TEETH AND NAILS

"But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience."        Luke 8:15

Only 1 out of every 4 people that hears the word, bears fruit.
Out of every 4 who hear the Word of God, only 1 keeps it and gives good fruit.
What is this person's secret of success?
They listen and practice, listen and practice, listen and practice...
In other words, they fight, persevere and defend their faith with teeth and nails, even if they have to go against the world all by themselves.

ATHLETIC SACRIFICE

"And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules."    2 Timothy 2:5

Awards are only given to winners. But they must burn through many hours of the day practicing and eating appropriately  They must also abstain from all types of addictions, so that their physical health is not compromised. All this means sacrifice. Sacrifice for what? To win a gold medal and worldwide recognition. 
If the momentary glory of this world  requires sacrifice, imagine the eternal glory of salvation? Do you think it will be easier to attain than the glory of this world?

Who overcomes?

“Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:5

Most Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God. But that same majority has been demon possessed. Why? Could the Word be wrong? No! The problem is that they “believe” in theory, but not in practice. Hence the spiritual failure. They say they believe, but they don’t practice the Word. That’s why they are losers here on Earth. Now imagine in eternity…