PERSEVERANCE WORKS EXPERIENCE

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope (Rom 5:1-4, KJV). " . . . and perseverance, proven character . . . " (NASB). " . . . perseverance, character . . . " (NIV). "And steadfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope" (ASV).

Devotion 10 of 24

EXPERIENCE

Our text states that "patience" produces "experience." What does the word "experience" mean? This term is translated from a word signifying, "acceptable, approved, or tried." Thayer, the well know Greek lexical expert adds, "approvedness, tried character . . . proof, a specimen of tried worth."

The different translations of this verse bring out this meaning--that of the proof of character, or bringing out confirmation of the real status of the individual. "And perseverance, CHARACTER" (NKJV). "And endurance produces CHARACTER" (NRSV). "And perseverance, PROVEN CHARACTER" (NASB). "And steadfastness APPROVEDNESS" (ASV). "And endurance develops STRENGTH OF CHARACTER in us" (New Living Translation. "And perseverance developes a TESTED CHARACTER" (New Jerusalem Bible).

In summary, the meaning of our text ("Patience (works) experience") is this. In the process of endurance, the real status of our soul is made known. "Experience," in this case, is the proof of strong character--like passing through the fire. Godly character is developed and confirmed by enduring the trials of life, and continuing in the faith, even when it is most difficult.

Recounting a few instances where this word is used will further clarify its meaning for us. The CAPITALIZED words are translations of the Greek word being considered (dok-i-me).

"For to this end also did I write, that I might know the PROOF of you, whether ye be obedient in all things" (2 Cor 2:9). "How that in a great TRIAL of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality" (2 Cor 8:2). "Whiles by the EXPERIMENT of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men" (2 Cor 9:13). "Since ye seek a PROOF of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you" (2 Cor 13:3). "But ye know the PROOF of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel" (Phil 2:22). "For there must also be factions among you, in order that those who are approved may have become evident among you" (1 Cor 11:19, NASB). "For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are APPROVED may be made manifest among you" (1 Cor 11:19).

The word "experience," therefore, means more than something that has occurred in the life of a believer. This is a process that involves Divine objective: i.e., God is accomplishing something in us. This is the way true character is established. It is not enough to simply make a profession of faith. God is not looking for someone to SAY they are aligned with His purpose. He is looking for individuals with whom He can involve Himself--people through whom His will may be accomplished. This is the point of 2 Chronicles 16:9. "For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His."

God always finds such individuals. When an entire world was saturated with sin, the eyes of the Lord found Noah (Gen 6:8). Although the land of Uz was not noted for godly men, God found Job there (Job 1:1). Moses was found in the desert (Ex 3:1-4), and David in the sheepcote (2 Sam 7:8). Amos was found among the herdmen of Tekoa (Amos 1:1), and Elisha plowing with twelve yoke of oxen (1 Kgs 19:19). All of these men passed through difficult times, but endured them all, thus gaining the "experience," or proven character essential, to be used by God.

You must believe, dear child of God, that the eyes of the Lord will find you also. People of faith are never overlooked by heaven--NEVER! Also, they are always brought through challenges that must be endured. As they endure, continuing to press toward the mark in spite of the difficulties involved, their character is developed, and proof of their participation in the Divine nature is granted. Thus the Scripture is fulfilled in them, "Patience, or endurance, works experience, or proven character."

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You through Jesus Christ for granting strength for the trials appointed to us. Thank You for experience that confirms to our hearts what we have received by faith.

-- Tomorrow: CHARACTER --