“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him”
who endures temptation;
Those who endure trial receive God’s blessing. The Greek word for “endure” carries the idea of tenacity under adverse circumstances. The word comes from two words: under and to remain, to abide. The idea is to remain under the load. Don’t give up. Stick with it. Hang in there.
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls….If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” (Hebrews 12:1-3, 7)
“Temptation” in this verse means trial. The thought is not a solicitation to evil but hanging in there under adverse circumstances.
for when he has been approved,
The idea of “approved” is someone who passed a test. This is a person who victoriously met the trial. An approved person never surrenders sure trust in God; he perseveres through anything that might come his way because He knows His God. The purpose of all trials is to demonstrate the quality of our faith.
Principle:
Trial determines what kind of faith we have.
Application:
God is in the business of approving our faith. If God takes the time to evaluate the quality of our faith, do we put any effort toward that end? We want the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval on products in our house. God wants the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval on our Christian lives.
Christians also carry a sense of blessedness in a trial because they will receive a reward after it is over.
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