INTRODUCTION

Our studies reveal that the Bible places great emphasis upon the evils of strife. Any sincere believer should recognize that this negative strife is often based upon pride, hatred, and a love for transgression. Yet, there are times when the opposite holds true. Striving can be done out of a holy desire to please the Lord. Perhaps the most significant aspect concerns the enemy with whom believers strive. The apostle Paul said that he “strived to preach the gospel” (Romans 15:20Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
See All...) and desired for believers to “strive together with” him in prayers to God (Romans 15:30Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
See All...). He further illustrated his point concerning striving by pointing out some opposing parallels: the world strives for mastery in order to gain a corruptible crown, but believers should strive to gain an incorruptible crown.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): The rulers commanded Peter and John not to preach about Jesus (Acts 4:18-20 [18] And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. [20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
  See All...). Yet, they kept on striving to preach because it was the right thing to do (Acts 4:29And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
  See All...; Acts 5:27-29 [27] And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, [28] Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. [29] Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
  See All..., 40-42).
• (For everyone): Do you find that you strive more for ungodly causes or for godly causes? Why is it wrong to strive in evil ways? Why is it right and necessary to strive in godly warfare?
• How can the Christian life be described as striving? What areas of your spiritual life require diligent striving on your part? Are you faithfully striving in those areas?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord for courage in the spiritual battle.
• Ask God to help you strive in witnessing, prayer, etc.

HYMN

WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE?

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