Oct – 28 – STRIVE AGAINST

“You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin” (Hebrews 12:4).

Some people launch a struggle demanding justice. Some others fight for demanding wage increase. The government faces struggles from the people while the officials face the same from their subordinates. The struggle of the poor is between his mouth and stomach. The struggle of the rich is between status and luxury.

But, there is a struggle for every one of you, the children of God. What is that struggle? It is the struggle against Satan; struggle against sin; struggle against the world and flesh. Satan never likes you progressing in the path of heaven. He always fights against the children of God. The Scripture says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). 

Not only that. You should be ones who win over the sins, after waging a non-stop battle against them. Many people compromise with the world, sin and the wickedness. They do not fight against the worldly pleasures and desires. Paul the Apostle sadly writes, “You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin” (Hebrews 12:4).

His life was also one with fights. He points out the fight as “A good fight.” “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (II Timothy 4:7). It is his testimony. That fight succeeded. He ran the race victoriously. At the end of that run, he had pride, happiness and expectation. He writes with enthusiasm, “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day.” 

Analyse the lives of the saints. Understand how firmly they stood with zeal for God even in their lives filled with struggles and eventually succeeded. May you fight against sin always, so that you partake in the inheritances of the saints of the world. 

Sprinkle the blood of Jesus Christ on the enemy when he comes opposing you bringing the tests of sin. Say to him, “Get away from here Satan. I do not want the world and its lusts. I will follow God alone.” If you live like fire, the sin cannot overcome you.   

To meditate: “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment” (John 16:8).