text: what does matt 11:12 mean exactly: the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force? this is quoted as a victory scripture and i believe it means that it takes some physical pain and effort in order to realize your position in the kingdom of god since the days back to john and jesus.  but the way many pastors and bible teachers use it, and never elaborate is confusing.  please answer if you have received a true understanding of this bible passage. thanks! the little understanding i have is that the devil wants to see our downfall and he's using any possible means to destroy us, therefore we must not rest on our ores, but must be prayerful, doing the will of god and staying in christ and living according to his purpose for our lives.  the devil knows our weaknesses and he will not resist the opportunity to use them against us.   christians must be more prayerful and not joke with their walk in christ because the devil is always attacking and trying to find means to destroy us.  it is those who will be forceful in prayers and their walk in christ that will inherit the kingdom of god.