2. “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
James 1:12

3. THE STRUGGLE IS REAL

4. Jesus struggled but persevered and overcame.
“The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41)?
Grieved and distressed (26:37)
Jesus experienced the struggle of resisting the alluring nature of sin’s temptation (Matt. 4:1-10).
“One who has been tempted in all things as we are” (Heb. 4:15)
“…enticed by his own lust” (Jam. 1:14)

5. Paul experienced the struggle between spirit and flesh.
He had to keep on pressing upward (Phil. 3:11, 13, 14, 20).
Suffering for Jesus’ name (Acts 9:16)
Self-discipline to win (1 Cor. 9:26-27; 2 Tim. 2:5)
Man’s attempt to be right by perfect law keeping is a losing battle (Rom. 7:12, 22-24).

6. Paul experienced the struggle between spirit and flesh.
The apostle learned to cope with the struggle of a physical affliction (2 Cor. 12:7-8).

7. What can you and I do to persevere faithfully through life’s many struggles?
Be honest with yourself about your struggles.
Heb. 4:13; 1 Cor. 10:13; 1 John 1:8; Heb. 12:1; Gal. 6:2
God is for you.
Rom. 8:28, 31-32; Eph. 1:4; 2 Cor. 12:9
Eliminate distractions.
Rom. 13:14

8. What can you and I do to persevere faithfully through life’s many struggles?
Be ever watchful and pray.
Matt. 26:41; 1 Thess. 5:17; Jam. 5:16
Daily renew your goal.
Col. 3:1-4