In this case, the “therefore” is there because of what preceded it in Hebrews chapter 11 which is what we call “The Hall of Faith.” This chapter is full of the testimonies of the Old Testament saints who had to endure severe trials but were still able to complete the race and make it across the finish line. One follows the other by necessity.Įndurance Produces Perseverance Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”Īnytime the word “therefore” is at the beginning of a sentence, we have to ask what is the therefore, there for. The same goes with the Christian who suffers. My suffering produced my endurance, my endurance produced character and this character created hope in my ability to finish the race. It gave me hope that I could endure the mile run and finish because I didn’t give up. This endurance produced character in me to not give up and this endurance that my character had developed through the sufferings gave me hope. I must admit that I have my weak moments and feel that I cannot go on so it is very difficult to imagine how we are supposed to “rejoice in our sufferings.” We can rejoice in them if we know that we are secure in the Lord ( John 10:28-29) and with the knowledge that our “suffering produces endurance.” When I was on the track team in high school, there was suffering during training when I got what the trainer called “shin splints.” These are actually tiny, hairline fractures in the bones and they were very painful but the continual running eventually built up the bones and I could endure the suffering because it produced a longer, stronger endurance in me. Those who stand “the test…will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” Suffering Produces Perseverance Romans 5:3-4 “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” We not only will have to endure “trials of various kinds” but we must “count it all joy.” The one who perseveres knows that “the testing of faith produces steadfastness.” When this “steadfastness its full effect…you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” None of us are perfect so when we examine the Greek word for “perfect” which is “teleios” we see that it means that our faith is “brought to its end” or “finished” which is what the word complete means in Greek “holokleros” or “complete in all parts” or “whole.” Just as metal is tested by fire and becomes stronger, so too is our faith tested and made stronger. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast (or perseveres) under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Steadfastness Produces Perseverance James 1:2-4, 12 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. They continue steadfast in their faith because their faith is not their own but in God and it is not the strength of their faith that allows them to endure but their faith is only as strong as the Object of their faith and that is Jesus Christ. That seems to fit nicely with the biblical definition of the perseverance of the saints of God who after being saved must endure many trials, tests, tribulations and persecution from non-believers. The definition of perseverance means that they have a determined continuation in something with a steady and continued action of belief that occurs over a long period of time amongst and despite especially difficult circumstances.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |