Human suffering is due to our fallen world. Many people question Yahweh’s response to suffering. They wonder why he lets bad things happen or why he doesn’t fix bad situations. Seeing Yahweh as a puppet master is our first concern with this line of questions. What would it be like if we were sitting at a restaurant and we picked up a beer and were about to take a sip and the Lord slaps it out of our hand? Or what if we were at the grocery store and decided to buy a box of donuts. We select the donuts we want and put them in our shopping cart, but they disappear. We select another dozen donuts, and put them in our shopping cart and again they disappear. I recognize these are silly examples, but if Yahweh were to stop us every time we did something that wasn’t good for us, we would resent it. We would be like unthinking robots. Likewise if Yahweh stopped everyone who plans evil against the innocent, they would be robots. We certainly don’t mind bad people being robots, but we generally don’t want to be like robots ourselves. We like our freedom. As we saw with Hezekiah and Manasseh there is a payment that has to be made for sin. Someone has to pay the debt of sin. As sins increase in the world the debt grows, and the creation travails more and more. There is a wage to sin which is death. Paul writes to Timothy about the condition of our world. Let’s see what Paul says. Let’s also remember our studies of sporting with the devil.
Job, Abraham, and Isaac, were not behaving in a sinful manner, yet they encountered accusations from the devil, so that they were plunged into situations that were difficult. There was a time when evangelists promised heaven on earth for new converts, yet that is never promised in the Bible. What is promised is suffering. Just as Jesus suffered to be the payment for our sins, we suffer in this world. Technically, there is really nowhere to live where there won’t be suffering in this age. The age of man was corrupted by the devil, the incorporeal satan, the fallen heavenly sons of God, and the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim. Everything has been corrupted; our air, our water, our food, which in turn corrupts our bodies. Our societies, our governments, our churches, have been corrupted which in turn corrupts our hearts’ with negative feelings. The Holy Spirit is our witness that we are children of the Most High God, even on days when we don’t feel like it.
Romans 8:16 G1473 [3itself G3588 1The G4151 2spirit] G4828 bears witness together G3588 to G4151 our spirit, G1473 G3754 that G1510.2.4 we are G5043 children G2316 of God.
There is one solution for the children of the Living God, which is to learn the truth which will then equip us for our time here on earth. As children we are heirs along with Christ and we will be glorified with our Lord Jesus. Paul explains.
Romans 8:17 G1487 And if G1161 G5043 children, G2532 also G2818 heirs; G2818 heirs G3303 indeed G2316 of God, G4789 but joint-heirs G1161 G5547 of Christ; G1512 if indeed G4841 we suffer together, G2443 that G2532 also G4888 we should be glorified together.
4841 LSJ Gloss:συμπάσχω to suffer together, be affected by the same thing
Dodson:συμπάσχω I suffer together with I suffer together with, sympathize.
Thayer:
1) to suffer or feel pain together
2) to suffer evils (troubles, persecutions) in the like manner with another
συμπάσχω
sumpaschō soom-pas'-kho From G4862 and G3958 (including its alternate); to experience pain jointly or of the same kind (specifically persecution; to “sympathize”) KJV Usage: suffer with.
3958 LSJ Gloss:πάσχω to receive an impression from without, to suffer
Dodson:πάσχω I am acted upon, suffer I am acted upon in a certain way, either good or bad; I experience ill treatment, suffer.
Thayer:
to be affected or have been affected, to feel, have a sensible experience, to undergo
1a) in a good sense, to be well off, in good case
1b) in a bad sense, to suffer sadly, be in a bad plight
1b1) of a sick person
πάσχω, πάθω, πένθω
paschō pathō penthō pas'-kho, path'-o, pen'-tho Apparently a primary verb (the third form used only in certain tenses for it); to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful) KJV Usage: feel, passion, suffer, vex.
We are living in enemy territory, a world hostile to the Living God. Once we claim our allegiance to Jesus, then we are enemies to all beings aligned with the devil, such as the incorporeal satan, the fallen sons of God, the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim and all humans who serve the evil usurpers. When one person in the Body of Christ suffers, we all suffer. Does it seem as if suffering is increasing? Paul continues to explain that our suffering is hardly anything compared to the glory about to be revealed in us. What does he mean? Consider verse 18 as a parenthetical phrase.
(Romans 8:18 G3049 For I consider G1063 G3754 that G3756 [6 are not G514 7worthy to be compared G3588 1the G3804 2sufferings G3588 3of the G3568 4present G2540 5time] G4314 to G3588 the G3195 [2about to be G1391 1glory] G601 uncovered G1519 unto G1473 us. 19 G3588 For the G1063 G603 earnest expectation G3588 of the G2937 creation G3588 [2the G602 3uncovering G3588 4of the G5207 5sons G3588 G2316 6of God G553 1awaits]. )
3804LSJ Gloss:πάθημα anything that befals one, a suffering, calamity, misfortune
Dodson:πάθημα suffering, passion (a) suffering, affliction, (b) passion, emotion, (c) an undergoing, an enduring.
Thayer:
1) that which one suffers or has suffered
1a) externally, a suffering, misfortune, calamity, evil, affliction
1a1) of the sufferings of Christ
1a2) also the afflictions which Christians must undergo in behalf of the same cause which Christ patiently endured
1b) of an inward state, an affliction, passion
2) an enduring, undergoing, suffering
πάθημα
pathēma path'-ay-mah From a presumed derivative of G3806; something undergone, that is, hardship or pain; subjectively an emotion or influence KJV Usage: affection, affliction, motion, suffering.
Paul is giving us a side note with verse 18. The pain we deal with now will be quickly forgotten when we, the sons of God, are revealed, apokalupsis. Paul’s vision was looking ahead to the time when all those who have confessed Jesus will be revealed from heaven. If we suffer together, we are glorified together and the eager anticipation of the entire creation is waiting for the disclosure of the sons of God. In other words, whoever suffers together will appear together and the creation which was usurped nearly six thousand years ago will be freed from the slavery of corruption.
Romans 8:19 G3588 For the G1063 G603 earnest expectation G3588 of the G2937 creation G3588 [2the G602 3uncovering G3588 4of the G5207 5sons G3588 G2316 6of God G553 1awaits].
The “uncovering”, the apocalypse of the children of the Most High God will bring freedom to the creation. On that day, the creation will be set free like the children of God.
Romans 8:21 G3754 that G2532 even G1473 [3itself G3588 1the G2937 2creation] G1659 shall be freed G575 from G3588 the G1397 slavery G3588 G5356 of corruption, G1519 unto G3588 the G1657 freedom G3588 of the G1391 glory G3588 of the G5043 children G3588 G2316 of God.
22 G1492 For we know G1063 G3754 that G3956 all G3588 the G2937 creation G4959 groans together, G2532 and G4944 suffers distress together, G891 as far as G3588 the G3568 present
As much as we, the children of the Living God, are in distress the creation is also in distress. Everything has been corrupted, but there will be a time when the revealing of the children who are joint heirs with Christ will be manifested and the world will heal.
Jesus endured the cross so that he could release us from the devil by paying our ransom, this is literally what redemption means, a release effected by payment of ransom. The devil is holding people for ransom. Jesus suffered so that he could pay our ransom. Paul explains that even though Jesus is paying our price for sin we labor and are berated due to our hope in the Living God.
1 Timothy 4:1-11 (KJV)
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
11 These things command and teach.
1 Timothy 4:10 G1519 [2in G3778 this G1063 1for] G2532 also G2872 we tire in labor, G2532 and G3679 are berated, G3754 because G1679 we have hope G1909 upon G2316 a living God, G2198 G3739 who G1510.2.3 is G4990 deliverer G3956 of all G444 men, G3122 especially G4103 ones believing.
3679 LSJ Gloss:ὀνειδίζω to throw a reproach upon
Dodson:ὀνειδίζω I reproach, revile, upbraid.
Thayer:
1) to reproach, upbraid, revile
1a) of deserved reproach
1b) of undeserved reproach, to revile
1c) to upbraid, cast (favours received) in one's teeth
ὀνειδέζω
oneidezō on-i-did'-zo From G3681; to defame, that is, rail at, chide, taunt KJV Usage: cast in teeth, (suffer) reproach, revile, upbraid.
We are berated, railed upon, or taunted, because we believe in the Living God. Yet the Living God, our Savior, is also berated, railed upon, and taunted. Why would anyone berate the Creator, the Living God? It would seem more logical to berate the dead god of this world, as he only hacks and usurps, but cannot give life. Think about it, we humans are being held for ransom, and berating the Living God is simply an extension of berating us, or vice versa. Remembering our time period of Hezekiah, we see the king of Assyria and one of his servants, Rapsakes berate the Living God.
4 Kings 19:4 Peradventure the Lord thy God will hear all the words of Rapsakes, whom the king of Assyria his master has sent to reproach the living God and to revile him with the words which the Lord thy God has heard: and thou shalt offer thy prayer for the remnant that is found.
5 So the servants of king Ezekias came to Esaias. 6 And Esaias said to them, Thus shall ye say to your master, Thus saith the Lord, Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of the Assyrians have blasphemed. 7 Behold, I send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a report, and shall return to his own land; and I will overthrow him with the sword in his own land.
Rapsakes says Hezekiah took down the high places and the altars of the Lord and that there isn’t a god who will deliver them from Assyria. Rapsakes also tells the people in the Hebrew language not to believe Hezekiah because the Lord sent him (Rapsakes) to destroy this place. What Rapsakes wanted was for everyone to surrender to him and go to Assyria. Rapsakes was claiming that he was more powerful than the Living God, Yahweh. Rapsakes leaves, finding that Assyria was at war, but sent a letter to Hezekiah saying not to trust the Living God. Hezekiah went to the temple and prayed.
4 Kings 19:15 and said, O Lord God of Israel that dwellest over the cherubs, thou art the only god in all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. 16 Incline thine ear, O Lord, and hear: open, Lord, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherim, which he has sent to reproach the living God. 17 For truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have wasted the nations, 18 and have cast their gods into the fire: because they are no gods, but the works of men’s hands, wood and stone; and they have destroyed them. 19 And now, O Lord our God, deliver us out of his hand, and all the kingdoms of the earth shall know that thou alone art the Lord God.
Hezekiah did the only thing he could do, he prayed for deliverance. Isaiah prophesies to Hezekiah that the Lord heard his prayer. Then the angel of the Lord smote the Assyrians and Sennacherim was murdered by his own sons. Isaiah records this as well, Isaiah 37:4,17.
Think about this. If this is the devil’s game, the way he sports with us, by chiding, berating, and reviling us and the Living God, shouldn’t we pray and ask the Living God to deliver us? Hezekiah didn’t direct the Lord in how to help, he simply asked for help. It was Yahweh’s prerogative to help by sending and angel to kill 185,000 Assyrians and Senecherim.
An enemy berates, or reproaches, the Living God. Foolish people provoke His name. Picture this, humans held for ransom, being mocked and berated in a prisoner of war camp. The humans start to lose hope that they will be rescued. A Psalm of instruction for Asaph says this:
Psalm 74:1 Wherefore hast thou rejected us, O God, for ever? wherefore is thy wrath kindled against the sheep of thy pasture? 2 Remember thy congregation which thou hast purchased from the beginning; thou didst ransom the rod of thine inheritance; this mount Sion wherein thou hast dwelt. 3 Lift up thine hands against their pride continually; because of all that the enemy has done wickedly in thy holy places.
4 And they that hate thee have boasted in the midst of thy feast; they have set up their standards for signs, 5 ignorantly as it were in the entrance above; 6 they cut down its doors at once with axes as in a wood of trees; they have broken it down with hatchet and stone cutter. 7 They have burnt thy sanctuary with fire to the ground; they have profaned the habitation of thy name. 8 They have said in their heart, even all their kindred together, Come, let us abolish the feasts of the Lord from the earth. 9 We have not seen our signs; there is no longer a prophet; and God will not know us any more.
10 How long, O God, shall the enemy reproach? shall the enemy provoke thy name forever? 11 Wherefore turnest thou away thine hand, and thy right hand from the midst of thy bosom for ever? 12 But God is our King of old; he has wrought salvation in the midst of the earth…..
18 Remember this thy creation: an enemy has reproached the Lord, and a foolish people has provoked thy name. 19 Deliver not to the wild beasts a soul that gives praise to thee: forget not for ever the souls of thy poor. 20 Look upon thy covenant: for the dark places of the earth are filled with the habitations of iniquity. 21 let not the afflicted and shamed one be rejected: the poor and needy shall praise thy name. 22 Arise, O God, plead thy cause: remember thy reproaches that come from the foolish one all the day. 23 Forget not the voice of thy suppliants: let the pride of them that hate thee continually ascend before thee.
Even though the prideful men do wicked things, the Lord has not forsaken us. He sent His Son. This song asks the Living God not to forget the humble, but instead to remember the prideful people who hate the Lord. The Lord is well aware of the evil and prideful people who speak out against him and us. Jesus even told us to rejoice in this.
Matthew 5:10 G3107 Blessed are G3588 the ones G1377 having been persecuted G1752 because of G1343 righteousness, G3754 for G1473 of them G1510.2.3 is G3588 the G932 kingdom G3588 of the G3772 heavens.
11 G3107 Blessed G1510.2.5 are you G3752 whenever G3679 they should berate G1473 you, G2532 and G1377 persecute, G2532 and G2036 shall say G3956 every G4190 wicked G4487 saying G2596 against G1473 you G5574 in lying, G1752 because of G1473 me.
12 G5463 Rejoice G2532 and G21 exult, G3754 for G3588 G3408 your wage G1473 G4183 is great G1722 in G3588 the G3772 heavens! G3779 for so G1063 G1377 they persecuted G3588 the G4396 prophets G3588 G4253 before G1473 you.
Our payment is going to be substantial, just like the prophets. Are we going to be persecuted for being righteous? Are we going to be berated? Peter tells us that we are blessed because the glory and the Spirit of the Living God will give us rest.
1 Peter 4:12-14 (KJV)
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
We are partakers in Christ’s suffering, and we will glory when he will be revealed, apokalupsis, at his apocalypse, appearing. We will reign with him. We are to endure, not suffer, but survive.
2 Timothy 2:11-18 (KJV)
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
2 Timothy 2:12 G1487 if G5278 we endure, G2532 also G4821 we shall reign together; G1487 if G720 we deny, G2548 that one also G720 will deny G1473 us;
5278LSJ Gloss:ὑπομένω to stay behind, survive
Dodson:ὑπομένω I remain behind, endure
(a) I remain behind, (b) I stand my ground, show endurance, (c) I endure, bear up against, persevere.
Thayer:
1) to remain
1a) to tarry behind
2) to remain i.e. abide, not recede or flee
2a) to preserve: under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one's faith in Christ
2b) to endure, bear bravely and calmly: ill treatments
ὑπομένω
hupomenō hoop-om-en'-o From G5259 and G3306; to stay under (behind), that is, remain; figuratively to undergo, that is, bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere KJV Usage: abide, endure, (take) patient (-ly), suffer, tarry behind.
The idea is not to flee but to remain. Many people reject the Lord when persecution comes upon them. The pressure of suffering makes some people believe that Yahweh doesn’t love them or is not helping them. This word usually translated suffering is really endure. In Hezekiah’s case, he had destroyed all the idols and altars of the devil-worshipping people. The country was in a better place even though there were plenty of intentionally evil people whose hearts and souls were incurably severed from Yahweh. One might think that Hezekiah should have had a special dispensation to not have to deal with evil. But when the children of wrath came against Hezekiah and mocked him as well as the Living God, Hezekiah did the only thing he could, he went to the temple, fell on his face, and asked for deliverance. He didn’t get mad at Yahweh, reminding Yahweh of all the things he did to try and get Judah back on track. He didn’t forsake Yahweh deciding that the pressure he was receiving was too hard. Hezekiah endured. Notice what David writes.
Psalm 25:3 G2532 G1063 For G3956 all G3588 the G5278 ones remaining G1473 with you G3766.2 in no way G2617 shall be disgraced. G153 Let [4be ashamed G3588 1the G457.1 2ones acting lawlessly G1246.1 3without cause]!
David says that if we stay put, if we don’t flee, if we simply remain in the midst of the storm, we will not be disgraced. Why should we have to endure hardship, shouldn’t Yahweh protect us like china dolls? Understanding that we are actually prisoners of war living in a p.o.w. camp, we remain steady in our salvation. We stand our ground in our firm belief that Yahweh is our Living God. And when the persecution seems too great, we ask Him for deliverance. David also says this.
Psalm 27:14 G5278 Wait on G3588 the G2962 lord! G407 Be manly G2532 and G2901 fortify G3588 G2588 your heart, G1473 G2532 and G5278 wait G3588 on the G2962 lord!
Being manly means to be brave. This expression is used several times in the Bible. The devil has been beating the men of earth down to the degree that they don’t feel brave, but men are to be brave. We are to strengthen our own heart. Encourage one another to make hearts strong. Just as the adam had a personal relationship with Yahweh, all men and women should have a personal relationship with Yahweh. That is why men and women can be strong or manly. A manly person has the confidence and empowerment of the Living God within. That strength is a strong tower. This is not a loud boisterous bloviator, but a quiet strength like a brick wall.
Paul suggests this as well
1 Corinthians 16:13 G1127 Be vigilant! G4739 Stand firmly G1722 in G3588 the G4102 belief! G407 Be manly! G2901 Be fortified!
In other words, just do it. Endure. In our age we can utilize the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit to activate and fortify our heart.
Psalm 37:34 G5278 Wait G3588 on the G2962 lord, G2532 and G5442 guard G3588 G3598 his way! G1473 G2532 and G5312 he shall exalt G1473 you G3588 G2624.1 to inherit G3588 the G1093 land, G1722 in G3588 the one G1842 [3being utterly destroyed G268 2sinners G3708 1you will see].
David encourages people to wait, endure, and remain; and if they do, they will see sinners being utterly destroyed. We will see sinners destroyed. It may not be in our lifetime, but it will happen when the incurably severed stand before the Lord at his white throne judgment. The heirs of Jacob who have endured will inherit the land during the millennial reign. Jesus will gather them from heaven and earth to populate Israel. The Body of Christ will rule and reign as kings and priests. Zephaniah tells us that the Lord wants us to wait on him for the day of His rising.
Zephaniah 3:8 G1223 On account of G3778 this G5278 wait G1473 for me, G3004 says G2962 the lord, G1519 for G2250 the day G386 of my rising up, G1473 G1519 for G3142 a testimony! G1360 For G3588 G2917 my judgment G1473 G1519 shall be for G4864 a gathering G1484 of nations, G3588 G1523 to take G935 kings, G3588 G1632 to pour out G1909 upon G1473 them G3588 G3709 [3anger G1473 2of my G3956 1all], G3709 the anger G2372 of my rage. G1360 For G1722 [5by G4442 6 the fire G2205 7of my zeal G1473 G2654 4shall be consumed G3956 1all G3588 2the G1093 3earth].
9 G3754 For G5119 then G3344 I will transfer G1909 upon G2992 the peoples G1100 one tongue G1519 for G1074 her generation, G1473 G3588 G1941 for all to call upon G3956 G3588 the G3686 name G2962 of the lord, G3588 G1398 to serve G1473 him G5259 under G2218 [2yoke G1520 1one].
The millennial kingdom will be for a race of people, not a group of people who lived during one particular period of time. Generation is not the best translation of this word. The race, or family, will be made up of people who call on the name of the Lord and they will serve him. This is why we are told to wait for Him. Endure and don’t flee. Jesus tells us to remain, or endure, and we will be delivered.
Matthew 10:22 G2532 And G1510.8.5 you will be G3404 detested G5259 by G3956 all G1223 on account of G3588 G3686 my name. G1473 G3588 But the one G1161 G5278 remaining G1519 unto G5056 completion, G3778 this one G4982 shall be delivered.
And again.
Matthew 24:13 G3588 But the G1161 G5278 one remaining G1519 unto G5056 the end, G3778 this one G4982 shall be delivered.
We see that the key here is to not walk away from the Lord if we expect deliverance. We have to choose to wait and stand strong in the middle of the storm. We are living as prisoners whether we like it our not. Those who sell out to the devil always get better treatment in prison than those who endure or stand their ground with the Most High God. Yahweh will not control us and make us stay, however James tells us that if we do endure, we will be blessed with a reward.
James 1:12 G3107 Blessed is G435 a man G3739 who G5278 endures G3986 test; G3754 for G1384 [2unadulterated G1096 1becoming], G2983 he shall receive G3588 the G4735 crown G3588 G2222 of life, G3739 which G1861 [3promised G3588 1the G2962 2Lord] G3588 to the ones G25 loving G1473 him.
Only those who endure and love the Lord receive a crown of life. If one confesses Jesus as Lord, but runs from the Lord, that one may still be saved, but will not receive any rewards. It seems that if we must suffer and endure, and be berated, we might as well not flee, but should stand so that we can receive our reward. We all get beat up by the devil and his minions. We can either stand strong and strengthen our heart, or faint and not receive a reward. Either way, we will still get beat on by the devil. We might as well make it worth something.
James 5:11 G2400 Behold, G3106 we declare happy G3588 the ones G5278 enduring. G3588 The G5281 endurance G* of Job G191 you have heard, G2532 and G3588 the G5056 end G2962 by the Lord G1492 you know; G3754 that G4184 [2very compassionate G1510.2.3 1he is] G2532 and G3629 pitying.
The endurance of Job is a great example. James declares that we are blessed to endure because Yahweh is very compassionate and merciful. Yahweh doesn’t want us to suffer, but we have to learn how not to. He cannot control us like robots and then expect us to love Him. We have to learn, like Job, that Yahweh isn’t hurting us, the devil is. We have to learn that the things the devil tempts us with are not worth anything but momentary pleasure, while the things that Yahweh offers us will be eternal.
1 Peter 2:20 G4169 For what G1063 G2811 fame G1487 if G264 sinning G2532 and G2852 [2being buffeted G5278 1you endure]? G235 But G1487 if G15 doing good G2532 and G3958 suffering G5278 you endure, G3778 this G5484 is favorable G3844 with G2316 God.
It makes sense to be punished for doing something wrong. But to be punished without doing anything wrong and yet enduring, is called charis, “grace or favor with Yahweh”. Paul tells us why this is happening and why it seems that there are more intentionally evil people around.
2 Timothy 3:1-9 (KJV)
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly vain women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
People intentionally participating in evil to fulfill their own lusts bring sin, death, and destruction, to everyone else on the earth. Then there are those who intentionally plot evil towards others. They bring targeted hardships to the innocent. We must include the fallen heavenly sons of God, the devil and the incorporeal satan, who were not created as life-givers, but whom want our worship and attention. Earth seems rather messy for the children of the Living God. Let patient endurance prevail.
2 Timothy 3:10 (KJV)
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
2 Timothy 3:10 G1473 But you G1161 G3877 have closely followed G1473 my G3588 G1319 instruction G3588 in the G72 conduct, G3588 in the G4286 intention, G3588 in the G4102 belief, G3588 in the G3115 long-suffering, G3588 in the G26 love, G3588 in the G5281 endurance,
3115 Dodson:μακροθυμία patience, forbearance patience, forbearance, longsuffering.
Thayer:
1) patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance
2) patience, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs
For Synonyms see entry G5861
μακροθυμία
makrothumia mak-roth-oo-mee'-ah From the same as G3116; longanimity, that is, (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude KJV Usage: longsuffering, patience.
Longsuffering is patient endurance. It is a nice way of saying “enduring for a long time”. But we are not alone in our struggle; the Holy Spirit helps us as we walk in the ways of the Lord. Sometimes long-suffering is translated leniency. This suggests that we are to let things go if others around us are behaving badly towards us, we simply let it go. It suggests being quick to forgive.
Galatians 5:22 G3588 But the G1161 G2590 fruit G3588 of the G4151 spirit G1510.2.3 is G26 love, G5479 joy, G1515 peace, G3115 leniency, G5544 graciousness, G19 goodness, G4102 belief,
23 G4236 gentleness, G1466 self-control; G2596 against G3588 G5108 such things G3756 there is no G1510.2.3 G3551 law.
Paul tells us that he was persecuted, suffering pain. As Paul traveled preaching, the religious people were chasing him. They didn’t like the good news.
2 Timothy 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
2 Timothy 3:11 G3588 in the G1375 persecutions, G3588 in the G3804 sufferings, G3634 such as G1473 happened to me G1096 G1722 in G* Antioch, G1722 in G* Iconium, G1722 in G* Lystra-- G3634 of such G1375 persecutions G5297 I endured. G2532 And G1537 from out of G3956 all G1473 [3rescued me G4506 G3588 1the G2962 2Lord].
5297 LSJ Gloss:ὑποφέρω to carry away under
Dodson:ὑποφέρω I endure, suffer I bear up under, endure, suffer.
Thayer:
1) to bear by being under, bear up (a thing placed on one's shoulders)
2) to bear patiently, to endure
ὑποφέρω
hupopherō hoop-of-er'-o From G5259 and G5342; to bear from underneath, that is, (figuratively) to undergo hardship
KJV Usage: bear, endure.
The Lord rescued Paul. The Lord delivered Paul. Paul had to suffer, but he endured patiently. Yahweh will make a way out of the suffering for us, but we need to remember patience.
1 Corinthians 10:13 G3986 A test G1473 [3you G3756 1has not G2983 2taken] G1508 except G442 what belongs to a human; G4103 [3is trustworthy G1161 1but G3588 G2316 2God], G3739 who G3756 will not G1439 allow G1473 you G3985 to be tested G5228 above G3739 what G1410 you are able; G235 but G4160 will make G4862 with G3588 the G3986 test G2532 also G3588 the G1545 way out, G3588 G1410 [2to be able G1473 1for you] G5297 to endure.
3986 LSJ Gloss:πειρασμός trial, temptation
Dodson:πειρασμός trial, testing, temptation (a) trial, probation, testing, being tried, (b) temptation, (c) calamity, affliction.
Thayer:
1) an experiment, attempt, trial, proving
1a) trial, proving: the trial made of you by my bodily condition, since condition served as to test the love of the Galatians toward Paul (Gal.
4:14)
1b) the trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy
1b1) an enticement to sin, temptation, whether arising from the desires or from the outward circumstances
1b2) an internal temptation to sin
1b2a) of the temptation by which the devil sought to divert Jesus the Messiah from his divine errand
1b3) of the condition of things, or a mental state, by which we are enticed to sin, or to a lapse from the faith and holiness
1b4) adversity, affliction, trouble: sent by God and serving to test or prove one's character, faith, holiness
1c) temptation (i.e. trial) of God by men
1c1) rebellion against God, by which his power and justice are, as it were, put to the proof and challenged to show themselves
πειρασμός
peirasmos pi-ras-mos' From G3985; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversity KJV Usage: temptation, X try.
What is a test? It is an experiment. We are not lab rats for Yahweh we are treated like lab rats by the devil. The devil accuses us before the throne of the Lord day and night. The devil puts the pressure on us. Every push and every shove by the evil one and his cohorts is an attempt to make us fall. If we truly had the vision of this we would see ourselves surrounded by evil spiritual beings and evil people, intentionally knocking into us, intentionally harassing us, intentionally tripping us. We would also see other evil spiritual beings and evil people surrounding us and tempting us with lusts such as drugs, sexual desires, foods, money. If we see it for what it is, we would understand that this tug of war is what we are to endure. There is nothing new under the sun. We all go through these trials and temptations. We do ourselves a favor when we resist the bait, but we have to endure the pushing, shoving, and tripping. Then the Lord will deliver us. If he protected us from the persecution we would not learn to spar or sport with the devil. If he shielded us from the calamities and affliction, we would not understand the depths of evil. If he controlled our behaviors, we would be robots. If we get pushed around and we fight back, we become stronger and wiser.
2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
2 Timothy 3:12 G2532 [2even G3956 3all G1161 1But] G3588 the ones G2309 wanting G2153 [2piously G2198 1to live] G1722 in G5547 Christ G* Jesus G1377 shall be persecuted.
1377 LSJ Gloss:διώκω to pursue
Dodson:διώκω I pursue, persecute I pursue, hence: I persecute.
Thayer:
1) to make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away
2) to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run after
2a) to press on: figuratively of one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goal
2b) to pursue (in a hostile manner)
3) in any way whatever to harass, trouble, molest one
3a) to persecute
3b) to be mistreated, suffer persecution on account of something
4) without the idea of hostility, to run after, follow after: someone
5) metaph., to pursue
5a) to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavour to acquire
διώκω
diōkō dee-o'-ko A prolonged (and causative) form of a primary verb δίω diō (to flee; compare the base of G1169 and G1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication to persecute KJV Usage: ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute (-ion), press toward.
If you are a child of the Most High God, you will be pursued by evil. You will be surrounded by evil. One of the mistakes we make is to not even pray about it. We endure without asking for help. David sang his prayers to the Lord.
Psalm 7:0 G5568 A psalm G3588 to G* David G3739 which G103 he sang G3588 to the G2962 lord, G5228 because of G3588 the G3056 words G* of Cush G5207 son of G* Benjamin.
1 G2962 O lord G3588 G2316 my God, G1473 G1909 upon G1473 you G1679 I hope. G4982 Deliver G1473 me G1537 from G3956 all G3588 the ones G1377 pursuing G1473 me, G2532 and G4506 rescue G1473 me!
David asks for the Lord to deliver him and to rescue him. David asked. Hezekiah asked. Neither directed the Lord in how to deliver them. Neither directed the Lord in what to do to the enemy. They simply asked. It reminds us of the prayer Jesus told us to pray, “deliver us from evil”. Jesus told the disciples that they would be persecuted just like he was.
John 15:20 G3421 Remember G3588 the G3056 word G3739 which G1473 I G2036 said G1473 to you! G3756 [3not G1510.2.3 2is G1401 1A servant] G3173 greater than G3588 G2962 his master. G1473 G1487 If G1473 me G1377 they persecuted, G2532 also G1473 you G1377 they shall persecute. G1487 If G3588 G3056 [2my word G1473 G5083 1they give heed to], G2532 then G3588 G5212 [2yours G5083 1they will give heed to].
If religious people persecuted Jesus, religious people will probably persecute us. If some people listened to Jesus, some people may listen to us. Paul paints a gloomy picture for us.
1 Corinthains 4:11 G891 As far as G3588 the G737 present G5610 hour G2532 we both G3983 hunger, G2532 and G1372 thirst, G2532 and G1130 are naked, G2532 and G2852 are buffeted, G2532 and G790 unsettled;
12 G2532 and G2872 we tire G2038 working G3588 with our own G2398 G5495 hands. G3058 Being reviled, G2127 we bless; G1377 being persecuted, G430 we endure;
13 G987 being blasphemed, G3870 we appeal; G5613 as G4027 the rubbish G3588 of the G2889 world, G1096 we were G3956 of all G4067 the sweepings G2193 until G737 now
Life doesn’t sound so grand does it? If we see people living a glorious life, we can be assured they are living for the devil. It doesn’t matter if they are movie stars, political leaders, or religious leaders. If we see people who are, hungry, thirsty, naked, buffeted, unsettled, tired, reviled, persecuted, enduring, blasphemed, we can guess that they are not living for the devil. When one person suffers in the Body of Christ, all suffer. Creation suffers. However, eternity is far more important than this age.
2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
There is profit to the scriptures. People may become more evil, but we are to continue in the ways of the Lord. We can become perfect through our trials. We can become perfected through our endurance.
2 Timothy 4:1-5 (KJV)
1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Turning to fables within the Body of Christ is simply the devil’s game of attempting to get us off-track with Yahweh. In fact, as we see from studying the Bible, there are many subjects and many ideas that have been wrongly communicated over the centuries. Today we are prisoners of war. Jesus is coming to redeem us, releasing us from the bondage of the devil with the payment of His own blood, ransoming us. When the sons of the Living God are revealed at the end of the tribulation, the earth will start to heal. Suffering, berating, and enduring, are a part of our lives for now. How well we overcome determines our reward, a glory not to be compared to anything we see on the earth today. Remain, do not flee, do not falter. Be brave, be manly. The Holy Spirit is bearing witness with our own spirit that we are the children of the Most High, Living, God.
