While we are in this body we are warned by God that we must "strive to enter in through the narrow door" (Luke 13:24) ... The Apostle Paul compared this work to "a light temporary affliction" which "is producing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs our troubles." 2 Corinthians 4:17
If we would receive only a realistic glimpse of our true state of affairs COMPARED to God's word instead of some person. Maybe that would goad, provoke us to get serious with God. That is what we are supposed to do! Have you let some false teacher explain away the word of GOD? Paul says, "For as I have often told you before, and now declare even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction,..." Philippians 3:18, 19a What cross are you carrying? Not the cross of Christ. If you were, things would be happening in your life. You'd be adding to what I'm saying here. Or correcting me, encouraging me, SOMETHING, ANYTHING. Where is your fruit? At least recognize you don't have any. THEN you can go forward from there! This exact thing I did two years ago by the grace and mercy of God. After 20 years of "being saved" or I call it "being stagnant", lead astray by the church world, deceived.
We won't grow if we only concentrate on our [supposed] strengths. We grow when we concentrate on our faults (weaknesses). As Paul says,
"I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses." 1 Corinthians 2:3b
"But [Jesus] said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
And we must be growing, enduring, persevering, running the race, striving, pressing on etc etc And of course we must first become born again. That is a powerful life changing event. Jesus said we can't even SEE (perceive) the kingdom of heaven unless we are Fathered from above through the gift of faith in the Christos Son of God (John 3). And if we're not born from above and cannot see the kingdom of heaven, there's no way we can attain to the kingdom of heaven.
Once we first understand our sinful state and where that will lead, we can then understand Christ as Savior. How can you see Him as Savior if you don't understand the need for Him? Once we realize this and believe in our heart and confess with our mouths that Jesus is the Lord (this is a supernatural event), we will literally feel the blood of Jesus wash away our sins. That is what happened with me! And then I opened the door of my heart and I invited Jesus in and I was baptized in the holy Spirit.
If this happened to you, Jesus will then begin baptizing us in fire. And that is the purification process called sanctification. And that is a process that takes time. It's takes remaining under the load, steadfast endurance, Let's not kid ourselves. We must remain in the vine and bear much good fruit. Let's look realistically at ourselves and pray to God in heart-rending prayer and plead for forgiveness and power to serve Him until the very end of our lives.
"But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved." Matthew 24:13
"perseveres": Strong's G5278: ὑπομένω hypoménō – literally, remaining under (the load), bearing up (enduring); for the believer, this uniquely happens by God's power (cf. 1 Thes 3:5).
Not only are we to strive. But we are told to "strive together" (Romans 15:30; Philippians 1:27) ... "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24
Has this message with these bible verses spurred you, provoked you into prayer to God? I hope and pray to the Father through Christ that they do. And I pray this prayer for myself all the time. Please pray for me in this way as well.
I pray God the Father bless your spirit through His Christos Son today. Amen
More here: https://spirituallysmart.com/striving.html
