Sin No More

John 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: SIN NO MORE, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and SIN NO MORE.

I truly wonder if we are going to strive to this point. Often I hear the excuse, "We sin and fail because we're human." or "Look past my faults and see my needs"

I don't want to live off the excuse that I'm human, I want to live on the fact that I am a new creature in Christ, old things are passed away, behold all things are new.
Amen that he's an advocate with the Father, but amen to the fact that Jesus Christ is coming back for a bride without spot, without wrinkle and without blemish.



He never said, "Go forth and sin less", He said "Go forth and SIN NO MORE."

May God give us the grace to seek His face and measure up to what He has called us to be.
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Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 2 Timothy 2:19-21

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Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1 John 3:2-9

Peace with the world or peace with God?

Matthew 10:32-39  Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.  33  But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.  34  Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.  35  For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.  36  And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.  37  He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.  38  And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.  39  He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Mark 8:36-38  For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  37  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?  38  Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

 John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

John 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

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As much as I would love to have world peace, I know that this isn't, at this present age, what the gospel is given to us for. It's not to have peace in the world or a trouble free life. It's to have peace with God.

James 4:4  Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Every Christian will go through some form of tribulation, trouble or trials. Not all things will go smooth sailing, maybe for some of us, we'll have a life full of trouble but if we have peace with God, then He gives us the strength to go through every single one of them.

So if someone preaches to you and tells you God wants you to have your best life now or a purpose driven life or how to have good self-esteem in our faith... that's not what the Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches.

It teaches that we may have our worst life now, maybe as you walk with God those around you may believe you have no relevant purpose to society, self-denial.

2 Timothy 3:10-12  But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,  11  Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.  12  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Holiness is what it's all about. Giving up on what we want to accomplish for us, and finding out what God wants to accomplish in us.

Some of us have tried so hard to follow God and maybe are discouraged. Maybe we feel like, "God why am I so sinful? Why did you save me? I'm not strong enough to endure... "

And the truth is not that we have gotten weaker, but in a sense we have come to realize just how weak we are without Jesus.
It shows a repentant heart. And from my experience feeling discouraged at times, it's better to have a heart that recognizes sins and weaknesses with a willingness to keep pushing, than to accept it as something we'll never get over and give in to it.

I encourage you, even if you have to fast and pray in the week, just get closer to God. We've all been so preoccupied with so many other things, so lets just run to Him, and unload the burdens we may have been to proud to admit even to ourselves. It may just be that God will have to break some of us to realize just how useless we are without Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:12-16  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  13  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  14  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  15  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.  16  Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Jesus went through hardships, the apostles went through hardships, the first time believers went through it too, so we really shouldn't be surprised when it happens to us.

So in your tough times, make sure you have peace with God. It's not about world peace. The world is passing away one day, you know?

1 John 2:15-17  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  17  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Don't be afraid to encourage those around you, they very well may need it more than you know. Just like you may have need to read this. God bless!

Gold Tried By Fire

Hebrews 12:11-17  Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.  12  Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;  13  And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.  14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:  15  Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;  16  Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.  17  For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

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Perspective has a lot to do with how we think, and how we face our challenges in walk the of faith. Now, we could go through hard things in life and complain (like the children of Israel going through the wilderness) or we could look at it the way God sees it and declares it in His Word.

In a majority of Hebrew 12 it speaks of God disciplining his children. A good father will discipline His children, because he want's what is best for the child, else the child continues in foolishness.
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Proverbs 13:24  He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

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It's strange that contrary to the scriptures, it's now passed off that it is wrong to beat our children for the sake of discipline. Now it seems only necessary to "ground" them. But my observation of society tells me that method is not working, as effectively as what God shows here. Any righteous loving parent will do what it takes to set their child on the path of righteousness, even if some tears are shed.

God does the same. Consider all that Job went through. He lost his property, servants, livestock, and children; even his health.
Was it because of sin? No but because God wanted to prove Job.

God will prove us too. He will discipline us so that we cease from evil, learn patience, bare the fruits of righteousness and be more dependent on Him.

Consider the trials you have been through, how, if you waited patiently and endured through it, you became stronger with faith in the power that Jesus Christ has to keep you. However if you didn't learn your lesson, you may have faced another problem quite similar.

If you fail a test you'll have to take it again. It is to test to see if you have learned to endure.
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James 5:7-11  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.  8  Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.  9  Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.  10  Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.  11  Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

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Jesus came and also went through trials, even to death because our sins put Him on that tree.
I really want others who believe in the health, wealth and prosperity gospel to get this one thing:

Salvation isn't about having your best life now with all that the world can give you. It's about living for Jesus Christ in holiness whether in abundance or in lack. In John 15, before His betrayal, Jesus Christ said this to his disciples:
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John 15:7-11  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.  8  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.  9  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.  10  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.  11  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Christ said many things of the wickedness of this world and the trial and the temptation, the importance of abiding in Him and the blessings His Father has in store for those that love Him, so that their joy might be full. There is joy in serving Jesus Christ.

Patiently wait on the Lord. Consider what Christ had to go through for us, look at all the prophets of old who suffered for the sake of God and were willing.
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James 1:2-4  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  3  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  4  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Romans 8:28-39  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  29  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  30  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.  34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.  35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  36  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Job 13:15  Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

God loves you. He knows what's best.

Without Blemish

Ephesians 5:26-27 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

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Imagine having a beautiful white robe and this is given to you as a free gift. Most of us know how hard it is to wash white clothes. The Christian walk has a great reward for those who do the will of God AND keeps himself pure and unspotted from the world. Just like clean whites, on spot, blemish or wrinkle can ruin the entire look.

James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

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It's not only doing all the good deeds but also avoiding the way the world walks. God has a standard and the common place "God understands" won't cut it. Can't have God and the world. Either Love God and reject worldliness or Love the world and reject godliness.

NO HALF WAY HOUSE!

1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

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The scriptures do not say "the love of the Father is not fully in him", it says it's not there. How do you know you really know God?
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1 John 2:3-6 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

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A Christian walks like Jesus. Not a rapper, or a DJ or pop-culture, insurance broker, new age philospher. They walk how Christ walked. That's as simple as it gets. A Christian imitates Jesus. "What did Jesus do? I want to be just like him." 

It's not just about outward appearance either. What is in our hearts? Do we look Christian and do Christian around our peers. What about alone time? What do we take into our hearts and minds? Does it bring it closer to God or does it feed the flesh?

Philippians 4:8-9  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  9  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Unfortunately we've gotten to the point where to cater to membership or exuberant church sizes (God be praise where there is a church who rejects all worldliness, and maintains a large size. We rarely, if ever hear of these), we promote something that is not all Jesus... oh no, we add some materialism to it. Touch it up with some of the current trends and fashion and we get "Come just as you are... no need to change... too much..."

Reminds me of all the "AWESOME WONDERFUL MINISTRIES" that are out there. They give to the poor, they preach messages that reach millions, heal the sick and cast out devils ALL in the name of Jesus Christ.

It's amazing and wonderful, GLORY to GOD... But here's what Jesus said... and I want us to seriously ponder on it...

Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

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Picture the millions of self-proclaimed Christians in the world. Only a FEW will enter...

Matthew 7:13-20 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

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How do we know that the preachers in front of us are sheep or wolves? Observe their works... do they speak the truth? Are we convinced in our heart that they do? Or is the word of God our FINAL authority?
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You will NOT know a preacher speaks the truth unless he speaks the Word of God. 
How do you know he speaks the Word of God? You have to read it for yourself. Be a BEREAN. Examine the scripture daily to see if these things they preach are so. Don't take my word for it. Look into things yourself.

Do the messages they preach make you comfortable or do they help you to understand just how serious this walk is?

There is NO DOUBLE STANDARD when it comes to God. 

He loves us, He really does. But how will we respond to that love? Accept His ways or choose ours?
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Deuteronomy 30:19-20 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

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If I remember correctly, the same God of grace and mercy now, is the same God of justice and truth then. God doesn't change. There is mercy to them that fear Him. He's still slow to wrath and plentious in mercy.
I know we're not perfect but He still has a standard. It's really by His mercies why we eat and breath everyday

But when He executes judgement on that final day... no man can stand up before Him and say it was unfair. God bless.

Seek the Old Path

I would urge anyone, EVERYONE to read your Bibles. I don't care what you believe or your religion, denomination and organization but if what you believe, your interpretation or what your church teaches does not equal to the teachings of the Scriptures there are grave consequences to face on the day of judgment.
This is no laughing matter. If you interpret the scriptures to please yourself or to please others, you certainly are not pleasing God.

2 Peter 1:19-21 KJV

19  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:20  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.21  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Just read the scriptures for yourself. Remove your own preconceived ideas and just read it to learn. This is your life and salvation and truth are in the pages.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

There are of false doctrines in the world even among 'Christian" circles. Everyone wants to believe they are right but look into it for yourself.

Proverbs 14:12, 16:25 KJV

12  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Read 2 Corithians 11:1 - 4, Galatians 1: 6 - 9

This is what can be noticed with doctrines that are not the truth. They either add to the Word of take away from it.
I say this because I lived the experience of not knowing the scriptures for myself, not being able to defend my faith from the Scriptures. The Bible.
If you want the truth look into it and don't just select things here and there. Take it as a whole. God has not changed. He is still righteous. He still executes judgment, and he is still merciful to those who would humble themselves before him, on HIS terms not yours. He made us not the other way around.

Jeremiah 6:16 KJV

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Don't be ignorant, time is short and I even fear for myself but I want to enter into the Kingdom of God. I certainly hope that you will too.

Deuteronomy 12:32 KJV

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

The command in the Old Testament is also in the New.

Revelation 22:17-21 KJV

17  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.18  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:19  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.20  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.21  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

God bless.

No respecter of persons

"God is no respecter of persons."

It is a profound statement that really need to understand (I speak for myself also).
Now in our day and age position and prestige are revered and preferred above the regular man.
The kings and the queens, prince and princesses; all the royalties will be given the high esteem.

The same for our education and governments goes. Well of course the scriptures do tell us to respect and give honour those that are in power over the land. The three Hebrew boys in the land of Babylon had respect unto king Nebuchadnezzar, even though he was in the wrong. This is how it is in the world.

The church is to be different. Do we give preference over certain brethren? Do we prefer the well off one's that God has bless financially, or do have an equal love for the brethren?

James 2:1-9 KJV

1  My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.2  For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;3  And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:4  Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?5  Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?6  But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?7  Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?8  If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:9  But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

We can easily fall into this mess. The scriptures say it is  SIN to do this. This shows we in heart love one brethren and hate the other. 

1 John 3:14-18 KJV

14  We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
15  Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
16  Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17  But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Originally I wanted to point out something brother Paul had said, and I'm going to.

Paul we know was a faithful apostle, and great preacher, and man willing to suffer all manner of persecution for the church's sake so that they would be spotless at the coming of Christ.

Here's one thing that Paul did not do. He did not exempt himself from the possible wrath of God. He always encouraged that those who are faithful will inherit the Kingdom of God, but those that live in sin will be destroyed in God's wrath.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV

24  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

It's a sobering conclusion he makes. Paul could preach all he wanted, healed and evangelized, don't might miracles for thousands and started dozens of churches in his ministry, and all these are good things, but, if he lived a life of sin hidden from everyone else, his efforts to please the Lord, would be in vain.

Are we living in sin? Is it a secret to everyone else, yet we allow it to overtake us. Be forewarned. If we don't overcome it through the grace that has been given to us and justify until we don't see it as a sin, will be cast into the lake of fire, because we didn't wholeheartedly serve God.

2 Peter 2:20-22 KJV

20  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.21  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.22  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Jesus Christ pointed it out in the sermon of the mount.

Matthew 7:21-23 KJV

21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

The Lord Jesus Christ, he will never through a righteous man into destruction only the wicked will go there.
These people did miracles and preached and in the end they won't inherit the righteous's reward. It says MANY. No doubt some of them will be well known and highly esteemed. They could be in your church too or you could be one of them with positions in the church. 

I urge you to examine your heart, your soul, your intentions, everything. Plead for mercy and grace to overcome. The time is short and wickedness abounds.

It may sound harsh to some but it's a hard truth I've accepted. You should too. God uses two methods I realize to save people. He will encourage you as you follow Him and He will chastise you if you seem to veer off the path to turn from Him.

Consider my words as I do the same. May Jesus Christ truly help us.