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rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Hope, patience, and steadfastness can be ours in Christ.<\/p>\n \u201cRejoicing<\/span>\u201d is translated from chairontes<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto be full of cheer,\u201d or \u201cto be calmly happy.\u201d<\/p>\n The word \u201chope<\/span>\u201d is from elpis<\/em><\/span>, which means, \u201can earnest desire, and the expectation of obtaining the object of that desire.\u201d It is not an uncertainty that we hope will come to pass; it implies a clear expectation that it will happen.<\/p>\n The word translated \u201caffliction<\/span>\u201d is a form of the Greek word thlipsis<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto press, squeeze, or crush.\u201d It refers to those times when we are under pressure or affliction.<\/p>\n \u201cPatient<\/span>\u201d is from a form of hupomon\u0113<\/em><\/span>, which is made up of hupo<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cunder or beneath\u201d and a form of men\u014d<\/em><\/span>, which means \u201cto remain.\u201d So literally it means \u201cto remain under.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The word translated \u201ccontinuing steadfastly<\/span>\u201d is proskartere\u014d<\/em><\/span>. This is made up of pros<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto or towards\u201d and kartere\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto endure.\u201d It literally means \u201cto stay where you are.\u201d As Paul uses it here, it means \u201cto stay in an attitude and practice of prayer.\u201d<\/p>\n In this verse, like the previous verse, Christians are told how to behave in life. Paul starts off with \u201crejoicing in hope<\/span>.\u201d We have a hope of eternal glory that the unsaved don\u2019t have. We know that there is a future state in which we will live with our Savior, where there will be no more tears, pain, or suffering. It is this future hope of glory that Paul reminds us of, telling us to rejoice in hope.<\/p>\n Paul\u2019s next admonition is to be \u201cpatient in tribulation.<\/span>\u201d When we are under pressure or affliction, we want to take matters into our own hands, causing us to respond inappropriately. Instead, we need to \u201cremain under control\u201d or \u201cremain under the authority and leadership of our Lord.\u201d We need to remain submitted to Him and committed to doing His will, not our own.<\/p>\n Finally, Paul tells us we need to be \u201ccontinuing steadfastly in prayer.<\/span>\u201d No matter what happens, whether in good times or bad, whether in sickness or health, whether in joy or in sorrow, we need to consistently be in the attitude and practice of prayer with our God.<\/p>\n God does not intend for our Christian lives to be ones in which we are on a journey by ourselves calling upon our Father whenever we have troubles. Instead, He wants us to be on a journey with Him as our constant companion and guide, talking (praying) about everything with Him as we experience it; asking questions as we go, sharing our joys with Him, and seeking comfort in our sorrows. This is the kind of personal relationship God wants with each one of us.<\/p>\n How is your journey in life going? Perhaps your path is rocky and difficult right now. Are you patiently enduring it? Are you going it alone, or do you have your guide walking with you and leading the way? And, are you carrying on a constant conversation with your guide?<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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