Romans 5:3

"…Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

From Background Notes [BN] for October 5^th/6^th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

The Holy Spirit shapes us through this affliction. Such suffering is not accidental or merely circumstantial, operating in our lives without God’s oversight…

 


…Instead, the Spirit takes charge of our sufferings, puts them to good use, re-directing them for the purpose of developing perseverance (5:3b). Paul uses the Greek word hupmonē, a frequent expression in the New Testament which means “to hold up under, to remain under, or to abide under.” Though suffering does not let up, neither will we! In fact, the constant assault of affliction, rather than wearing us down, actually builds us up. Again, this is not an automatic process, due to natural factors, but a Spirit-infused process, guided by the loving hand of God.[BN,5]

Join us this week in Worship at ChicagoFirstChurch of the Nazarene -

* Saturday 6:00pm
* Sunday 8:30am & 11:00am, 5:30pm