THE GOOD NEWS COMES CLOSER

 Genesis 28: 10-19, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Introduction

To strive means to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something. Jesus says, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able." Luke 13:24. Striving for something is to be strong, determined, and focused amidst all destructing influences. Consciously set your eyes on the glory before you as worthier than all others.

The glory of God in the Old Testament thought has always been the presence of God. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ has brought God's glory into the life of all Christians, "Christ in you, the hope of glory." This glory manifests to us in two folds: 1. in our lives today and 2. in the eternal Kingdom of God.

Paul explains to us in the letter to the Colossians, how he rejoices in all his sufferings, filling up in Christ's affliction to make the word of God fully known. Striving for Christians is the joy of the pains we go through due to our faith and Christian life in this perverse world in order to receive God's glory in our present day and life after death. It is written, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18

Jacob saw God's glory while he was running from his brother Esau, "“How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” Genesis 28:17. Jacob changed the name of the place from 'Luz' which means, 'almond' or 'separation' or 'departure'. to 'Bethel' which means "House of God." Whiles he is separated from his family, God's glory never left him. God declared that Jacob was the son of Abraham and Isaac. 

You can understand that God seeks sinful men/women to save them. If God revealed His glory to Jacob, a deceiver, and a liar, what about you?  It has always been God's desire "that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God." Romans 8:21. Today, through Christ Jesus, God is ready to receive you into His glory from the bondage of sin. Invite Him today and strive to receive His perfect glory. 

Christ in you connects you to the hope of His glory. Christians never give up no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in, because we are never disconnected from God's glory. 

Children of God are not debtors to the flesh; but with the Spirit, we put to death the deeds of the body and we live in God's glory (Rom. 8:12-15). In confirmation of John 1:12, the Bible says, "You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons[/daughters], by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15. Sinners as we are, Christ has brought the lost connection with our Creator and now we can boldly go to Him and say "Our Father who art in Heaven." 

People seek worldly glory. Meanwhile, there is no glory that supersedes the glory of being co-heirs with Christ. We must understand that, for us to reach this glory, the Bible says, "...provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him." Romans 8:17

Unfortunately, the devil has sown weeds among the wheat. God is waiting for harvest time which is the judgment day to burn the weeds. If you do not strive for the glory of God, you would be counted among the weeds to burn. That is why we must be ready to suffer with Christ to hold firmly the glory.

Let us discuss three ways we need to strive for God's glory.

Strive to Proclaim Christ

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9. The first purpose of our connection or adoption is to proclaim God's excellencies to this perverse generation.

Jacob after waking up acknowledged and proclaim God's presence. We pursue the glory by proclaiming and living out His excellence - our words must agree with our works. God is worthy of our worship and worship is about our dedicated lifestyle to enjoy the suffering of life for Christ's sake. In striving for His glory we must not overlook proclamation in His worship as our daily activity.

Strive to Imitate Christ

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2. Imitators of God strive to be like Christ. Jesus says, "You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48. In striving for perfection, we attain God's glory.

With Jesus Christ, we are connected back to the original image of God, His likeness. God expects nothing short of Himself in us so that He can give His glory to us. We say, 'Like father, like son". This is what Christ is asking of us. If we are co-heirs, then we must be like Him. When others see the exact image of God in us, they will praise our Father in Heaven (Matt. 5:16). 

Consider Presbyterian Hymnal 603 (2).

I should always ask the question,

Will Christ say what I would say?

Would He sanction such a statement?

Would He do such things I do?

Strive for Christian Virtues

Peter explains to us that God has given "to us all things that pertain to life and godliness" 2 Peter 1:3. And by this, He has also given us His precious and very great promise; the hope of glory.

For this very glory, we need to strive - be determined, focused, and committed, to supplement our faith with Christian virtues. These virtues include knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Pet. 1:5-7). These are the virtues that would separate the wheat from the weeds. Without them, we become ineffective and unfruitful. Remember, our connection to the kingdom of God is to be fruitful. Anyone who is unfruitful will be cut off and thrown into the fire.

When we strive for Christian virtues, we grow in God's excellence and confirm our calling, election, and qualification for His glory.

God has already laid for us all that we need for the glory. Again, we are called on to strive but not in a manner as though our strength can put us there. It is the Spirit of God that enables the believer who has surrendered unto Him. "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness ... the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." Romans 8:26.

Conclusion

When you sit for an academic examination you strive on your own to attain excellent marks but in our case, the Holy Spirit strives with us, encourages us, enables us, and empowers us to attain the glory set before us. 

Let us make good use of the presence of the Holy Spirit in us to strive for the Glory of God. Amen!

Shalom aleikhem...