A Study of the commands from our Lord, Jesus the Christ

Entry 37, August 15th

Last time, we discussed the command found in the Gospel of Matthew (see Matthew 7:13-14 (NASB)).

This time, we will visit the command in the Gospel of Luke Luke 13:24 (NASB).

The command in the Luke is a different than the command in Matthew. In Matthew, the command is to " 'ENTER' through the Narrow Gate". In Luke, the command is to " 'STRIVE' to Enter through the Narrow Door"

The Greek word that Jesus used for "strive" is "agōnizomai".
Strong's Number G75 occurs 7 times in the Greek concordance of the NASB.

Here are the links to the other verses in the New Testament that use the Greek verb: "agōnizomai". Follow the link and read each one:
- John 18:36 (NASB) English word: Fighting
- 1st Corinthians 9:25 (NASB) English word: Competes
- Colossians 1:29 (NASB) English word: Striving
- Colossians 4:12 (NASB) English word: Laboring earnestly
- 1st Timothy 4:10 (NASB) English word: Strive
- 1st Timothy 6:12 (NASB) English word: Fight
- 2nd Timothy 4:7 (NASB) English word: I have fought


Here is the take away: You, as a disciple of Christ, are to be engaged in the fight; you are to compete; to "Labor earnestly";

The best part of this: When an athelete competes in a contest, they do not know the outcome; We DO!

Yet, we are not to sit around and get lazy. We are to be active. We are to have focus. We are to listen to our "Personal Trainer", the Holy Spirit, who will guide us.

Make NO mistake, we are in a competition. We live in a fallen world. Read Romans 12:1-2(NASB).

As I present my body as a "living sacrifice" (verse 1), I need to "train" by "renewing my mind" (verse 2).

When the LORD tells us to "strive" to enter, Jesus is commanding us to get in the game. Get off the sidelines. Use the gifts the Spirit has given you. As Paul said in 1st Corinthians 12:1-12 (NASB). There are many Spiritual Gifts. Over the last few months, I have found my Joy in Service. What is yours? If you know, use it; if you dont know, find out. Ask. Seek. The Lord will let you know.

BUT

You need to take action. So get out there and "Strive"

If you have any other questions for me please send me an email.

If this link does not work for you my email address is 'burtonmark@cox.net' with the subject line of 'Week 37'. I would love to hear from you.

A Personal Note: I will be blogging every two weeks from now on so...

The tour continues in two weeks but I am not at all sure which of the commands of our LORD I will be sharing.

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