Blessed Endurance

Background Scripture: James 1
Lesson Scripture: James 1:2-8, 12-16

Introduction

Our lesson title may seem like a paradox. We do not generally think that enduring difficulty is a blessing; however, to patiently and consistently mortify the fleshly nature is beneficial to the spiritual man. Without a mind that is transformed by Christ, it is difficult to see the blessings that come from enduring temptation, trial, and hardship. However, with the mind of Christ we realize that trials cause us to become stronger Christians; therefore we endure them joyfully. Those who faithfully endure go “from strength to strength” (Ps. 84:7).

Key Verse

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved (Matt. 24:13).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Our key verse is clear and to the point. To ultimately be saved, one must endure, which means to “suffer patiently.” In our lesson text, James teaches the blessings of steadfastness, giving us insight into the rewards of enduring trials and temptations. The promise of God to those who quietly endure is that they “shall receive the crown of life.”

The phrase “divers temptations” simply means temptations of various kinds. Temptation, as used here, includes affliction, persecution, or trial. Considering trials: Job declared that “man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). The psalmist confessed that “before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word” (Ps. 119:67). He saw the value of affliction to keep him in the right way. Jesus promised, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’s sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10). And again He said, “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matt. 5:12).

Another insight James presents is that he who is double minded—one who has not resolutely committed himself—will not be successful and, when trials come, will not endure. The devil learns what our weaknesses are and tailors his temptations to fit. A double-minded person is easily overcome when he is tempted because he is unstable and “tossed to and fro” (Eph. 4:14). When casting about between different options, he often chooses the path that indulges the flesh. Consequently, he neglects his spiritual responsibilities and becomes vulnerable to deception. To endure, one must be committed to God with clarity of purpose.

We strive not for an earthly goal but for one that is eternal and worthy of all the pain that enduring may entail. Heaven is the reward of the faithful, and the crown of life awaits those who love the Lord. Frequent communication with God, the One who gives the strength to attain the goal, brings spiritual joy.

Practical Truths for Today

We are earthly creatures with senses through which we receive information about the world around us. Among those things that we see and touch are the things that feel good to the flesh. The flesh has not been eradicated in the new birth—Satan continues to take advantage of it to tempt and annoy the Christian. When we are tempted, it is important that we recognize the lust of our flesh for what it is. Should we be enticed by our lust, we easily become attached to the vain and empty things of this world. To deny the flesh is a fruit of being converted to the wisdom of the just. In self-denial, we must “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3).

Athletes go to great lengths to excel in their particular sport. They spend many hours exercising and training to prepare for the rigors of the competition. Pain is often a part of the exercise regime as muscles are pushed beyond their normal limits. Endurance is required to attain their goals and win the prize.

Making a spiritual application of the example of athletes who train and condition their bodies, Christians are called to consistently deny their flesh so that the spiritual man can prosper. God does not tempt us; nevertheless, He allows temptations and trials to come into our lives for our sanctification. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Heb. 12:11). The Holy Spirit living in our lives leads us in this exercising and growing process.

Just as bodily exercise often causes physical pain, so to be properly exercised in the spirit when encountering life’s afflictions is often uncomfortable and disagreeable to the flesh. We may not understand the reasons for the trial; however, we must grasp the promise that when we are obedient to the Holy Spirit, we will become stronger Christians. Our faith will increase, and our spiritual vision will become clearer.

One remembers the Allied soldiers in the World War of the last century. Many willingly enlisted for service knowing that they must endure “blood, toil, tears, and sweat” (Winston Churchill). But there was a cause, and that cause was the love of their country and the freedom it provides. This freedom was now in jeopardy. Likewise, in a spiritual sense, we must recognize that our freedom was bought by Jesus Christ and that freedom is worth suffering for. We deny ourselves because we love the Lord and appreciate the freedom He secured for us.

If we are not finding the joy that Christian life should bring us, let us examine the motives of our hearts. It may be that we know intellectually that we must endure, but we murmur and complain, feeling bound by rules and restrictions. Because of the emotional or social consequences that will befall us if we succumb to temptation, we desperately resist yielding to the evil one. This struggle can easily become futile and turn sour. May we ask God for the wisdom and strength to resist temptation—He “giveth to all men liberally” (James 1:15).

God loves us, and we can trust Him and know that He has our best in mind. We may not understand why the trial, but through faith we know that we will be made the better by it. We possess an inner spiritual knowledge that if God has allowed something, it is for a reason. The joy we can experience when we “fall into divers temptations” is based in our faith that God is in control.

Illustration

Perhaps a look at the life of Joseph in the Old Testament will help us better understand what it means to patiently endure. Joseph, when exiled into Egypt, went through a severe temptation. Even though he overcame the temptation, he was then misrepresented and misunderstood. Joseph was betrayed and cast into prison. We doubt that he enjoyed any of these trials, and very likely he went through the gamut of negative emotions, stormy feelings, and tormenting thoughts. However, there was a quiet peace and inner joy that came from taking the high road of keeping a clear conscience. The alternative path, as multitudes have proven, is anything but joy. To yield in the moment of temptation is the course of least resistance, and then the long, hard road of reaping begins with no peace or rest in the soul.

Joseph suffered adverse consequences, but he took God’s way. His willingness to suffer shows he had learned that to be happy he must follow God. He replied to Potiphar’s wife, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:9). Joseph had no way of knowing that his current situation was temporary and that God had a greater plan for him, a plan hard to imagine as he sat in prison. Integrity is always rewarded, and Joseph received his reward in due time.

Joseph had the vision that earthly things are transient and need not destroy our peace. He saw that the tests and trials of earth are for our good. They prepare us for the eternal home of the soul where suffering, grief, and pain are banished forever.

Questions

1. What will help us to find joy in the midst of trials and temptations?
2. What are ways that parents can help their children, who are Christians, see the joy in trials and the blessings in enduring hard times?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).