¡§Navigating Turbulent Times¡¨
Part Two: Endurance -- Romans 12:12
Review
Renewed thinking always precedes consistent transformed living.
D. Think and live wisely through turbulent times 12:12
Last week we maintained that this world has experienced turbulent times from the time Adam sinned against God¡¦s plan. Neither sinners nor saint have escaped the soul wrenching effects of living under the curse of the fall. If we can¡¦t escape it, how do we navigate the turbulence? Paul offers three anchors of stability that do not prevent the storm but offer the saint a means to survive the storms of life.
1. Regarding hope - rejoicing
To navigate turbulent times we must maintain a healthy view of the future; eternity.
What is hope?
Biblical hope indicates a confident expectation, a certain assurance, an eager anticipation, a settled conviction that the thing or event promised will most assuredly come to pass. It is similar to faith in that Abraham believed that what God promised he was able also to perform (Rom 4). Hope finds strength in the awareness, availability and ability of the one making the promise. Hope is like carrying a picture of the future in our mental wallet or purse. When things get tough, we take out the picture which helps us to make the mental and emotional adjustments necessary to endure the present turbulence. It is a living, dynamic hope. It is a steadfast and sure anchor connected to eternity through Christ.
What is the source or basis of Biblical hope?
This kind of confidence and surety has no basis in anything on this earth. Our future does not depend on our own strength, our nation¡¦s military might, the size of our investment portfolio, social security, ingenuity, technology or other people.
Į Our hope fully rests in Almighty God.
God is the one who by His own glory and excellence¡K
has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 2 Peter 1:4
The Almighty God is our hope. In the name of Jesus we have hope. The Holy Spirit continually communicates assurance and hope. Even in the midst of devastation and despair and hopelessness, Jeremiah found hope by remembering the character of God.
Lament. 3:17-26
In the midst of their devastation, God speaks through Jeremiah to remind them.
Jer 29:11-14
Our hope rests on the goodness and promise of the all powerful God. God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.
We tracked that plan from eternity to eternity in chapter 8 of Romans.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. Rom 8:28-30
David said,
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord. Psa 27:13-14
¡§It is Christ in you the hope of glory.¡¨ (Col 1:27)
Paul so eagerly anticipated being with Jesus that he considered death as gain not loss.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Philip. 1:21-24
A God-centered focus is a vital ingredient for a confident hope. There are also some other factors that reinforce our hope.
Į The truth of the Words and promises of God reinforces hope
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4
Many fearful and sleepless nights after my heart attack were averted by the power of the word. Through the Scriptures we learn that despite confusing thoughts and turbulent emotions churning in the soul, because of Christ, it is well with our soul. The Scriptures can bubble out of our Spirit and cause inner peace in the midst of outer turmoil.
Not only do we need the Scriptures, but we need the author of the Scriptures.
Į The power of the indwelling Spirit stimulates hope
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Hope regarding our standing with God is communicated through the Holy Spirit.
His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are special children of God. Rom 8
The Holy Spirit assures us of God¡¦s love. ¡§Love of God floods our heart by the Holy Spirit.¡¨ Rom5
For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. Galatians 5:5
Perseverance leads to intensified hope
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4
Į Prayer generates hope
ƒÆ Realization of God¡¦s grace
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. 2 Thes 2:16-17
What can we expect or anticipate (hope) from God and why?
Į Hope of eternal life and eternal inheritance
Į Future Grace and glory
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13
through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2
Paul urged the Thessalonians not to grieve as those who have no hope by realizing that death is not an end but only a transition to a new beginning.
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thes. 4:16-18
The pinnacle of our hope should be the anticipation of spending eternity in God¡¦s manifested presence.
¡§So we shall always be with the Lord!¡¨
Don¡¦t get sidetracked with the promised gifts and forget the Giver.
The greatest blessing is unhindered and uninterrupted fellowship with God.
How should we respond to a proper perception of future positive expectations?
Į Rejoice
rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, Romans 12:12
through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2
The hope of the righteous is gladness, but the expectation of the wicked perishes. Proverbs 10:28
How blessed (happy) is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, Psalm 146:5
Understanding our certain heavenly future should generate an internal joy that yearns to be expressed. Rejoicing is the external expression of internal joy. We express joy through song, dance, words, physical expression, work etc.
Future hope is why we can count every circumstance joy, knowing that present suffering is inseparably linked to future glory.
Therefore (knowing that He who raised Jesus will raise us) we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 2 Cor. 4:16-18
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18
Continual rejoicing is not the only response to eternal hope.
Į Walk in purity and passion in the present
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Titus 2:11-14
See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:1-3
Such a future hope motivates not only a desire to live purely but a passion to give our all.
For it is for this (ministry) we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. 1 Tim. 4:10
By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. Hebrews 11:24-26
Today¡¦s Christians want the best of both worlds. We want Egypt¡¦s passing treasures and Christ¡¦s eternal riches and reward. We try to value both God and materialism. You can¡¦t have it both ways. You can¡¦t store up eternal riches by spending it here and not investing in eternity. Anytime we try to become part of this fallen world, it becomes a part of us.
Į Courageously hold fast and wait patiently
Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful Heb 10:23
For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. Romans 8:24-25
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:11-12
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13-16
¡Kand others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect. Hebrews 11:35-40
Į Keep Looking for Christ
looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior¡KTitus 2:11-14
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him (future) endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (lose hope). Hebrews 12:1-3
Į Be prepared to give an account of the hope within.
But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 1 Peter 3:14-16
Application
How do you navigate turbulent times? Get a grip on hope!
Maintain an eternal focus!
Saturate yourselves in the Scriptures.
Cry out for the filling of the Holy Spirit.
Endure the present.
Pray.
Rest in His grace and goodness.
Then¡K
Rejoice
Walk in purity and passion
Wait patiently
Courageously hold fast and wait patiently
Keeping looking for Jesus
Be prepared to share with others
How do we navigate these troubled times in which we live?
Focus on your future hope while patiently enduring your present problems by continual conversation with God on behalf of ourselves and others.
That brings us to a second anchor in the storms of life.
2. Regarding tribulation -- enduring
Tribulation comes from a root verb meaning to press, squash, hem in, to be narrow, pressure, to afflict, harass, to discomfort, to oppress, or vex.
It is a term used for any of life’s afflictions. The term covers every kind of painful experience from internal anxiety to the turmoil of external enslavement. It is the word used to describe pressures both external and internal that come upon every human being.
Tribulations are those actions of people or events of life
that produce physical, psychological, spiritual pain and/or pressure.
Our world specializes in tribulations for all people. Life is pain. Life is pressure. Life is tribulation. So what are we supposed to do in regard to tribulations? Endure! The term used here and many other places in Scripture is made up of two Greek words.
The first is the word "under". The second is the word = to remain or stay, to stay in a place, to remain in a sphere, to stand against opposition, to hold out, to stand fast
When you fuse the preposition "under" with the verb "to remain", you intensify the basic concept and arrive at the Bible’s concept of what it means to "endure".
Remain under the trial until the intended purpose is achieved. Stay in the furnace until fully fired. Never give up.
Endurance faithfully pursues and practices what is right before God,
in spite of emotions, or fatigue
and in spite of the pressure to escape, grumble, or crumble under the load.
The Lord instructs us to not merely grit our teeth and gut it out till it is over. God calls us to continually respond to each trial that comes into our life in a godly way. To hold back a verbal explosion for another 10 minutes is not endurance or even long suffering. Endurance is the ability to respond as Christ would respond with love, gentleness and a servant’s heart in spite of the pressure to pop and explode or quit. Endurance is the ability to grab and grip an eternal perspective and then act accordingly. Endurance refuses to take the fleshly escapes offered by the evil one and drawing upon the enabling power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, respond to the situation according to the principle of sacrificial love and acceptance and future hope. Hope enables us to not only remain in the specific tribulation but to consider it joy. We can consider it joy because God promises there will be a valuable outcome. It may come here and now. It may not come until eternity. And we may even see value both here and hereafter. Joyfully endure tribulation, knowing that the eternal benefits outweigh the present burdens.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
Peter began to say to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You." Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life. "But many who are first will be last, and the last, first." Mark 10:28-31
Conclusion
How do we do it? How can we maintain that kind of attitude? The strength to endure comes from much the same source as the source of our hope.
Į The truth of Scripture to give us an eternal perspective
Į The power of the Spirit to obey
Į Persistent Prayer for ourselves and others
Paul prayed for the Colossians to be¡K
strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all endurance and long suffering; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Col. 1:11-12
It is the power of God that enables us not only to suffer under the trial but to never give up.
Insight into this kind of endurance comes from Jesus¡¦ response to tribulation shared by Peter.
For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:21-25
Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. 1 Peter 4:19
Entrust your life into the hands of a faithful God!
Invest your life for the sake of others!
Three anchors from this verse enable us to navigate turbulent times.
Į Maintain an eternal perspective.
Į Never give up!
Į Pray persistently
