In the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God, believers are called to diligent effort and perseverance. The book of Hebrews encourages rest in God's promise, yet also acknowledges the need to strive to enter that rest, as seen in Hebrews 4:9-11. Jesus teaches the importance of striving to enter the narrow gate in Luke 13:24, while Paul exhorts Timothy to be a diligent worker in 2 Timothy 2:15, and notes the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit in Romans 8:7 and Galatians 5:22-23. Through such striving, believers can cultivate the fruit of the Spirit and grow in their walk with God.
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There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience.
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.
Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.
because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”