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  UNSEEN REALITIES
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: A.W. Tozer explores the disadvantages of living a Christian
life while emphasizing the promise of eternal glory that outweighs
present sufferings.

Topics: "Spiritual Growth", "Faith Endurance"
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 9:24

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DESCRIPTION
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The preacher delves into the meaning of 'trecho,' which signifies moving
faster than a walk, making rapid linear movement, and figuratively, the
rapid propagation of doctrine. This term is used in the Bible to
describe exerting effort, striving hard, and spending strength to attain
a goal, emphasizing the preparation and effort necessary to run
spiritually. The sermon highlights the importance of running the race of
faith with endurance, striving to advance spiritually or intellectually,
and spreading the Word of God rapidly and without restraint.

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CONTENT
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Let us not be shocked by the suggestion that there are disadvantages to
the life in Christ. There most certainly are. Abel was murdered. Joseph
was sold into slavery, Daniel was thrown into the den of lions, Stephen
was stoned to death, Paul was beheaded, and a noble army of martyrs was
put to death by various painful methods down the long centuries. And
where the hostility did not lead to such violence (and mostly it did not
and does not) the sons of this world nevertheless managed to make it
tough for the children of God in a thousand cruel ways.

Everyone who has lived for Christ in a Christless world has suffered
some losses and endured some pains that he could have avoided by the
simple expedient of laying down his cross.

However, the pains are short and the losses inconsequential compared
with the glory that will follow, "For our light affliction, which is but
for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory" (2 Cor. 4:17). But while we are here among men with our sensitive
hearts exposed to the chilly blasts of the unbelieving and
uncomprehending world it is imperative that we take a realistic view of
things and learn how to deal with disadvantages. And it is important
that we tell the whole truth to those we are endeavoring to win.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/unseen-realities/
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