesn't stop just because we are born again. If we aren't continuously strengthened by the power of God, we are headed downward as surely as a plane whose engines have quit (see notes 5-6 at Eph 3:16).

Note 26 at Col 1:11: Where does this might come from? It comes from God, of course, but it comes through the Holy Spirit. Ac 1:8 says, "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." The same Greek word that was translated "power" in Ac 1:8 was translated "might" in this verse.

Note 27 at Col 1:11: The word "longsuffering" is primarily denoting self-restraint. The Expository Dictionary of Bible Words (p. 478) says this Greek word, "MAKROTHYMIA," "focuses our attention on restraint: that capacity for self-control despite circumstances that might arouse the passions or cause agitation."

Patience and long-suffering are closely related. However, it seems that long-suffering is used more in relationships and involves forbearance, endurance, and slowness in avenging wrongs.

Note 28 at Col 1:11: Sometimes people mistake tolerance of others or situations as patience and long-suffering, but there is a difference. The difference is joy. It is easy to distinguish the counterfeit patience and long-suffering that the world offers, because it lacks this critical ingredient. We are miserable when we try to operate in temperance from the flesh. In fact, tolerance is about the best we can do on our own to bear with situations and people. When we are strengthened by the glorious power of God's might, we can move into true patience and long-suffering that actually rejoices before the desired end comes into view.