5. Did Jesus say that entering the strait gate would be easy? Luke 13:24.
NOTE: ‘We have a great work to do and a short time to do it in, and have mighty foes to oppose us at every step; therefore we need zeal, and all our energies and powers should be strung to action. Says Christ, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13:24. Some have rendered the original word from which the word “strive” is translated, “agonise”; but perhaps no one word alone can convey the full sense of the original. It is used to represent the efforts put forth in fighting, and the exertions that were made anciently by combatants in the public games, and must signify “to bring into requisition all the powers and energies both of body and mind.” This we must do to enter in at the strait gate; i.e., to overcome.’ Daniel T. Bourdeau: Sanctification, page 115.
6. How did Paul explain to Timothy about this striving? 1 Timothy 6:11-12.
NOTE: ‘We have heard many people tell how hard they found it to do right; their Christian life was most unsatisfactory to them, being marked only by failure, and they were tempted to give up in discouragement. No wonder they get discouraged; continual failure is enough to discourage anybody. The bravest soldier in the world would become faint-hearted if he had been defeated in every battle. Sometimes these persons will mournfully tell that they have about lost confidence in themselves. Poor souls, if they would only lose confidence in themselves entirely, and would put their whole trust in the One who is mighty to save, they would have a different story to tell. They would then “joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Says the apostle, “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4. The man who doesn’t rejoice in God, even though tempted and afflicted, is not fighting the good fight of faith. He is fighting the poor fight of self-confidence and defeat. All the promises of final happiness are to the overcomer. “To him that overcometh,” says Jesus, “will I give to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” Revelation 3:21. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things,” says the Lord. Revelation 21:7. An overcomer is one who gains victories. The inheriting is not the overcoming; that is only the reward for overcoming. The overcoming is now; the victories to be gained are victories over the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life, victories over self and selfish indulgences.’ E. J. Waggoner: Present Truth, November 5, 1891.