Main Text: – ROMANS 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patience in affliction, faithful in prayer” (NIV).
INTRODUCTION
Hope is that part of faith that focuses on the future. The Apostle Paul has clearly defined the behavior of the Christian to be joyful, patient, and prayerful when affliction(s) arise as we journey along in the Christian race. Affliction and worries may arise, but remember Joy comes after a conquered battle
- Hope builds assurance for a happy end, therefore hope is that part of faith
that focuses on the future - Patience is a virtue of waiting attentively without complaint
- Faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do
not see.
The Apostle Paul, the writer of the book of Romans, of which the chapter twelve is part. This is known because Paul identified himself as a bound servant of Jesus Christ in the early verses of the chapter one.
JOYFUL IN HOPE
Romans 12:12 tells that our hearts should be full of joy because we have hope in Christ. Remember, hope brings confidence, therefore keep it alive to conquer your troubles.
In any hardship, never you give up, for the Apostle is assuring us of a brighter future when we hold on to the hope we have in Christ. The Apostle Paul admonished the people of Rome never to worry but be patience in their worries and to remain joyful in hope.
PATIENCE IN AFFLICTION
In 2 Corinthians 4:17
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (NKJV).
Affliction is just for a time and will be over. It will be evident for all eyes to see your patience has produced the awaited glory and joy.
The Lord refines us by means of affliction to become better people. So, brethren never quite but rather wait, press on and victory will be yours, for you will reflect the very nature of Christ to the world.
The affliction of this world may come in various forms, i.e., ailment, stagnation, economic hardship, unemployment, and fruitfulness etc.; in all these stand firm and be patient to see the salvation of the Lord.
FAITHFULNESS IN PRAYER
Faithfulness in prayer is a requirement for the Christian. When answers to the prayers are not yet available, let not your heart be troubled, so you do not fall into the temptation to stop praying, if not you deny God to intervene in the matter. Faithfulness in prayer requires a heart that keeps trusting in the Lord for all answers. Pray always and never cease.
APPLICATION
- When affliction comes, let your patience rise and keep it up.
- Learn to endure earnestly in prayer without been tired
- Brethren, never worry. Let your hope, patience, and prayer increase. For that is your conquering tool.
CONCLUSION
Never give up for joy awaits the man who will joyfully wait, endure the affliction, and persist in prayer, for such is he who will overcome. For patience is the correlation of faith. As you demonstrate these attributes, you become victorious.
God bless and be with us all. Amen
