In Matthew 16:24-25,the Sixth Mark of the Lamb involves denying your selfish desires, being truly committed to doing God’s will even in the face of death, and never denying Him to save your life! We cannot love the world or people more than God! God expects us to pledge our whole existence to His service. (Matthew 22:37-40; cf. 1 John 2:3-6) If we try to save our physical life from death, pain, or discomfort, we begin to die spiritually and emotionally—selfishly turning inward and losing purpose. Life on earth is the introduction to eternity! How much we love God through Jesus will determine where we will spend eternity! (Cf. Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Corinthians 15:57-58) Boldly express Jesus to this world and He will confess you before His Father! (Matthew 10:28-39) Through godly living, we discover the blessings of heaven on earth. (Cf. Revelation 21: 3-4, 6-8, 22—22:3) In giving our life to Christ, we discover the real purpose for living—serving others! (1 John 3:10-23)
What will bring the largest, most valuable blessing in your entire life? As a disciple of Jesus in this life, we may be called to suffer for His sake. (1 Peter 4:12-19) We are blessed when we are persecuted for Jesus’ sake. (Matthew 5:10-12) In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, even though our body is dying, our inward man is being renewed every day when we are in God’s Word! (Cf. 2 Timothy 2:11-15) The trials of life make us stronger in the Lord and in the power of His might. (Ephesians 6:10-20) In 1 Peter 5:10 through trials, God will perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. Suffering unlocks God’s glory when God humbles us through trials which burns away life’s garbage that hinders us, leaving a solid foundation. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; Romans 8:16-18)
What does God want us to do with His Word?
(John 8:31b-32; James 1:21-27; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; 3:18; Jeremiah20:9; 23:29; cf. Acts 4:18-20; Matthew 7:21-27)
Why is God’s Word sweet and yet sour?
(1 Peter 2:4-10; cf. 2 Corinthians 2:14-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; Jeremiah 15:16; Ezekiel 3:3-4, 10-11; 17-21; Job 23:10-12; Revelation 10:8-10)