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For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, especially of those who believe.

1 Timothy 4:10

Many people are confused about how to live the Christian life. Two misunderstandings have caused much of this confusion.

1. The “hard labour” version says: “We toil and strive.” This version says that the Christian life is one great effort to try and live a godly life. Many people live here. There is no power or energy working in them. There is very little joy. These folks have an air of defeat. They secretly feel that it is impossible to live a godly life.

2. The “no labour” version says: “We have our hope set on the living God.” This version says, “There is nothing we Christians can do. We have to let go and let God.” Many people live here. They become passive. They do not fight against sin. They say, “It’s all up to God.” And they sound spiritual but they do not make progress.

3. The “gospel life” version says: “We toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God.” Gospel life is the active pursuit of godliness through the power and presence of Jesus Christ in you. “I engage in this struggle. I press on toward the prize with hope because Jesus Christ lives in me.”

You believe in Christ. You know He has mighty power. But perhaps He seems like a friend far away. You feel defeated. You feel that you are fighting alone. You lose hope.

You need to hear the gospel. Jesus Christ is not saying to you, “I will be your powerful friend, but you need to fight your own battles.” He is saying, “I will engage in this fight with you. I will be your Saviour!”

Are you more likely to follow the “hard labour” or “no labour” or “gospel life” version of the Christian life?