Benefits of Suffering
Rom 5:3,4 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
In his parable of the sower Jesus describes the good soil in this way, "the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." Luke 8:15 Producing a good crop is partly a function of one's persevering. And with perseverance comes maturity.
The development of a proven character comes not so much from Bible study, but from enduring through the suffering associated with applying the Bible to life, whether it be the suffering associated with the exercise of self-control over the flesh, or from enduring the opposition from the world, or the spiritual attacks from the devil. It is inevitable that perseverance will be an issue in living the Christian life.
But with endurance comes a proven character, and the confidence and reputation which comes from such. Paul wrote of Timothy, "You know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel." Php 2:22
The Christian's hope is a function of how confident they are that they are a believer. So as Paul said, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you— unless, of course, you fail the test?" 2Cor 13:5, and as Jesus said, "Each tree is recognized by its own fruit." Lk 6:44, a proven character invokes Christian hope in that it gives the Christian the confidence that they are in fact a believer. Thus Paul said to the Thessalonians, "We know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction." 1Th 1:4,5 and he goes on to list the evidences of their being chosen, one of which he mentions, "You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering" 1Th 1:6a
The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources
Rom 5:3,4 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
In his parable of the sower Jesus describes the good soil in this way, "the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." Luke 8:15 Producing a good crop is partly a function of one's persevering. And with perseverance comes maturity.
The development of a proven character comes not so much from Bible study, but from enduring through the suffering associated with applying the Bible to life, whether it be the suffering associated with the exercise of self-control over the flesh, or from enduring the opposition from the world, or the spiritual attacks from the devil. It is inevitable that perseverance will be an issue in living the Christian life.
But with endurance comes a proven character, and the confidence and reputation which comes from such. Paul wrote of Timothy, "You know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel." Php 2:22
The Christian's hope is a function of how confident they are that they are a believer. So as Paul said, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you— unless, of course, you fail the test?" 2Cor 13:5, and as Jesus said, "Each tree is recognized by its own fruit." Lk 6:44, a proven character invokes Christian hope in that it gives the Christian the confidence that they are in fact a believer. Thus Paul said to the Thessalonians, "We know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction." 1Th 1:4,5 and he goes on to list the evidences of their being chosen, one of which he mentions, "You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering" 1Th 1:6a
The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources
