Friday, September 30, 2011

SOAP 09/30/2011; Luke 13:24

Today's reading: Zechariah 7,8,9; Luke 13

S)"24 Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."
Luke 13:24 (NASB)

O) Make no mistake about it, being a Christian is not a cake-walk. Jesus never said that following Him would be easy; in fact He said quite the opposite. It's a mistake to think that simply believing in Jesus is enough to make it into heaven.

A) I recently heard a teaching, saying that Christians need to stop worrying so much about "being good enough." Don't get me wrong, I embrace grace, but this teaching was dangerously close to telling Christians they don't even have to try. I can't allow myself to be overwhelmed by my shortcomings, because the Bible says that I am, on my own, never good enough. Having said that, in Christ I am able, and so in Christ I must strive. It still takes effort to maintain holiness. I cannot take His righteousness in me, and my place in heaven, for granted.

P) Father, on my own I am a failure, but in Christ I overcome. Help me to focus on the fact that in order to overcome, there must be a struggle. Help me acknowledge that there is always still work to be done within myself. Holy Spirit, strengthen me, so that I am able to continue striving for a holy life and righteous behavior. Thank You for the grace that set all of this in motion, LORD. Help me balance my attitude between grace and effort. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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