13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Verse 13 concludes the sentence that began at verse two. Paul issued an entreaty not to become discouraged as if God is not in control.
Therefore
Because we have boldness, access, and confidence due to knowing that God has an eternal purpose (v. 12), we do not “lose heart” before God. “Therefore” shows how to apply the truths of verses two through 12.
I ask that you do not lose heart
Paul made a request or an entreaty of Christians living in the region of the city of Ephesus. “Lose heart” means to lose courage, become faint of heart and carries the idea of discouragement. The Ephesians were not to be discouraged at what Paul was going through while he sat in jail in Rome.
2 Co 4:1, 16, Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. …16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
at my tribulations for you,
Paul entered a period of “tribulations” for advancing the gospel. He sat in jail in Rome because of his missionary enterprises (Ro 1:1). Jesus had warned him that he was to face trouble because of his ministry (Ac 9:16). There are many rigors in ministry.
which is your glory.
The benefits of verse 12 (boldness, access, confidence) are the glory of believers in the church. Their glory is a prelude to their eternal glory (2 Ti 2:10).
PRINCIPLE:
God’s way of administering His purpose through us might be through tribulation.
APPLICATION:
Christians exult in what God does in their leaders. Trouble does not mean defeat. God does not abandon His children under duress (2 Co 12:9). Therefore, Christians should not throw in the towel when trouble comes (Lu 18:1).
2 Co 7:4, Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.
Ga 6:9, And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
2 Th 3:13, But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.
