Spiritual Vigilance Part 4 – Resorting to God
Lecture Summary
The lecture speaks about the importance of resorting to God in spiritual struggle, and that a person cannot overcome sin or weaknesses by his own power alone, but needs the help of God and the work of His grace within him. Pope Shenouda III explains that many people become spiritually tired because they struggle alone away from God, so they fall into despair and frustration.
Struggling with God and not without Him
Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that spiritual struggle without prayer and without the fellowship of the Holy Spirit becomes a tiring struggle full of failure. Therefore, a person must bring God into every detail of his life, and continually ask for His help, because the Lord Christ said: “Without Me you can do nothing.”
Strong Prayer and Clinging to God
The teaching explains that true prayer is not merely words, but a spiritual struggle and clinging to God with persistence and trust. A person should cry out to God asking for salvation and help, like Jacob who said: “I will not leave You unless You bless me.” This prayer filled with faith is what gives strength for victory over sin.
The Work of God in Human Life
The lecture confirms that God is not far from man, but works in him, leads him, and grants him victory. God is the One who purifies the heart, renews the spirit, raises the fallen, and seeks the lost like the Good Shepherd. Therefore, a person should not depend on his self-righteousness or his own strength.
The Danger of Depending on the Self
Pope Shenouda III warns against spiritual pride and attempting repentance or reform away from God, because Satan is stronger than man alone. But the one who clings to God and asks for His grace receives strength, peace, and hope.
The True Christian Life
The lecture explains that Christian life is not merely commandments or spiritual exercises, but a true fellowship with God. God wants to participate with man in his daily life, and to work with him and in him continually, so that his life may become a life of victory, joy, and peace.
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