“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:” Romans 5:3-4, KJV

It is interesting to read other translations on this section of verses. For example, “And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope:” (Rom. 5:3-4, ASV). Again, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,” (Rom. 5:3-4, ESV). Regardless of how various translations translate the original words into English, there is a link of qualities here that show a benefit from the Christian suffering the pressures of life. Consider the three qualities mentioned and their strengths in building character.

1. Overcoming in Endurance. The first quality mentioned is “patience” (KJV), “stedfastness” (ASV) or “endurance” (ESV). The original word denotes the idea of to remain or abide under. Thayer says of the word “steadfastness, constancy, endurance; in the N.T. the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings” (Thayer, p. 644). It is what a child develops through the discipline of a parent (cf. Heb. 12:7). It is the quality that a runner has in order to finish a race (cf. Heb. 12:1-2). The Christian does not focus on the suffering but on the product that comes through the struggle. Any tough task or situation demands that the character of endurance be present. Quitting is not an option for the Christian. All must say like Paul “I have finished my course” (2 Tim. 4:7). 

2. Obtaining Excellence. The next quality to arise is “experience” (KJV), “approvedness” (ASV), or “character” (ESV). The original word literally denotes the result of having been put to the test and found of passing quality. It is seen in metallurgy of the trying of metals. Peter writes of such, where he said, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 1:7). Here is the refined life. Here is where one is made better through the training needed to improve the body, mind and soul. The Christian is here striving to be all that he/she can be through the grace and providence of God.

3. Optimistic in Expectation. The third quality is hope. This term involves an expectation to obtain what is offered to the faithful, enduring child of God. There are no doubts and wavering here. Thayer says of this original word translated hope, “expectation of good, hope; and in the Christian sense, joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation” (Thayer, pp. 205- 206). The Christian has such an attribute because his/her faith and confidence is in “the God of hope” (Rom. 15:13). Hope is a quality of one’s personal salvation (cf. Rom. 8:24). The child of God holds his head high through the trials of life knowing that God will make something of him in this life through the suffering and give the faithful salvation in the end. It is no wonder that David wrote, “O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord” (Ps. 31:23-24).                                                           

Jimmy Clark

“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:10-12). 

Giving account of personal choices and actions in the last day is a theme clearly set forth in the New Testament.  Knowing that such is going to take place, how should each person look at the subject of accountability?  Consider three particulars on this subject.

1.  Personal Responsibility.  The Holy Spirit specifically stated, “every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:12).  While some may seek to point out the need for others to be accountable for their lives, such does not eliminate the fact that God holds each person accountable for himself.  Jesus gave a parable concerning three servants and their responsibility to handle the owner’s goods while he was away following with these words when the owner returned, “After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them” (Matt. 25:19).  Each servant was not responsible for the other servants and their stewardships.  Each was responsible for his own; therefore, the accountability was personal.  Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10).  Peter wrote, “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead” (1 Peter 4:4-5).  May all take the time and make the effort to examine their own lives.

2.  Prepare Before the Time.  Since the Bible addresses the subject of the final judgment day, then it moves all to make adequate preparation for it.  Paul followed up his statement in view of all standing before the judgment seat of Christ, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences” (2 Cor. 5:11).  When Amos addressed the unrepentant sins of the nation of Israel and their failure to return to God, he stated, “Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12).  God has given all things that pertain to life and godliness (cf. 2 Peter 1:3).  It is only fitting that each person take advantage and be fully prepared.

3.  Permanent in Consequence.  Jesus gave a parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins to address the need for adequate preparation.  Jesus stated, “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not” (Matt. 25:10-12).  Jesus closes his discourse on the final judgment with the words, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matt. 25:46).  Giving final account of one’s life will follow with eternal consequences.  May such sobering words take root in the heart and produce fruit.                                                                                                                        

Jimmy Clark

“I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them” (Hosea 11:4). 

Here is a definitive statement as to God’s power to draw men through love.  The context of this verse addresses the Lord’s care over Israel from Egypt until the present.  The problem with Ephraim is “they knew not that I healed them” (Hosea 11:3).  Humanity today is the recipient of God’s love and should appreciate all that such entails.  Consider three aspects of God’s drawing power of love.

1.  Love and Being.  The starting point of all life is with God.  Paul stated, “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things” (Acts 17:24-25).  John wrote of the worship of God by the twenty-four elders in heaven, where they said, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Rev. 4:11).  It was the choice of God to bring all things created, including humanity, into being.  Such love should make one thankful for the Creator.

2.  Love and Benevolence.  The sustaining point of all life is with God.  David wrote, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who health all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Ps. 103:2-5).  Paul wrote concerning redemption, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).  John wrote in like manner, “In this is manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9-10).  Paul wrote to the Corinthians about this love and man’s response to it, “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Cor. 5:14-15).

3.  Love and Belonging.  The sweetest point of all life is with God.  John wrote, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not” (1 John 3:1).  When one is baptized into Christ, he is placed into the relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (cf. Matt. 28:19).  The Lord does not merely desire to save a person “from the wrath to come” (1 Thess. 1:10) but also desires to have the saved as family.  Paul wrote, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor. 6:17-18).  God’s love is such that to the saved “God is not ashamed to be called their God” (Heb. 1:16).

Jimmy Clark