TRIBULATION

(Aka: trials, temptation and general suffering)

 

Tribulation is a necessary part of this life, for the believer

 

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22

 

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, Revelations 1:9

 

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Philippians 1:29

 

Tribulation comes that we may reign with Christ and stay free from the power of sin

 

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1,2

 

If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 2Timothy 2:12

(deny us necessary grace to resist sin and do His will)

 

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law but under grace. Romans 6:14 (God promises that we shall reign over sin, it shall not have dominion over us -- it will be present in our life but not govern our life -- but we only have this reigning power through the constant supply of God's grace "if we deny Him, He also will deny us" 2 Tim 2:12. Psalm 81:8-12 gives us an example of this principle)

 

Blessed is the man that endures temptation (or trial): for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life (reign in life), which the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

 

For by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17

 

Tribulation comes to reveal that our faith is genuine, and as God works in us through the faith He has given us, praise honor and glory is being treasured up for Him -- which will be revealed at His coming

 

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 1:5-7

 

Tribulation comes to equip us with what we need to better do God's will

 

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [various trials (both in the sense of sinful temptation and general adversity)]

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting (lacking) nothing. James 1:2-4

 

 

 

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