“STRIVE FOR IT!”

For unto you, it is given in the behalf of Yeshua, not only to believe in him but also to suffer for his sake; (Philippians 1:29).

OPENING STATEMENT by Robert
It becomes those who profess the gospel to strive for it, to use a holy violence in taking the kingdom of heaven. The faith of the gospel is the doctrine of faith or the religion of the gospel. There is that in the faith of the gospel which is worth striving for. If religion is worth anything, it is worth everything. There is much opposition, and there is a need for striving. “A man may sleep and go to hell, but he who will go to heaven must look about him and be diligent.“

The unity and unanimity of Believers become the gospel: Strive together, not strive one with another all of you must strive against the common adversary. One spirit and one mind become the gospel for there are one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
There may be a oneness of heart and affection among Believers, where there is a diversity of judgment and apprehensions about many things. Steadfastness becomes the gospel: Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind. Be steadfast and immovable by any opposition. It is a shame to Spirituality when the professors of it are off and on, unfixed in their minds, and unstable as water for they will never excel. Those who would strive for the faith of the gospel must stand firm to it.

Paul relates to the Philippians from prison, in Rome, he desires to visit them but writes. The coming of the Lord draws near, (James 5:8). Let me hear of you that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.

Paul desired to hear of them and all such as becomes the gospel. He relates it becomes those who profess the gospel to strive for it, to use a holy violence in taking the kingdom of heaven. The faith of the gospel is the doctrine of faith or the religion of the gospel. There is that in the “faith of the gospel” which is worth striving for. If Spirituality is worth anything, it is worth everything. There is much opposition, and there is a need for striving among believers.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Yeshua. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience. And patience, experience and experience, hope. And hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Therefore there is a reason to count it all joy, when trials and difficulties, become our lot in the way of our duty. And this is not purely a New-Testament paradox, but even in Job’s time it was said, “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth.” There is more reason for joy in afflictions if we consider the other graces which are promoted by them.

CLOSING PRAYER by Robert
You have heard our pleas for mercy and divine justice heavenly Father. You have brought us to drink of the Living Water, filled us with wisdom in preparation to stand under your banner as warriors, against sin. In development for the battles to come. You have blessed us with discernment and understanding of how to use your gifted wisdom during our moulding and reshaping, in dealing with the chastisements and temptations placed before us. We thank thee O Lord, for your patience, love and compassion during this process. Through your placing of knowledge, awaken the savour of our words so they may season as you have desired. We pray this in the name of Yeshua, Amen and Amen.

CLOSING STATEMENT by Robert
Afflictions cannot make us miserable if it is not our own fault. A blessing may arise from them, and we may be blessed in them. They are so far from taking away a good man’s blissfulness that they really increase it.

Sufferings and temptations are the way to eternal blessedness: When he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, (dokimos genomenos) when he is approved, when his graces are found to be true and of the highest worth (so metals are tried as to their excellency by the fire), and when his integrity is manifested, and all are approved of the great Judge.

We sanctify God before others when our conduct invites and encourages them to glorify and honour him. What was the ground and reason of their hope? We should be able to defend our beliefs with meekness, in the fear of God. There is no room for any other fears where this great fear is; it disturbs not. The conscience is good when it does its office well. That person is in a sad condition on whom sin and suffering meet: sin makes suffering extreme.

Tribulation worketh patience, Romans 5:3. Now, to exercise Christian patience aright, we must, Let it work. It is not stupid, but an active thing. Unmoved impassiveness and a Believers patience are very different: by the one men become, in some measure, insensible of their afflictions; but by the other, they become triumphant in and over them.

Let us take care, in times of trial, that patience and not passion, be set at work in us; whatever is said or done, let patience have the saying and doing of it: let us not allow the indulging of our passions to hinder the operation and noble effects of patience; let us give it leave to work, and it will work wonders in a time of trouble.

Here ends Part One to be continued. Part two “A GENTLE REMINDER” TO STRIVE FOR IT. 

 

Remember, these messages are given by a humble servant obedient 

unto our Lord Yeshua as a Watchman. This I pray for all. ”Our Heavenly Father brings us to the river which bringeth forth fruit so we may partake of its sustenance and be filled spiritually with nurturing wisdom, and humble dedication in service to Yeshua. “Blessings to All.” As you go forward in peace, knowledge, and strength.

Robert