Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13, 14) (NKJV)
The few who pass through the narrow gate and walk through the difficult way are the ones who are blessed. Eternal riches await them. Jesus also said,
Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. (Luke 13:24)
Living in this world, the Christian believer encounters much more problems than the unbeliever. Not only what we face daily because of living in a sin infested world, but because we have to walk in the difficult way that Jesus taught. Why is the way difficult? Because we have to keep ourselves unspotted from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Of course, the Lord is with us continually as Immanuel ......healing, delivering, protecting, granting peace and joy.....and the Holy Spirit is there as our Counselor at all times....guiding us.
The Apostle Peter writes,
Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless. (2 Peter 3:13,14)
Look at the last 4 words in that verse...it says "without spot and blameless".....
Difficult.....But it can be achieved.
The Apostle Paul exhorts us regarding this in this manner:
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling......... (Philippians 2:12)
Every believer must strive to keep himself/herself without spot and blameless, for that is what Jesus expects of us.
No comments:
Post a Comment