OUTLINE:
Mt 16:26
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
We Are Christ’s Bride
Christ has gone to prepare a home for His Bride (Jn 14:1-4), the Church (we believers). Those who were saved prior to the Church-Age will be there to celebrate our marriage in Heaven. (Rev 19:6-9)
1Co 15:19
If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
1Ti 4:10
For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
Wisdom
If you’re not with God, you’re against Him (Mt 12:30) – there is no neutrality. If you’re against Him, your life is vapid, your purposes fleeting, and your faith/ hope is in vain. “All is vanity” (Ecc 1:2).
“the sum” of God’s Thoughts
This is godly wisdom. The more knowledge we have, the larger the sum. We gain knowledge by studying the Word of God. Speculation is tantamount to invention, which is evil.
Caution
The most dangerous thing you can do when you sit down to ponder the purpose of your life, is to do so in the absence of godly wisdom.
“the sum” of God’s Thoughts
This is godly wisdom. The more knowledge we have, the larger the sum. We gain knowledge by studying the Word of God. Speculation is tantamount to invention, which is evil.
Context and Purpose
Godly wisdom gives your life context. When you discover this context for yourself, you realize that God has a purpose for you – you have a joy set before you, regardless of circumstances, which is a tremendous blessing. (Ref: 1Co 9:24-27; Php 4:4-13)
1Co 9:26 [NLT]
So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.
1Co 9:26 [Amplified]
Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing].
The Crucible
Faith must be tested for it to be consummated. In other words, while God always knows the purity of our faith, we must have it “tested by fire” (ala 1Pe 1:7) in order to understand its purity for ourselves.
“strive”
from agonizomai – to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something): — fight, labor fervently, strive.
Grace Is Free, Not Easy (Lk 13:24)
Grace is constrained by God’s integrity towards those He chooses to give it to (ala Jas 4:6). From the flesh’s perspective, grace is difficult because it requires humility to receive it. The flesh would prefer to redefine grace as something that accommodates its unholy desires (eg. live for self and obtain a
free “ticket” to Heaven).