Travail Again

This sermon addresses the urgent spiritual need for the body of Christ to "travail again," drawing from Paul’s message in Galatians 4:19. The speaker emphasizes that receiving salvation is merely the birth of an infant Christian, and the church must engage in renewed, agonizing spiritual labor—much like childbirth—until Christ is fully developed in every believer. This labor involves fervent intercessory prayer and dedicated discipleship to prevent new converts from sliding back into the world or falling into the trap of legalism, which relies on human effort rather than God’s grace. True spiritual maturity is not automatic; it is a progressive transformation from "glory to glory" that requires a sustained burden for the souls of others.

The speaker highlights that the church is often to blame when believers backslide, as it reflects a failure to stand in the gap and intercede until the work of transformation is complete. Practical implications include moving beyond social gatherings to become a house of intense, tireless prayer and transitioning believers into disciplined followers of Christ. The central goal is for the church to reach the "unity of the faith" and the "fullness of Christ," setting aside denominational competition. Believers are urged to pray for the spirit of wisdom and revelation, asking God to grant them the strength to labor for others until they are presented perfect and fully mature in Christ.