“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
II Corinthians 12:10
To be sure the infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses are not pleasurable, so why did God inspire Paul to write that he took pleasure in them?
In Psalm 16: 14 God says “In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” So the fullness of joy and pleasures must be in Christ’s presence. That is true enough, and sounds real spiritual and all that, but how does that translate into having pleasure and joy in the above circumstances? I suppose we could say that we can be “at God’s right hand” having close fellowship in this life as well as in the future Kingdom, but how does that play out in this life? How, exactly, is that done?
Actually, these are the times when our faith is tried, and we have the opportunity to be a testimony to the lost. Our attitude during times of disappointment, pain, sickness, and adversity are opportunities to show Christian character; and as we use these opportunities to reach the lost, these adversities turn to opportunities for rewards as well. These are the times when we draw closest to Christ, and He demonstrates His grace and glory to those who are faithful.
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
II Corinthians 12:9
So we should view problems as opportunities to reach people that we would otherwise not be able to reach with the gospel, and rejoice in the opportunities to earn additional rewards. Dr. Jerry Lloyd
Memory Verse
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” James 1:12
How does God described the man that endures temptation?
“ ________________ is the man that endureth temptation.”
When we endure temptation, what does God say we did?
“Them that ______________ him.”
What will those who are tried and endured receive?
“When he is tried, he shall receive the __________ of life.”
God promises in I Corinthians 4:2-3 that every man that remains faithful will receive praise from God at the Judgment Seat of Christ where we receive our rewards (Matthew 25:21).
Memory Verse
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:6
What does God promise in this verse?
“He giveth more _________________ .”
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
What are the requirements in this verse?
“ _______ yourselves therefore to God. _______ the devil.”
“(1) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. (2) Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and (3) purify your hearts, ye double minded.” James 4:8
Notice the three requirements in this verse.
Memory Verse
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
The word “blessed” means “happy,” and is, closely associated with the means to make one happy.
Who are blessed in the above verse?
“Blessed are they which are ___________________
for righteousness’ sake.”
What is the result of the persecution?
“Theirs is the ___________________ of heaven.”
The Kingdom of Heaven is the time when Christ rules on earth a thousand years. That is the time when believers who have been faithful will receive some of their reward.
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” Matthew 5:11
Jesus said what kind of verbal abuse will make us blessed?
“For ______________ sake.”
“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:12
Where is our reward?
“Great is your reward in ________________ .”
How should this make us feel?
“ _______________ , and be exceeding _____________ .”
Persecution brings us joy, because it brings us rewards.
Memory Verse
“But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.” Matthew 13:9
Why will God allow this persecution of His people?
“For a _________________ against them.”
“And the gospel must first be published among all nations.” Matthew 13:10
What happens when believers witness faithful even in persecution?
“The gospel must first be ___________ among all nations.”
Two reasons God allows persecution are (1) So the we can gain rewards in the Kingdom, and (2) the gospel will be preached to all nations.
Memory Verse
“But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.” Luke 21:12
Why did Jesus say our enemies will persecute us?
‘Being brought before kings and rulers for __ name’s sake.”
“And it shall turn to you for a testimony.” Luke 21:13
What will persecution cause?
“It shall turn to you for a ___________________ .”
“Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer.For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” Luke 21:15
Memory Verse
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.” Romans 5:3
What should be our attitude toward tribulation?
“We ________________ in tribulations.”
What do tribulations do for us?
“Knowing that tribulation worketh ________________ .”
When we believe on the name of the Son of God, understanding that He is God the Father who became a man to pay for sin by dying on the cross, we know for certain that we have eternal life (I John 5:13- “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life”).
In like manner we know with just as much certainty that God has a purpose in everything, and He uses tribulation to work patience in us.
Memory Verse
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” James 1:2
The “Temptations” here are not talking about enticement to sin, although that is the meaning of the Greek word in a difference context. Here, as in many other places in the Bible, the word means “testing” and is conveying the same idea as Romans 5:3: “Tribulation worketh patience.”
What should be our attitude when we are tested?
“Count it all _________ .”
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” James 1:3
The trying of our faith works what?
“The trying of your faith worketh ________________ .”