Justification of Christ leads to peace with God. It is by him (alone) we are granted faith that saves us. Merit and human self-righteousness does not make this possible, but only by God’s grace do we have saving faith by which we can have joy in God for his tender mercies. Because of these truths, Paul reminds us that we have a reason to rejoice (also) in our sufferings for the name of Jesus. Remember, Jesus taught that a life in him would consist of trials and tribulations (Jn 16:33). Further, God is not arbitrary in how he designs seasons of adversity in our lives, for they have a primary purpose of building spiritual maturity and strengthening our faith. More specially, Paul teaches:
“…suffering produces endurance [perseverance]…” How does this take place? It first starts with a recognition of our weaknesses and inability when troubles enter our lives. It is when we remember that God magnifies his power through our weaknesses shall we then seek him for help. In acknowledging our need for him, it is here we receive strength to endure. Our faith is strengthened, thus, our suffering has brought about perseverance. Dependance grants us access to the stores of God’s strength.
“…endurance produces character…” Persevering trial has a purifying effect on spiritual maturity. To endure hard things it causes us to shed worthless beliefs and behaviors in our lives (which is like carrying dead weight) that hinder us from reaching our goal. When we endure by God’s strength we grow in godliness. In other words, God proves our character within difficulty that faith (which is like gold) shall emerge and shine to his glory in our lives (1 Pt 1:6-7). The prophet Zechariah spoke of God’s sanctifying work in his people (Zech 13:9, cf., Ps 66-10-12), “And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested…”
“…character produces hope…” When we have endured God’s seasons of testing, we shall experience a confidence (and reminder) that the glory we hope for will someday be ours. Character that has successfully sustained a fiery test strengthens our hope.
It is through the fire we come to realize that we have not hoped in vain. For we shall not experience God’s love meted out to us in rations, but that which overflows from heaven out unto our life of God here in the earth, thus Paul concludes, “and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has given to us.”
Remember, God is not overly-concerned about our sense of comfort at the expense of spiritual maturity. Embrace the process with your focus on the Provider. He is faithfully working for your good and his glory. Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com