“ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; “
Let’s continue.
“ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: ”
The Greek word “ kauchometha “ translated “ we glory “ means to vaunt, either in a good or bad sense, boast, joy, glory, rejoice. It means to brag about.
Incredible!
The Greek word “ thlupsesin “ ( and it is in the plural ) translated “ tribulations “ means pressure, tribulation, trouble, anguish, burden, persecution, affliction.
The truth is, what Paul said is reality in living for Jesus.
Jesus Himself promised a hundredfold to His faithful followers but even then, it comes with trouble;
“ Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. “ Mark 10:28-30
Yes my friend, Jesus added to all the blessings of money, lineage and eternal life… persecution;
“ with persecutions; “
Interesting.
This is what will throw the faith of many evangelicals from the gospel to “ apostasy “ before Jesus returns.
Be watching for my “ This week’s Sermon “ video on the topic of the Biblical truth of what Paul called “ apostasy.” I will explain it Biblically since it is presently happening today. According to Paul. apostasy is one of most important signs Jesus is returning.
Paul also said to those who believe in Jesus who actually try to live a life pleasing unto Him;
“ Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. “ 2 Timothy 3:12
“ Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; “ Titus 2:12
“ knowing that tribulation worketh patience; “
The Greek word “ hupomonen “ translated “ patience “ means cheerful, hopeful, endurance, constancy, patient continuance, waiting.
This is also contrary to today’s modern evangelical preaching, even since the 1500’s, and since the year 1836, and ever present today.
This is why Paul said to Timothy before his departure;
“ Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. “ 1 Timothy 6:12
“ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: “ 2 Timothy 4:7
John said;
“ Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. “ 1 John 2:24
And yes my friend, the Greek does say the conditional particle “ ean “ translated “ if “.
In other words, not all born again christians will remain in “ the faith “ to the end.
Jesus Himself said that not all will remain saved;
“ They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. “ Luke 8:13
And yes my friend, Jesus admitted that for a while they actually believed;
“ which for a while believe, “
In other words, they were saved to begin with.
Paul said that not only are we perfect, complete, whole, righteous, etc… we are also still waiting for all this;
“ But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. “ Romans 8:25
“ For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. “ Galatians 5:5
Interesting.
Jesus said;
“ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. “ Matthew 7:21-23
Patience, as a result of enduring tribulations and afflictions can make us more grounded in " the faith."
Jesus said;
" But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. " Matthew 24:13
So, to wrap up what Paul is saying in the verse of our study, troubles while even being a born again christian, being perfect, righteous, whole, complete, a saint, etc… can either make us anchored in Jesus to the end of life or like Demas, depart from Jesus.
The choice is ours.
Always keep your faith in Jesus.
I will continue with verse 4 in the next study.
Wayne Brown
