“And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Because of our peace with God and salvation through Jesus, we have been given the Holy Spirit that will help us endure through difficult situations in life.
The prosperity gospel is a false teaching that claims God will bless you socially, physically, and financially as a result of your faith in Jesus. Prosperity teachers claim that the more faith you have, the more material blessings you will receive. This is a lie and false teaching. The Gospel brings blessings in spiritual matters, by which we are richly blessed by the grace and mercy of Jesus, but God does not promise financial and physical blessings as a result of following Jesus. After all, Jesus was homeless, beaten, and killed for His beliefs.
This false teaching of the prosperity gospel has infiltrated many Christian’s understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. Many well meaning Christians have proclaimed that “life will be better and easier when you follow Jesus.” This isn’t exactly true. Sure, Jesus gives life to the fullest (John 10:10) but a full life isn’t measured by material blessings or the avoidance of suffering but rather the presence and lordship of Jesus who will guide and comfort you as you navigate pain and suffering in this world.
Paul tells the church in Rome that they should “rejoice in our afflictions.” Paul did not say that we would be exempt from suffering but that we should continue to praise God for our salvation and situation.
Suffering produces endurance.
Endurance produces proven character.
Proven character produces hope.
The suffering you experience will shine a spotlight on your faith and character. Paul uses the phrase “proven character” to show that enduring suffering will test your character – what your believe and how you behave. When your hope is in Jesus you will be able to endure suffering with Christ-like character.
Suffering cannot be avoided but it can bring hope with we are willing to persevere in the Gospel.
Live It:
• Is your character being tested? Is your character Christ-like?
• How are you relying on God and His people to help you endure a season of suffering?
Chase Snyder
Writer, Pastor
Chase Snyder is an author and pastor in Metro Atlanta. Chase’s aim is to help people apply the Bible to their life by take their next step of faith in Jesus. He is the founder of Ministry Bubble – a content creation company that helps people turn their ideas into ministry to serve the local church. Chase writes, speaks, blogs, and hosts the Spiritual Conversations Podcast. He and his wife have two children.
