As we have learned in previous segments, Adam's disobedience had a malignant affect on his entire being, (spirit, soul and body). A condition which is passed on to all his descendants, (Rom.5:12) We also saw that upon salvation, a dramatic reversal of this condition takes place.
As we have learned in previous segments, the new believer is now supernaturally removed from Adam and placed, "in Christ" thereby uniting him to Jesus' death, burial and resurrection, (co-crucifixion) (Gal.2:20, Rom.6:3-6). [Additional info. see segment entitled "Co-crucifixion"]
"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:13) The process also involves a spiritual, "circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ" (Col.2:11), whereby the soul is cut free from the corrupt body of flesh. [Additional info. see segment entitled, "Spiritual Circumcision"]
In summary, upon salvation man's SPIRIT is quickened, his SOUL is redeemed, cut free from his dying BODY which shall be exchanged for a glorified body at the rapture, (Phil. 3:21, 1Thess.4:15-17).
One Person Two Opposing Natures
Due to the second birth, every born again believer truly is a "new creature in Christ", sealed with the Holy Spirit, possessing a "divine nature" ("new man"), "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27).
However, our old fleshly nature, ("old man") which is opposed to God is not eradicated upon salvation....unfortunately, he remains alive and well.
In reality every believer is a spiritual being temporarily residing in sin prone flesh. "An immortal life in dying flesh...a royal servant in a prison of clay."
The nature of the, "new man" is that of the Holy Spirit, therefore He desires to love, obey and please God.
The nature of the, "old man" is that of the "flesh", which manifests itself through self-centeredness; self-gratification and self-righteousness. He is characterized by an attitude which is antagonistic to everything genuinely associated with God (although he will gladly wear the mask of religion to suit his self-righteousness) "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof..."(2 Tim.3:5).
Rebelliousness, lust, worldliness and pride are in his DNA. The "works of the flesh" (the old man) and "the fruit of the Spirit" (the new man) are set at contrast in, (Gal.5:19-23).
Hence, Pauls declaration in Rom.7:18, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not."
As previously stated, every born again believer has two diameterically opposed natures struggling for control of the being.
In Galatians 5:17 we read, "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
Romans chapter 7, verses 14-25, provide a window into the nature of the constant struggle between the, "old man" and the, "new man" which begins shortly after salvation. In these verses the apostle Paul describes the inner conflict between two contrary forces, the indwelling Holy Spirit and his sin prone flesh. The battle for control of the being is between a well established nature and an emerging new nature... a struggle as intense as hand to hand combat, although in this case the battle is not against flesh and blood...the arena of the conflict is the mind.
Who's in Control?
The diagram on the left pictures a believer who is yielded to the Holy Spirit (walking in the Spirit) Because he has learned to, "draw nigh to God" and resist the flesh the new nature is dominate.
On the other hand, the diagram on the right depicts a believer who is grieving the Holy Spirit by yielding to the flesh. He has chosen the things of the world and self...neglecting the things of God. He may even deceive himself self and those around him concerning his true condition but God sees the heart.
Simply stated, every believer is either walking in the flesh (yielded to the influence of the old man) or walking in the Spirit (yielded to the power of the new man)...there is no middle ground! "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey..." (Rom. 6:16). That which separates the two types of believers, is whether or not they have understood and obeyed the essential truths of Romans chapters 6-8.
Chapter # 6 KNOW YOUR IDENTITY... explains our new position, "in Christ". Knowing the reality of (Gal.2:20) "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live..." [see segment entitled Co-crucifixion]. Understanding the significance your standing, "in Christ". The key words are, "Know" (vs. 3, 6, 9) "Reckon" (vs.11) "Yield" (vs.13, 16, 19).
Chapter # 7 KNOW YOUR ENEMY WITHIN...addresses the believer's new struggle with "the flesh". Knowing what you are up against. Key verse, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not." (vs.18).
Chapter # 8 KNOW GOD'S POWER WITHIN...deals with the believer's new power in the Spirit. Knowing how to, "walk in the Spirit" and prevail through surrender (Holy Spirit mentioned 19 times in Rom.8). Key verses, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit". (vs.1), "... if ye THROUGH THE SPIRIT do mortify the deeds of the body..." (vs.13) [Emphasis mine].
We, in and of ourselves, are totally incapable of pleasing God...it is impossible for us to live a righteous life. Whatever we accomplish on our own is but "filthy rags" (Isa.64:6) in the sight of God! The futility of trying to live the christian life by attempting to reform the flesh is described by the apostle Paul in (Rom.7:15-25).
The Lord is not interested in our abilities or good intentions to help Him advance the Kingdom of God...no matter how zealous or sincere we might be. He is much more concerned with our SURRENDER.
Walking in the Spirit is not a matter of self discipline...it’s a matter of surrender. Our work is to believe what Jesus said (John 6:29) and yield to His indwelling power (Rom.6:13). His strength is made perfect in our weaknesss ( 2 Cor.12:9). Humilty & Surrender unleash Gods power.
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us..." (Eph.3:20) [Emphasis mine].
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Phil.2:13) [Emphasis mine].
“And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord...” (2 Cor.8:5).
When we prayed the sinner’s prayer we didn’t ask God to help us get saved. There wasn’t anything on our part that we could do to save ourselves...it was all His power and grace.
After salvation we didn’t ask Him to help us stay saved...we are, “kept by the power of God” (1 Peter 1:5).
The same holds true regarding serving and pleasing Him. Just as our flesh had absolutely no part in gaining or retaining salvation it is equally powerless to maintain a godly life. “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Gal. 3:3).
Jesus stated, “the flesh profiteth nothing” (John 6:63) “with out me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5) Paul said we are to, “have no confidence in the flesh” (Phil. 3:3).
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Gal.5:24-25).
Most followers of Christ, however, let go piece by piece, gradually through the process of time and circumstance. They are painfully brought to the point where they finally realize that, "in Christ" they are no longer the master of their own ship (1 Cor.6:19-20). In reality we can't control anything...God is in control of everything.
"We may rest assured that He will never expect us or ask us to face more than we can stand ( I Cor.10:13). But what He does expose us to will strengthen and fortify our faith and confidence in His control. If He is the Good Shepherd, we can rest assured that He knows what He is doing. This in and of itself should be sufficient to continually refresh and restore my soul. I know of nothing which so quiets and enlivens my own spiritual life as the knowledge that God knows what He is doing with me!"
W. Phillip Keller "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23"
Once we grasp this truth, we gradually begin to realize how foolish, selfish and useless it is to even attempt to control our lives. The futilty of murmuring or complaining...questioning situation or circumstance becomes self-evident. Instead of asking "why Lord" we start asking "what Lord."
Little by little, as this truth sets in, we learn to let go of the wheel and allow the Holy Spirit to take control, so that He can begin to perform His work in us (Phil.2:13)... conforming us to Christ (Rom.8:29).
As a result, the inner struggle is greatly diminished...the peace of acceptance takes hold...priorities change, hearts and minds are melted by the love, mercy and patience of the Saviour. Finally we reach the place where we can truly say, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Phil.4:11). NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL! "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him..." (Job 13:15).
Unfortunately, the sad truth is, that all "born again" Christians trust Christ for salvation, but few with control of their lives.
It is not God’s will that His children live a life of relentless struggle and failure trying to control their lives, making the flesh serve God, yet the majority of believers do just that...living in Romans chapter 7 never experiencing the liberty, joy and peace of Romans 8.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Rom.12:1-2) [Emphasis mine].
A complete understanding of the purpose of salvation along with a heartfelt desire to obey the Lord are prerequisite to defeating the old man and walking, "in newness of life" (Rom.6:4).
"Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?" (Prov.17:16).
It has been wisely stated, "The heart of every problem is a problem in the heart"
The crux of the matter is the affection and direction of the heart; the factor which determines the outcome of the inner struggle between self will and God's will. "...from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand..." (Dan.10:12) Notice it doesn't say, "set thine head to understand"...spiritual realities enter the mind through the door of a truth seeking heart. The essential heart attitude is revealed in Prov.2:1-6:
"My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
Proverbs 2:1-6 encapsulates the formular for the transformation called for in (Rom.12:2).
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." (Prov.23:7). The heart is where the rubber meets the road in spiritual life. It is here that decisions of eternal consequence take place...everlasting rewards gained or lost. "With my WHOLE HEART have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments." (Ps.119:10) [Emphasis mine].
Consider Jesus' question, "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46).
Judgement Seat
"He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." Jim Elliot (martyred missionary)
PRESENT
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." (Luke 9:23-24) [Emphasis mine].
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Tim.3:12) [Emphasis mine].
"Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season..." (Heb.11:25).
FUTURE
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Rom.8:18) [Emphasis mine].
"For our light affliction,which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory..." (2 Cor.4:17).
Repentant Sinner Comes to the Cross to Receive Christ.
Upon Trusting Christ a "New Creature" is Born Within.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature" (2 Cor. 5:17).
Sealed with the Holy Spirit
Spiritual life is restored when the Holy Spirit joins with and permanently seals man's spirit (Eph.1:13). At this point two spirits have become one, "...he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit" (1 Cor.6:17) "so is everyone that is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). As we have learned in previous segments, the new believer is now supernaturally removed from Adam and placed, "in Christ" thereby uniting him to Jesus' death, burial and resurrection, (co-crucifixion) (Gal.2:20, Rom.6:3-6). [Additional info. see segment entitled "Co-crucifixion"]
"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:13) The process also involves a spiritual, "circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ" (Col.2:11), whereby the soul is cut free from the corrupt body of flesh. [Additional info. see segment entitled, "Spiritual Circumcision"]
In summary, upon salvation man's SPIRIT is quickened, his SOUL is redeemed, cut free from his dying BODY which shall be exchanged for a glorified body at the rapture, (Phil. 3:21, 1Thess.4:15-17).
One Person Two Opposing Natures
Due to the second birth, every born again believer truly is a "new creature in Christ", sealed with the Holy Spirit, possessing a "divine nature" ("new man"), "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27).
However, our old fleshly nature, ("old man") which is opposed to God is not eradicated upon salvation....unfortunately, he remains alive and well.
In reality every believer is a spiritual being temporarily residing in sin prone flesh. "An immortal life in dying flesh...a royal servant in a prison of clay."
The nature of the, "new man" is that of the Holy Spirit, therefore He desires to love, obey and please God.
The nature of the, "old man" is that of the "flesh", which manifests itself through self-centeredness; self-gratification and self-righteousness. He is characterized by an attitude which is antagonistic to everything genuinely associated with God (although he will gladly wear the mask of religion to suit his self-righteousness) "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof..."(2 Tim.3:5).
Rebelliousness, lust, worldliness and pride are in his DNA. The "works of the flesh" (the old man) and "the fruit of the Spirit" (the new man) are set at contrast in, (Gal.5:19-23).
Hence, Pauls declaration in Rom.7:18, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not."
Understanding the Inner Struggle
In Paul's epistle to the Corinthians, he divides all Christians into two categories, the spiritual and the fleshly or carnal (1 Cor. 3:1-3) The two types consist of those who have learned to overcome the flesh and those who are overcome by the flesh; those who have matured and those who remain, "babes in Christ".As previously stated, every born again believer has two diameterically opposed natures struggling for control of the being.
In Galatians 5:17 we read, "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
Romans chapter 7, verses 14-25, provide a window into the nature of the constant struggle between the, "old man" and the, "new man" which begins shortly after salvation. In these verses the apostle Paul describes the inner conflict between two contrary forces, the indwelling Holy Spirit and his sin prone flesh. The battle for control of the being is between a well established nature and an emerging new nature... a struggle as intense as hand to hand combat, although in this case the battle is not against flesh and blood...the arena of the conflict is the mind.
Who's in Control?
The diagram on the left pictures a believer who is yielded to the Holy Spirit (walking in the Spirit) Because he has learned to, "draw nigh to God" and resist the flesh the new nature is dominate.
On the other hand, the diagram on the right depicts a believer who is grieving the Holy Spirit by yielding to the flesh. He has chosen the things of the world and self...neglecting the things of God. He may even deceive himself self and those around him concerning his true condition but God sees the heart.
Simply stated, every believer is either walking in the flesh (yielded to the influence of the old man) or walking in the Spirit (yielded to the power of the new man)...there is no middle ground! "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey..." (Rom. 6:16). That which separates the two types of believers, is whether or not they have understood and obeyed the essential truths of Romans chapters 6-8.
The Trilogy of Transformation
Romans chapters 6-8 explain the crucial process of sanctification in the life of the believer....teaching the liberating truths which deliver from the sinful habits, appetites and thought patterns of the old man. Chapter # 6 KNOW YOUR IDENTITY... explains our new position, "in Christ". Knowing the reality of (Gal.2:20) "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live..." [see segment entitled Co-crucifixion]. Understanding the significance your standing, "in Christ". The key words are, "Know" (vs. 3, 6, 9) "Reckon" (vs.11) "Yield" (vs.13, 16, 19).
Chapter # 7 KNOW YOUR ENEMY WITHIN...addresses the believer's new struggle with "the flesh". Knowing what you are up against. Key verse, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not." (vs.18).
Chapter # 8 KNOW GOD'S POWER WITHIN...deals with the believer's new power in the Spirit. Knowing how to, "walk in the Spirit" and prevail through surrender (Holy Spirit mentioned 19 times in Rom.8). Key verses, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit". (vs.1), "... if ye THROUGH THE SPIRIT do mortify the deeds of the body..." (vs.13) [Emphasis mine].
"The flesh profiteth nothing..." (John 6:63).
The lesson of Rom.6-8 is summed up by three words found in 8:13 "THROUGH THE SPIRIT" All that is done for Christ must be accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit. We, in and of ourselves, are totally incapable of pleasing God...it is impossible for us to live a righteous life. Whatever we accomplish on our own is but "filthy rags" (Isa.64:6) in the sight of God! The futility of trying to live the christian life by attempting to reform the flesh is described by the apostle Paul in (Rom.7:15-25).
The Lord is not interested in our abilities or good intentions to help Him advance the Kingdom of God...no matter how zealous or sincere we might be. He is much more concerned with our SURRENDER.
Walking in the Spirit is not a matter of self discipline...it’s a matter of surrender. Our work is to believe what Jesus said (John 6:29) and yield to His indwelling power (Rom.6:13). His strength is made perfect in our weaknesss ( 2 Cor.12:9). Humilty & Surrender unleash Gods power.
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us..." (Eph.3:20) [Emphasis mine].
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Phil.2:13) [Emphasis mine].
“And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord...” (2 Cor.8:5).
When we prayed the sinner’s prayer we didn’t ask God to help us get saved. There wasn’t anything on our part that we could do to save ourselves...it was all His power and grace.
After salvation we didn’t ask Him to help us stay saved...we are, “kept by the power of God” (1 Peter 1:5).
The same holds true regarding serving and pleasing Him. Just as our flesh had absolutely no part in gaining or retaining salvation it is equally powerless to maintain a godly life. “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Gal. 3:3).
Jesus stated, “the flesh profiteth nothing” (John 6:63) “with out me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5) Paul said we are to, “have no confidence in the flesh” (Phil. 3:3).
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Gal.5:24-25).
The Freedom of Surrender
Surrender is the vital aspect of christian living...the cost of following Christ. It is impossible to, "put off "the old man" and "put on the new man" without first laying ALL on the altar! Surrender not only involves the end of self-will but also the unconditional acceptance of God's will.
Some believers surrender all at once, totally overwhelmed with gratitude. Others upon deliverance from a severe crisis or trial. Still others in a moment of heartrending failure or despair.Most followers of Christ, however, let go piece by piece, gradually through the process of time and circumstance. They are painfully brought to the point where they finally realize that, "in Christ" they are no longer the master of their own ship (1 Cor.6:19-20). In reality we can't control anything...God is in control of everything.
"We may rest assured that He will never expect us or ask us to face more than we can stand ( I Cor.10:13). But what He does expose us to will strengthen and fortify our faith and confidence in His control. If He is the Good Shepherd, we can rest assured that He knows what He is doing. This in and of itself should be sufficient to continually refresh and restore my soul. I know of nothing which so quiets and enlivens my own spiritual life as the knowledge that God knows what He is doing with me!"
W. Phillip Keller "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23"
Once we grasp this truth, we gradually begin to realize how foolish, selfish and useless it is to even attempt to control our lives. The futilty of murmuring or complaining...questioning situation or circumstance becomes self-evident. Instead of asking "why Lord" we start asking "what Lord."
Little by little, as this truth sets in, we learn to let go of the wheel and allow the Holy Spirit to take control, so that He can begin to perform His work in us (Phil.2:13)... conforming us to Christ (Rom.8:29).
As a result, the inner struggle is greatly diminished...the peace of acceptance takes hold...priorities change, hearts and minds are melted by the love, mercy and patience of the Saviour. Finally we reach the place where we can truly say, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Phil.4:11). NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL! "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him..." (Job 13:15).
Unfortunately, the sad truth is, that all "born again" Christians trust Christ for salvation, but few with control of their lives.
It is not God’s will that His children live a life of relentless struggle and failure trying to control their lives, making the flesh serve God, yet the majority of believers do just that...living in Romans chapter 7 never experiencing the liberty, joy and peace of Romans 8.
The Heart of the Matter...Servant or Spectator?
The purpose of salvation is not only to provide eternal life but also to transform our present lives, WE ARE SAVED TO SERVE! "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Rom.12:1-2) [Emphasis mine].
A complete understanding of the purpose of salvation along with a heartfelt desire to obey the Lord are prerequisite to defeating the old man and walking, "in newness of life" (Rom.6:4).
"Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?" (Prov.17:16).
It has been wisely stated, "The heart of every problem is a problem in the heart"
The crux of the matter is the affection and direction of the heart; the factor which determines the outcome of the inner struggle between self will and God's will. "...from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand..." (Dan.10:12) Notice it doesn't say, "set thine head to understand"...spiritual realities enter the mind through the door of a truth seeking heart. The essential heart attitude is revealed in Prov.2:1-6:
"My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
Proverbs 2:1-6 encapsulates the formular for the transformation called for in (Rom.12:2).
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." (Prov.23:7). The heart is where the rubber meets the road in spiritual life. It is here that decisions of eternal consequence take place...everlasting rewards gained or lost. "With my WHOLE HEART have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments." (Ps.119:10) [Emphasis mine].
Consider Jesus' question, "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46).
When I stand at the Judgement Seat of Christ,
And He shows me His plan for me;
The plan of my life as it might have been,
Had He had His way and I see--
How I blocked Him here and I checked Him there;
And I would not yield my will--
Will there be grief in my Saviour's eyes;
Grief, though He loves me still?
He would have me rich and I stand there poor,
Stripped of all but His grace,
While memory runs like a haunted thing
Down the paths I cannot retrace.
Then my desolate heart will well nigh break,
The tears will come flowing down.
I shall cover my face with my empty hands,
I shall there bow my uncrowned head.
Lord, of the years that are left to me,
I give them to Thy hand;
Take me and break me, mold me to
The pattern Thou hast planned.
- Martha Snell Nicholson -
"Search me, O God, and know my heart..."
Some difficult and searching questions must be asked at this juncture: Are you a servant or a spectator? Are you trying to serve the Lord in the power of your flesh or have you surrendered to His power? Who sits on the throne of your heart...Christ or self?"He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." Jim Elliot (martyred missionary)
Farsighted or Nearsighted?
ONE OF THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF LIFE IS THAT IN ORDER TO GAIN SOMETHING WORTHWHILE IN THE FUTURE WE MUST SACRIFICE SOMETHING IN THE PRESENT.PRESENT
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." (Luke 9:23-24) [Emphasis mine].
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Tim.3:12) [Emphasis mine].
"Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season..." (Heb.11:25).
FUTURE
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Rom.8:18) [Emphasis mine].
"For our light affliction,which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory..." (2 Cor.4:17).
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