TESTED BY FIRE TO REIGN My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:2-8 NKJV) Note 1- Trials are of the outward circumstances- conflicts, sufferings and troubles- encountered by all believers. Trials are not pleasant and may be extremely grievous, but believers are to consider them as opportunities for rejoicing. Troubles and difficulties are a tool which refines and purifies our faith, producing patience and endurance. Note 2 - the aim of testing is not to destroy or afflict, but to purge and refine. It is essential to CHRISTian maturity, for even Abrahams faith had to be tested(Gen. 22:1-8). The meaning of patience transcends the idea of bearing affliction; it includes the idea of standing fast under pressure, with a staying power that turns adversities into opportunities. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. (I Peter 1:6-9 NKJV) Note 3- genuineness: As the purity of gold is brought forth by intense heat, so the reality and purity of our faith are revealed as a result of the fiery trials we face. Ultimately the testing of our faith not only demonstrates our final salvation but also develops out capacity to bring glory to the LORD JESUS CHRIST when HE comes into HIS Kingdom and we reign with HIM. (Romans 8:13-17 NKJV) For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. (II Timothy 2:11-13 NKJV) This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. Note 4- If we endure: Perservering in the faith even in the face of hardship or persecution will result in a reward when CHRIST return. Note 5- HE (JESUS) will also deny us: If believers deny the enduring of persecution for CHRIST, HE will deny them the reward and reign that could have been theirs. (Revelation 3:21, 22 NKJV) To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ” Note 6- JESUS CHRIST overcame by humble obedience, even to the point of death on the Cross( Phillipians 2:6-8). As a result, the LORD JESUS sat down on HIS throne and will be highly exalted (Philipians 2:9-11). Just as CHRIST overcame through faithful obedience, a believer today who overcomes by humble, obedient faith will sit with CHRIST on HIS throne ( Revelation 20:4,6). GODs purpose in the church is to raise up coheirs who will share CHRISTs authority in HIS KINGDOM. The coheirs must overcome as CHRIST did by Perservering in the faith despite suffering. ( Not giving up when it is hard to even when we know it is the right thing to do no matter the consequences: death, standing up for someone that is falsely accused, a woman getting beaten, etc.)
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 17:14:06 +0000
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