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Romans 5:3 – Joyful Tribulation

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Will

And not only that, but we also rejoice in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

Truth to Learn

We also rejoice in difficult times because these are the times when we learn to endure hardship.

Behind the Words

The Greek word that is translated “rejoice” in the current verse is the word kauchomai, which means “to boast (either in a good or a bad sense)” or “to rejoice.” In some translations it is written as “glory.” However, in the previous verse the word translated “glory” is a different Greek word. It is the word doxes, which primarily means “thought or opinion, especially favorable human opinion,” and thus in a secondary sense “reputation, praise or honor.” But the word in the previous verse that is translated “rejoice” is kauchomai, as it is here. Therefore, to be consistent in our translation, we see that the word which some translations have as “glory” in the current verse should be translated “rejoice.”

“Tribulations” is translated from thlipsis, which is derived from the verb thlibō, meaning “to crush, compress, or squeeze.” Hence, we can see that thlipsis refers to “pressure, affliction, distress, or tribulation.”

The word translated “perseverance” is hupomonē, which is made up of hupo (or hypo), meaning “under or beneath” and a form of menō, which means “to stay or to remain.” It is a picture of a beast of burden who, when loaded with a heavy burden, remains under the load. That is, he perseveres under the load with patience.

Meaning Explained

Paul now tells us that not only do we rejoice in our confident expectation of standing in the glory of God one day, but we also rejoice in afflictions.

But that doesn’t make sense, does it? When we are in the midst of tribulation, do we feel like rejoicing? No! But Paul says that we should. Why? Because when we are undergoing trials and tribulations and we realize that Jesus went through even greater trials and tribulation (leading up to and while on the cross), we can identify with Him and gain some comfort in the fact that He knows what we are going through. This, then, helps us endure the tribulation, and by enduring it we learn patience.

Patience is one of those things that everyone wants to have without having to earn it. Unfortunately, though, patience can only be learned and fully developed under trying circumstances, and even then only by trusting in God to carry us through. James teaches us a very similar thing regarding trials which test our faith:

My brothers, consider it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the proving of your faith brings about patience. (James 1:2-3)

The word translated “patience” in James’ letter is the same word as the one translated “perseverance” in today’s verse.

Application

Beware of asking God for patience unless you’re really serious. God may very well give it to you by giving you trying or distressing situations through which you will develop patience, if you remain under the load.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:6 – Self-control, Perseverance, & Godliness

Posted on March 22, 2017 by Will

and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

Truth to Learn

With hard work we can develop a more Christ-like character.

Behind the Words

The word translated “self-control” (‘temperance” in some translations) is engkratia. This is a compound word made up of en, meaning “in” and a form of kratos, meaning “power or strength.” Some, today, equate this with refraining from the use of alcoholic beverages. That is not specifically what this word means. It refers to the ability to have “inward control.” In other words, controlling ourselves in whatever we allow ourselves to do in the sight of God.

“Perseverance” is translated from the Greek word hupomonē. This also is a compound word that is made up of hupo (or hypo), meaning “under” and meno, which means “to abide” or “to remain.” This is a picture of a beast of burden that remains under a load in spite of the weight.

The word “godliness” is from the Greek word eusebeia. This is another compound word made up or eu meaning “good” and a form of sebomai, which means “to worship” or “to revere.” Hence, eusebeia refers to a person who is devout, pious, and fully committed to God.

Meaning Explained

Continuing on from the last verse, you will remember that Peter is admonishing us to apply all diligence, that is to work hard and work consistently, to developing certain qualities or characteristics in our Christian faith. In the last verse we were told to increase in morality and knowledge (of God and what He has done for us). In today’s verse Peter adds three more things that we are to work hard at developing in ourselves. Let’s look at these three things.

The first of these is self-control. I like the way that Adam Clarke described this word:

It is a proper and limited use of all earthly enjoyments, keeping every sense under proper restraints, and never permitting the animal part to subjugate the rational.

The second thing we are told to develop in today’s verse is perseverance. As we develop self-control, the temptation or pressure lasts longer and we need to continue to endure it, to persevere. Like a beast of burden, we are to remain under whatever load God has placed on us without complaining. It means patience or endurance with regard to situations or circumstances, not letting yourself lose control or lose faith.

The third thing we are to develop is godliness. As we learn to persevere, we experience more of the unfaltering love that God has for us. From this personal experience we become more devout and committed to Him. This godliness refers not just to the outward show of piety, but loving and magnifying God in our hearts. This godliness begins on the inside with a deepened, total commitment to God and then evidences itself in all of our deeds and actions.

Application

Self-control, perseverance, and godliness are three essential parts of any Christian’s character. And, they come not by simply letting them happen, but by diligent, hard work.

Are you up to the challenge?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 6:18 – Perpetual Persistent Prayer

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Will

Through all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the Spirit, and in this, being watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Truth to Learn

Prayer is important in spiritual battles and at every other time.

Behind the Words

“Praying” is from the Greek verb proseuchomai, which is made up of pros, meaning “to” or “toward” and euchomai, meaning “to vocally express a wish or a vow.” Proseuchomai means “to pray to God.” It is a generic term for praying.

The word “always” is translated from en panti kairō, which literally means “in all seasons” or “at all times.”

The word “supplication” is translated from deēsis, which is derived from the verb deomai, meaning “to make known a particular need.” Deēsis is sometimes used in reference to a prayer in general, but it typically refers to a specific petition or request for oneself or for others.

Agrupneō is the word translated “being watchful.” It is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of hupnos, meaning “to sleep.” So, literally this word means “without sleep,” but figuratively it means “to be watchful and attentive to possible danger.” It is a picture of a watchman who is alert and watching out for danger while everyone else is asleep.”

“Perseverance” is from proskartereō. This is made up of pros, meaning “to or toward” and kartereō, meaning “to endure.” Proskartereō means “to remain steadfast and faithful.”

Meaning Explained

Paul now seems to abruptly switch from spiritual battles to the believer’s prayer life. Actually, the change is not as abrupt as it may first appear. He recognizes that prayer is vitally important in the midst of spiritual battles. However, prayer is just as important for every other aspect of the Christian walk, so Paul uses the subject of prayer to bring his teaching to a close.

First, he teaches us when to pray (in all seasons). In other words, even though we may end each individual prayer with “amen,” our attitude of prayer continues. In 1Corinthians 5:17, he teaches us to “pray continually.” Our minds and spirits should always have an open connection with God. Next, Paul tells us that we should pray with all kinds of prayer, making known all kinds of needs. There is nothing so insignificant that it should not be prayed about. Our prayers should always be “in the Spirit.” This means that we need to be “in tune” with the Spirit of God, sensitive to His leading, submitted to His will, allowing the Spirit to intercede for us when we don’t know how we ought to pray.

“Being watchful” is probably in reference to spiritual attacks from our enemy. We need to be ever on our guard, so that we can bathe each skirmish in prayer. Paul then tells us that we need to remain steadfast and faithful in our prayer life, not just for our own battles, but for all Christians.

Years ago, as a young Christian, I knew an older woman who not only prayed constantly about just about everything, she unabashedly prayed out loud regarding her needs. I remember taking her to a meeting and being a little startled when she began openly sharing with God our need for a good parking place so that we wouldn’t have to carry a couple of young children very far. No sooner had she prayed than we spotted a parking spot directly in front of our destination.

Application

Prayer is so easy, yet at times it’s hard to do. It is nothing more than talking to God, yet it is easy to forget about in all the busyness of our lives. Some people set aside a specific time of the day to pray, while others endeavor to talk to God all day long. What do you do to continually talk with the One who has already given you more than you could ever ask for?

In God's service, for His glory,

James 5:11 – Blessed Endurance

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Will

Indeed we count blessed those who are enduring. You heard of the perseverance of Job and saw the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

Truth to Learn

Enduring hardship is not easy, but it will be rewarding.

Behind the Words

The expression “count blessed” is from the Greek word makaridzō, a verb form of the noun makarios, meaning “possessing the favor of God” or “blessed.” Hence, the word makaridzō means “to declare someone’s blessedness because of God’s favor shown to them.”

The words “enduring” and “perseverance” are both forms of hupomonē, which we saw earlier meaning “to remain under.” It is the picture of a beast of burden that faithfully remains under a burdensome, heavy load even when tempted to dump the load. Hence, hupomonē means “to patiently endure.”

“Very compassionate” is translated from polusplagchnos, made up of polus, meaning “much” and splagchnon, which literally refers to “the bowels.” Though it may sound strange to our way of thinking, in the first century it was thought that the bowels, the intestines, were the seat of our emotions and it was from our “gut” that we expressed our love and compassion. Indeed, science has recently discovered that the cell structure of our intestines are closely linked to our brain cells and that they are, in fact, at least partially responsible for our emotional response.

The word “merciful” is from the Greek oiktirmōn. This is the adjective form of oikteirō, which refers to showing a sympathetic feeling of pity or compassion. Oiktirmōn and splagchnon are very closely related words, both expressing sympathy and concern for a loved one.

Meaning Explained

James has been speaking of enduring trials and persevering patiently. Here he says that those who endure are counted happy (or blessed because of God’s favor shown to them). Earlier James said,

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for having been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12)

Knowing that they shall receive such a reward, James says we count them as blessed already.

Here he now gives us an example, that of Job. The expression, “and saw the end intended by the Lord” is thought by some to refer to the death of Christ. That, however, does not fit with the point that James is making here (that of compassion and mercy toward those who endure). Instead, this expression most likely refers to the end state of Job provided by the Lord, showing His compassion and tender mercy toward Job for his patient suffering. James uses this to encourage us as we, too, endure times of trial and learn patience in the midst of suffering.

James’ point is that this end state of Job, the fact that his health, his wealth, and most importantly his family were restored to him was a blessing. And, if we patiently endure to the end, we will be blessed by God as well.

Application

Does this now make the trial you are enduring seem less burdensome? It should! Dear brother or sister in Christ, you are loved by the God of all creation. He cares dearly about you and wants to bless you, even in the midst of the current hardship you are going through. Hang in there and give Him praise!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 6:18 – Perpetual Persistent Prayer

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Will

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Truth to Learn

Prayer is important in spiritual battles and at every other time.

Behind the Words

The word “always” is translated from en panti kairō, which literally means “in all seasons” or “at all times.”

Meaning Explained

First, he teaches us when to pray (in all seasons). In other words, even though we end each individual prayer with “amen,” our attitude of prayer continues. In 1Corinthians 5:17, he teaches us to “pray continually.” Our minds and spirits should always have an open connection with God. Next, Paul tells us that we should pray with all kinds of prayer, making known all kinds of needs. There is nothing so insignificant that it should not be prayed about. Our prayers should always be “in the Spirit.” This means that we need to be “in tune” with the Spirit of God, sensitive to His leading, submitted to His will, allowing the Spirit to intercede for us when we don’t know how we ought to pray.

Application

Prayer is so easy, yet at times it’s hard to do. It is nothing more than talking to God, yet it is easy to forget about in all the busyness of our lives. Some people set aside a specific time of the day to pray while others endeavor to talk to God all day long. What do you do to continually talk with the One who has already given you more than you could ever ask for?

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 8:25 – Patience and Perseverance

Posted on June 22, 2010 by Will

Romans 8:25 – Patience and Perseverance

But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

Truth to Learn

We patiently endure our trials through faith in God’s promise.

Behind the Words

The words “eagerly wait for” are translated from the Greek word apekdechomai. This is a double compound word made up of apo, meaning “from” but used here as an intensifier, ek which means “out” or “out of,” and deckomai, which means “to receive.” Hence, apokdechomai means “to eagerly or earnestly expect that something is going to be received.”

“Perseverance” is from hupomonē, which is made up of hupo (or hypo), meaning “under or beneath” and a form of menō, which means “to stay or to remain.” It is a picture of a beast of burden who, when loaded with a heavy burden, remains under the load. That is, he perseveres under the load with patience.

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse we spoke about the word “hope” being not just an earnest desire but also the expectation that the object of the desire will come to pass. Paul said that our salvation, which in God’s record book has already taken place, is manifest to us with the full expectation that it will be consummated at the end of these last times. But he also makes another statement about this salvation in hope. It is not seen and it is not fully obtained now. If we have something that we can see and touch, then there is no hope, or expectation of it.

Now allow me to open up the word elpis a little more. It is often translated as “hope,” but it is also frequently translated as “faith.” In the first part of the previous verse Paul said that “we are saved by (or in) faith (hope).” In Ephesians 2:8 Paul said “For by grace you are saved through faith.” It is this faith, this hope, this belief that God will do what he promised He would do at the end of the age that allows us to persevere. Faith is the instrument as well as evidence of our salvation.

We have to accept God’s promise on faith alone, because we don’t have visible, concrete proof of it right now. All we have is the promise and the seal of that promise in the form of the Holy Spirit living in us, and even He (the Holy Spirit) is unseen and untouchable for now.

In today’s verse Paul says that if we have faith (hope) in God’s promise, then we can eagerly wait for it with patience, knowing in our innermost parts that God will do for us just as He promised. There are some today who insist on concrete proof for everything. They will never be saved because we are saved through faith, not through proof. That’s why we as Christians often say that “believing is seeing,” not “seeing is believing.”

Application

In verse eighteen Paul said our current sufferings are not even worthy of comparison to the glory that will be revealed in us. Now he has shown us that through genuine faith we can endure these sufferings because we have faith that it will be over some day and we will receive the richest blessings of God when our salvation is consummated. I think it’s time for a prayer of thanksgiving, don’t you?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 5:4 – Rejoice in Hope

Posted on February 1, 2010 by Will

Romans 5:4

and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Truth to Learn

Difficulties should give us hope and assurance of our salvation.

Behind the Words

“Character” is translated from the Greek word dokimē, which is derived from the verb dokimadzō, meaning “to test for the purpose of finding good.” It is the word used of testing gold to ascertain its value. Hence, dokimē refers to the quality that a person has after they have been tested and proven to be good or worthy. In that sense it means “proof of genuineness, trustworthiness or character (as it is translated here).”

This word “hope” is from a Greek word that we have looked at recently. It is the word elpida, which is a form of elpis, meaning “the desire of obtaining something good with the full expectation of obtaining it.” It is the type of hope that Christians have of being resurrected to eternal life. We certainly desire it and we have full expectation that it will happen because God has promised it to us.

Meaning Explained

Paul has been describing for us the effects of the justification we have through grace. One effect is that we have peace with God. Another is that we have access into grace, that is the throne of grace and the eternal effects of grace by which we have access to the mercy and presence of God. Also, because of our justification by grace, we rejoice in tribulation, which produces patience in us.

Paul now tells us that the patience we develop in times of tribulation, as it gets reinforced over and over again, produces character. Patiently enduring tribulation is a proof to us that the righteousness that God has bestowed on us is genuine.

This character, or proof of genuineness, then creates hope in us. Hence, the patient enduring of tribulation produces a proof of the genuineness of our faith (our righteousness) and knowing that this is genuine, we have a confident expectation that what God has promised He will certainly do.

If you think about it, believing His promise is what we did initially that resulted in God declaring us righteous. So, patiently enduring tribulation strengthens our faith. That’s why we can rejoice in tribulation! It is through tribulation and trials that our faith grows and we are being made more Christ-like.

In a sense, the trials that continually come our way are a confirmation that our salvation is real. And, as we encounter trials, we turn to our Heavenly Father for strength and wisdom, thus drawing us closer to Him. God does not isolate His children from difficulties; He graciously allows trials to help us grow.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul tells us that God will continue His work on us until the day He comes back:

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6)

Application

The next time you go through a difficult situation (perhaps it’s right now), be patient. Give thanks to God that He loves you and wants you to grow stronger, becoming more like Christ. And, when these trials come, rejoice!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 5:3 – Joyful Tribulation

Posted on January 31, 2010 by Will

Romans 5:3

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

Truth to Learn

We also rejoice in difficult times because these are the times when we learn to endure hardship.

Behind the Words

The Greek word that is translated “glory” in the current verse is the word kauchomai, which means “to boast (either in a good or a bad sense)” or “to rejoice.” However, in the previous verse the word translated “glory” is a different Greek word. It is the word doxes, which primarily means “thought or opinion, especially favorable human opinion,” and thus in a secondary sense “reputation, praise or honor.” But the word in the previous verse that is translated “rejoice” is kauchomai. Therefore, to be consistent in our translation, we see that the word “glory” in the current verse should probably be translated “rejoice.”

Meaning Explained

Paul now tells us that not only do we rejoice in our confident expectation of standing in the glory of God one day, but we also glory or rejoice in afflictions.

So, what Paul is saying in this verse is that we rejoice in tribulation, distress, or affliction. But that doesn’t make sense, does it? When we are in the midst of tribulation, do we feel like rejoicing? No! But Paul says that we should. Why? Because when we are undergoing trials and tribulations and we realize that Jesus went through even greater trials and tribulation (leading up to and while on the cross), we can identify with Him and gain some comfort in the fact that He knows what we are going through. This, then, helps us endure the tribulation, and by enduring it we learn patience.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. (James 1:2-3)

The word translated “patience” in James is the same word as the one translated “perseverance” in today’s verse.

Application

Beware of asking God for patience unless you’re really serious. God may very well give it to you by taking you through trying or distressing situations through which you will develop patience if you remain under the load.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

2 Peter 1:6 – Self-control, Perseverance, & Godliness

Posted on April 1, 2009 by admin

2 Peter 1:6

and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

Truth to Learn

With hard work we can develop a more Christ-like character.

Behind the Words

Meaning Explained

The first of these is self-control. I like the way that Adam Clarke described this word:

It is a proper and limited use of all earthly enjoyments, keeping every sense under proper restraints, and never permitting the animal part to subjugate the rational.

Application

Self-control, perseverance, and godliness are three essential parts of any Christian’s character. And, they come not by simply letting them happen, but by diligent, hard work.

Are you up to the challenge?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –