Trials and Calamities (2)

Sermon on the Mount - 38

Hebrews 12:11 (NIV84)

11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest (peaceful fruit, esv) of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

What does this mean?

Is this promise or a harvest for all believers?

Who have been trained = γυμνάζω gymnazō 4x = to experience vigorous training and control, with the implication of increased physical and/or moral strength.

Discipline must complete its work. Those who have been trained by going through the hardship of denying worldly allurements to please God are the ones who receive the harvest of righteousness and peace.

The Christian life is one of continuous discipline and training so that we may grow in sanctification.

The promise of the harvest of righteousness and peace is limited to believers who have undergone and completed the training, instruction, correction, discipline, and/or chastisement from God.

Hebrews 12:12–13 (NIV84)

12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.

13“Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

We who are strong are to strengthen the weak, the discouraged hands and the feeble knees.

We are to make sure that the paths of faith are straight and even in order to make the way easier for the weak and the lame. Healing rather than stumbling is the goal.

James 5:16 (NASB)

16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

A tremendous help, when going through trials, is to take our eyes off of ourselves and turn them towards another needy person.

2 Timothy 2:1–3 (NIV84)

1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Endure hardship with us = συγκακοπαθέω synkakopatheō 2x = suffer together with someone; suffer hardship with (me) as a good soldier.

from sún (4862), together, or with, and kakopathéō (2553), to suffer evil or affliction. To suffer hardship, evil or affliction along with someone.

‘join in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ’

Soldier = στρατιώτης stratiōtēs = a person of ordinary rank in an army.

Figuratively, a Christian minister.

2 Timothy 2:4 (NIV84) Soldier

4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.

Nobody soldiering entangles (involves) himself in the affairs of the (common course of) life in order that he may please him who enlisted him as soldier.

The man who enlists steps out of the common βίος or course of life.

His one aim and object is to please and to earn the commendation of his enlister.

2 Timothy 2:5 (NIV84) Athlete

5Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.

Competes as an athlete = ἀθλέω athleō 2x = to strive, contend, be a champion in the public games.

A contest either in war or sport, especially a contest for a prize.

Our spiritual competition is not against other Christians. Trying to outperform another believer is far from spiritual. Our competition is against our fleshly old self, against the world, and against Satan and those who serve him.

According to the rules = νομίμως nomimōs = legitimately; in a valid or legitimate manner.

pertaining to being correct according to rules and regulations; correctly, according to the rules.

Every participant had to meet three qualifications—of birth, of training, and of competition.

He had to be a true-born Greek.

He had to prepare at least ten months for the games and swear to that before a statue of Zeus.

He had to compete within the specific rules for a given event. To fail in any of those requirements meant automatic disqualification.

Comparable rules apply to Christians.

We must be truly born again.

We must be faithful in study and obedience of God’s Word, in self-denial, and in prayer.

We must live according to Christ’s divine standards of discipleship.

As Christians, we meet the qualification of being born again. But the other two requirements are not automatic; they involve lifelong dedication and constant effort.

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (NIV84)

24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.

27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

An athlete must be disciplined if he is to win the prize.

Discipline means giving up the good and the better for the best.

The Christian does not run the race in order to get to heaven. He is in the race because he has been saved through faith in Jesus Christ.

Only Greek citizens were allowed to participate in the games, and they had to obey the rules both in their training and in their performing.

Only believers are allowed to participate in the race of faith. And like the Greek runners, they must obey the rules (follow God’s will), while they are running the race.

In the worldly race, only one gets the prize.

In the Christian race, all receive the prize.

We are to run in order that we may obtain the prize, a crown that will last forever.

The way we run to get the prize, is to finish the race. All who cross the finish line of faith get the prize!

Becoming disqualified had nothing to do with salvation.

It is not talking about salvation but Christian service.

Paul was not afraid of losing his salvation but of losing his reward for faithful, sacrificial service.

2 Timothy 4:7–8 (NIV84)

7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

We will receive the crown of righteousness, if we fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith, and long for Christ’s appearing.

1 Timothy 1:18–19 (NIV84)

18Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight,

19holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.

According to Scripture, Fighting the good fight ≠ speaking to, commanding, or casting out demons.

God’s plan for spiritual warfare has nothing to do with exorcism, incantations, mantras, or mysticism.

Fighting the good fight simply means that we are to keep the faith (uphold sound doctrine) and a good conscience (live holy lives).

How can we fight the good fight?

By “holding on to faith and a good conscience.”

A person’s faith and conscience cannot be separated.

The things we believe should determine the things we practice.

Faith and a good conscience are preventive measures to giving in to temptation and being sidetracked from the will of God.

John Calvin: “A bad conscience is the mother of all heresies.”

1 Peter 3:13–17 (NIV84)

13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”

15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

17It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Keeping a good conscience entails:

personal integrity (13);

a proper attitude toward suffering righteously (14a);

facing persecution fearlessly (14b);

giving God the proper place in your life (15a), for Christ must be reverenced as Lord before the conscience can be void of offense toward God;

maintaining a proper witness before men (15b).

The result of a good conscience:

A good conscience will put persecutors to shame (16a);

it will prompt good behavior (16b); and

it will give the persecuted believer conviction of the value of suffering righteously (17).

2 Timothy 2:6-7 (NIV84) Farmer

6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Physical labor produces results. But only hardworking farmers will enjoy the fruit of their labor—a good crop.

The farmer knows that seeds will not plant themselves; the harvest will not walk into the barn.

The farmer must go out into the fields to sow the seed, water it, protect it, and finally harvest the crop.

The reward will be a share of the crops for the farmer and his family to eat, and the rest to sell.

The soldier, athlete, and farmer all teach us the same lesson, to persevere to the end, as well as other requirements for Christian service.

The soldier must trust the commanding officer and desire to please him so that obeying the commander becomes central, even when difficulties are encountered. Pleasing Christ gives strength to endure hardship.

The athlete accepts the rules of the competition in order to complete the challenge of the game, including its difficulties.

The farmer works hard at plowing, planting, waiting, weeding, and harvesting, and is entitled to enjoy the results.

The soldier submits to the officer; the athlete to the code of the competition; the farmer to the laws of nature and agriculture.

The believer submits to Jesus Christ. In him we have a gracious commanding officer: one who provides an example and directions for our course, and who rewards the hard and patient work of his servants.

Isaiah 28:24–29 (NLT)

24Does a farmer always plow and never sow? Is he forever cultivating the soil and never planting?

25Does he not finally plant his seeds— black cumin, cumin, wheat, barley, and emmer wheat— each in its proper way, and each in its proper place?

26The farmer knows just what to do, for God has given him understanding.

27A heavy sledge is never used to thresh black cumin; rather, it is beaten with a light stick. A threshing wheel is never rolled on cumin; instead, it is beaten lightly with a flail.

28Grain for bread is easily crushed, so he doesn’t keep on pounding it. He threshes it under the wheels of a cart, but he doesn’t pulverize it.

29The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is a wonderful teacher, and he gives the farmer great wisdom.

Just as the Lord gives wisdom to the physical farmer, he grants his wisdom to the spiritual farmer.

Galatians 6:7–10 (AMP)

7Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.

8For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

9And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.

10So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God’s family with you, the believers].

We are spiritual farmers. We must be aware that whatever we sow, that and that only is what we will reap.

Whatever we say or do, whether it is an action or a reaction, that and that only is what we will reap.

We will reap it in good measure, shaken together, and running over.

The harvest will come at the appointed season.

Romans 2:6–11 (NIV84)

6God “will give to each person according to what he has done.”

7To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.

8But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.

9There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile;

10but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

11For God does not show favoritism.

Persistence = ὑπομονή hypomonē = the capacity to hold out or bear up in the face of difficulty, patience, endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, perseverance.

Hupomonḗ is associated with hope (1 Thess. 1:3) and refers to that quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial.

God gives eternal life to those who persistently do good.

By their persistence in good works that these people are seeking these three blessings (glory, honor, and immortality), and that as a result, God will give them eternal life.

Leon Morris: The reward of eternal life is promised to those who do not regard their good works as an end in themselves, but see them as marks not of human achievement but of hope in God.

Their trust is not in their good works, but in God, the only source of glory, honour, and incorruption.”

James 5:7–11 (NIV84)

7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.

8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

9Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

1 Timothy 4:7–8 (NIV84)

7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.

8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Train = γυμνάζω gymnazō = to control oneself by thorough discipline; to discipline oneself, to keep oneself disciplined. ‘keep yourself disciplined for a godly life’

Be godly = εὑσέβεια eusebeia = piety; the devout practice for God and appropriate beliefs about God.

Godliness refers not just to godly behavior, but also to godly doctrine and teaching.

Well–directed reverence, an externalized piety.

A personal attitude toward God that results in actions that are pleasing to God.

Godliness denotes a manner of life. True eusébeia, born of faith, covers everyday conduct in honoring God as Creator and Redeemer.

Godliness requires constant training. Its attainment is the loftiest to which man can aspire. It is nothing else than being like God.

Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. Men live after they die; and the life after death depends upon the life before death. No living man is in a position to say that, when we die, we have done with the life that now is, and that there is no life of any sort to come.

And be it borne in mind that the life which is to come is not starting anew; it is simply going on.

It is not a second life begun; it is the first life continued.

There is a life which is to come; that life is bound to come; and of it, godliness has the promise.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV84)

10So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV84)

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Comforts = παρακαλέω parakaleō = to instill someone with courage or cheer, comfort, encourage, cheer up.

The word does not mean ease and relaxation.

The meaning of this Greek word is closer to encouragement.

The word implies that God gives his people the tools, the necessary training, and the essential guidance to endure the problems of this life.

1 Corinthians 4:9–17 (NIV84)

9For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men.

10We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!

11To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.

12We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

13when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

14I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children.

15Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

16Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

17For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

Robert Hall (1764-1831) English Baptist Preacher used to be subject to occasions of great physical pain in the course of which he would roll on the ground in sheer agony.

But when the pain was over, the first words he used to say were, “I hope I didn’t complain.”

How much more effective our witness for Christ would be if we didn’t complain so much about our trials of faith.

“Help me O Lord, to not complain about my trials of faith.”

When hardship and calamity come, who’s in control?

Are there times where trials and calamities occur without the Lord’s permission?

Can believers effect change in their lives by verbally declaring desired outcomes with faith, expecting God to make them a reality?

Will a negative confession cause hardships to come or continue in our lives?

We’ll learn the answer to this next week, the Lord willing.