Epistle for January 19, 2007
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E-pistle
Dr. Curt Scarborough, President FreeWay Foundation January 19, 2007
No Pain; No Gain!
(Romans 5:1-5)
In Romans 5:1-5, Paul speaks to those of us who are ministers of the gospel.
He says we need three things: HOPE, CHARACTER, and PERSEVERANCE.
HOPE – not an optimistic outlook or wishful, positive thinking
but confident expectation based on solid certainty.
CHARACTER – moral vigor or firmness, especially as acquired
through self-discipline.
PERSEVERANCE – persistence; steadfast pursuit of an aim or
undertaking.
As fitness coaches say, "NO PAIN; NO GAIN!" So Paul tells us in this text how to
acquire hope, character, and perseverance . . . suffering!
How should we react to suffering? Is it to be avoided? Expected? Endured?
Sought? Provoked? Welcomed? Ignored? Denied? Acts 5:41 reveals the right attitude:
"They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy
to suffer shame for His name."
I. What Jesus said about suffering
1. It was necessary for the Christ to suffer.
(Luke 9:51; 13:32-33; 24:26; 46; Matthew 16:21)
2. It is required of disciples.
(Matthew 10:24; Luke 6:22-23, 26; 14:27)
3. It brings blessings and rewards.
(Matthew 5:10-12; Mark 10:29, 30)
4. Suffering and death produce much fruit.
(John 12:24; I Corinthians 15:36)
II. What Peter said about suffering
1. Christians are called to follow Christ's example in suffering.
(I Peter 2:21; John 15:18-21; 16:1-4)
2. Suffering for righteousness brings blessedness.
(I Peter 3:14-18)
3. Suffering is connected with having "the mind of Christ."
(I Peter 4:1; Philippians 2:5-8)
4. Rejoice because suffering glorifies God.
(I Peter 4:13-19; Philippians 2:9-11)
III. What Paul says about suffering
1. "Joint-heirs" involves suffering with Christ as well as being glorified
with him.
(Romans 8:17, 18)
2. Suffering for Christ is a granted privilege, just as is believing in Him.
(Philippians 1:29; 3:10; Ii Thessalonians 1:3-8)
3. Suffering fills up what is "lacking" in Christ's afflictions.
(Colossians 1:24)
4. All committed Christians will suffer persecution.
(II Timothy 3:21; Acts 9:15, 16)
IV. What Hebrews says about suffering
1. Suffering made Christ perfect (mature).
(Hebrews 2:10, 11; I Peter 5:10)
2. Christ learned obedience through suffering.
(Hebrews 5:8)
3. Illumination (enlightenment; understanding) precedes profitable
suffering and follows it.
(Hebrews 10:32-34; II Corinthians 4:6-18)
4. Christ's suffering brought sanctification to people; so, to some degree,
should ours.
(Hebrews 13:12, 13; II Corinthians 1:3-7)
Therefore, Christians are to be "poured out" offerings (Philippians 2:17;
II Timothy 4:6). We are to be "living sacrifices." (Romans 12:1, 2)
Charles Shelton in his classic book, In His Steps, suggests that in every situation
we should ask the question, "What would Jesus do?" True discipleship means doing
what Jesus would do, and that inevitably involves suffering.
Ruth Meets Boaz
(Ruth 2:1-23)
I. Concentration: on the events of this chapter
1. With Naomi's permission, Ruth "happened" (v. 4) to glean in the field
owned by Boaz ("Swiftness"), who noticed her and inquired of his
servant about her, vv. 1-7.
2. Boaz spoke with Ruth, commending her hard work and inviting her to
glean with his servants and to share their water, vv. 8-13.
3. Boaz invited Ruth to join him for a meal, and he made sure that she was
able to glean an extra amount of barley, vv. 14-18.
4. Ruth reported the day's events to Naomi, who praised God and
identified Boaz as a close relative, vv. 19-23.
"Gleaning" was the method for making sure the poor and needy persons of the
nation had food to eat," Leviticus 19:9-10.
II. Meditation: on the evidences of God's providence at work
1. It was no accident or coincidence that Ruth gleaned in Boaz's field; it
was God's divine sovereignty working in her behalf.
2. Boaz was a godly man (even during these "Dark Ages" of the Judges),
as seen in his exchange of greetings with his servants, v. 4.
3. Boaz pronounced a blessing upon Ruth for her faith in God and for her
faithfulness to the family although she was a foreigner, vv. 11-12.
4. Naomi praised the Lord, recognizing that He was responsible for
opening a door that could result in the redemption of their family
property.
(Apparently, Naomi had sold or leased their property, Ruth 4:3, but according to
the law in Leviticus 25:23-28, Boaz could "redeem" or buy back the family's
inheritance.)
III. Revelation and Application: on these spiritual principles
1. God is in control of the universe, and of our personal circumstances.
As a Christian, I need to trust Him fully and joyously live by faith each day.
2. A righteous person honors and reverences God in word and deed on
the job during the week, as well as in church on the day of worship.
As a Christian, I need to live the same life of spiritual integrity every
day, wherever I may be.
3. Persons who walk with God recognize His operations in the lives of
others and commend them for their faithful spiritual service.
I need to pronounce God's blessings upon the heads of His people.
4. Spiritually perceptive persons recognize God's hand at work, and they
respond positively whenever He opens a door of opportunity.
As a Christian, I need to cultivate spiritual vision and follow God's
planned destiny for my life.
Personal & Practical Devotional Lifeskills
1. Fasting: at least one meal each week
Matthew 6:16-18; Matthew 17:20-21; Isaiah 58:3-7
2. Praying: confession and intercession, "without ceasing" . . .
at least three times daily . . . using the Model Prayer
Psalm 55:17; I Thessalonians 5:17; Matthew 6:9-13; I John 1:9
3. Singing: psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs . . .
making melody in your heart continually
Ephesians 5:18; Colossians 3:16; James 5:13
4. Praising: speaking words to magnify the Lord
at least seven times daily
Psalm 119:164; Psalm 150:1-6; Hebrews 13:15; Revelation 19:5
5. Reading: God's word daily . . . through the entire Bible annually
II Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12
6. Meditating: daily on the spiritual truths and implications
in each chosen Scripture passage
Psalm 19:14; Philippians 4:8
7. Receiving: the Holy Spirit's fullness, enlightenment,
revelation, renewal, refreshing, and power daily
John 14:26; Ephesians 1:17-19; 5:18; James 1:5; I John 2:20, 27
8. Journaling: daily writing personal reflections, revelations
experiences, and spiritual applications
Deuteronomy 17:18-20; Jeremiah 30:2; Habakkuk 2:2
(Note: These devotional lifeskills are at the core of the Spiritual Mentoring
Track of the Pillsbury College & Seminary)
Chuck Berry said: "It's amazing how much you can learn
if your intentions are truly earnest."
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