Tag Archives: confidence

Integrity According to the Bible

He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known. Proverbs 10:9

In the Old Testament, the term in the Hebrew language that is translated into English for integrity is תָם (tam), תָמִים (tamim, plural), which literally means, be complete, be finished, be finalized.

But its significance goes beyond an etymological meaning; the word in Hebrew presents the idea that the person who is classified as integrous is the person who has exhausted all his strength, at the level of exhaustiveness, to reach the highest level of Excellence in his effort to show his true intentions.

The concept of integrity in the Bible has been formed from the contributions of men and women who have interacted directly with God.

Thus, for example, integrity in Abraham’s time is defined as the disposition of the heart associated with an honest attitude. The person tries not to act moved by a hidden reason. His action is sincere, it does not hide any trap, nor does it seek to obtain a result that it has not manifested in advance. Integrity is defined as a mindset, equivalent to being genuine.

And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. Genesis 20:6

In the time of Moses, Joshua and the judges, integrity is associated with the effort to remain faithful to the truth. Being integrous means being truthful, it is the person who acts according to the truth. The person classified as integrous does not deceive, does not commit fraud, and does not disappoint the trust of those who trust in him.

Being integrous before God means to appear before Him believing that He is the only God, that apart from Him there is nothing, no one. Idolatry is considered as a symptom that the person suffers from an absence of integrity,

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. Joshua 24:14

At the time of the kings, integrity is associated with acts of righteousness. Integrity is the effort of the person to maintain a constant attitude according to the righteousness of God.

I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity. … 26With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright. 2 Samuel 22:24-26

The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. Psalm 7:8

This concept is also present in the time of the patriarchs,

Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity. Job 31:6

Thus, integrity, although presented as a condition of life, integrity is built through the effort of the person to show that his intentions are in accordance with an honest disposition of the heart, according to the truth, according to righteousness. The degree of effort determines the quality of the integrity.

When we come to Jesus’ time, the concept has completely lost its validity, and the people lack integrity.

Hence, in his doctrine, He adds other definitions. Thus, in his teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, the integrous is the person who does not refuse to do tasks even if they do not correspond to him, even though they are not his responsibility.

And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Matthew 5:40, 41

Integrous is who gives, who does not retain, who does not take for himself, who develops the quality of not clinging to material things, because doing so accumulates treasures in the heavens.

Integrous is one who spares no effort to show others that his intentions are not based on petty, selfish interests. His effort is aimed at showing others that his feelings are true, not just appearance.

In another section of his teachings we find Jesus presenting the parable of talents,[1] and the parable of the minas.[2]

In both parables, the wicked and slothful servant, from the parable of the talents, and the wicked servant from the parable of the mines, both are judged by their lack of integrity. There was no effort in them to achieve what was entrusted to them. The harshness of the punishment is in accordance with the degree of integrity expected of them.

Integrous is one who cannot be reproached for not striving to be faithful towards something, or towards someone, or for not achieving the operation entrusted to him.

When we come to the New Testament’s time, the word integrity appears only once translated as such (Titus 2: 7), and it is the apostle Paul who adds an additional conception to the concept that comes from the Old Testament.

The term in the Greek language translated into English as integrity is αφθοριαν (afthorian), and literally means, incorruptible, immortality.

  • Romans 2: 7 ( ἀ φθαρσίαν: immortality);
  • 1st. Corinthians 15:42 ( ἀ φθαρσίᾳ : incorruption);
  • 1st. Corinthians 15:50 ( ἀ φθαρσίαν: incorruption);
  • 1st. Corinthians 15:53 ( ἀ φθαρσίαν: incorruption / immortality);
  • 1st. Corinthians 15:54 ( ἀ φθαρσίαν: incorruption / immortality);
  • Ephesians 6:24 ( ἀ φθαρσίᾳ : sincerity);
  • 2nd. Timothy 1:10 ( ἀ φθαρσίαν: immortality);
  • Titus 2: 7 (αφθοριαν: uncorruptness)

Integrous is someone, or something, that cannot or is not subject to corruption. Integrity is a feeling, a conviction or an action that remains unchanged. It is also associated with actions, actions endorsed by words. Integrous is the person who does according to what he says. Integrity is demonstrated, not only at the level of theory.

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2Saying, the scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: 3All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. Matthew 23: 1-3

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Titus 2: 7

Although secularly associated with a moral quality, integrity has nothing to do with morality. Integrity is the decision of the people to act according to the divine disposition. Integrity is the action that involves effort and boldness.

God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. Job 27: 5

Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once. Proverbs 28:18

Integrity is a virtue equivalent to wisdom. Who achieves it gets the reputation of being a person of dignity and honor,

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11

Integrity develops the capacity to establish the Will of God on earth. The integrous person is backed by God himself.

And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Isaiah 38: 3

Integrity is the daily effort to achieve that for which we were reached by the Lord.

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Philippians 3:12, 13

We cannot end this teaching without neglecting to mention the level of excellence in the integrity process: recognizing our failures, and amending them.

And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? Let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house. 2 Samuel 24:17

The integrous is one who recognizes his/her mistakes, his/her faults, his/her sins, confronts those who offended, and knows how to ask for forgiveness … and corrects the damage …

@pastormontoya

http://www.ministerioscristorey.com

[1] Matthew 25:14-30

[2] Luke 19:12-26

Why does the apostle Paul state that we should glory in the Tribulations? Is it necessary to do it?

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; Romans 5:3

In the previous study, can someone glory in the Tribulations? we discover that the subject is part of the sound doctrine, and that there is a way of Revelation through them.

However, today we want to answer several questions that arose as a result of the topic. Is it necessary to do it? Am I obliged to do it? Am I a lesser believer if I do not? What other reason is there, if there is one, for it to have a spiritual benefit in the tribulations?

The subject of tribulations, and the attitude of glory of them, or in them, is not in itself a requirement of salvation. As we established in the previous study, it is not about suffering for suffering, but about maintaining the convictions of faith in Jesus despite the tribulations and oppositions that arise to make us desist from our faith. It is the tribulation suffered by Jesus’ love, the only one that brings revelation of his Glory.

And that is what the apostle Paul poses. The, it is necessary that through many tribulations we enter into the kingdom of God,[1] it is not a doctrine of pain, or suffering, in which through pain as a means of purification perfection is reached, and finally salvation. Not through suffering is holiness and / or perfection achieved.

Clearly it is observed in the same text that the apostle exhorted them to remain in the faith. If by remaining in the faith I have to suffer the tribulation, I suffer for the love of Jesus, until He is formed in me.

In that sense, no tribulation, no pain, no suffering can, and should not, testing our convictions of faith, they are not subject to negotiation. Changing faith to avoid suffering only makes man sow for his flesh, for he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:8

The tribulation that opposes our entering into the Kingdom of God, when it is resisted and overcome, becomes an element for the revelation of the formation of Christ in you;[2] because when we suffer together with Him, for his name’s sake, together with Him we will be glorified; and not only that, but we are also constituted as heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.[3]

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8:17

So, although not a requirement of salvation by itself, the tribulation by faith in Jesus is a bond of filiation, of spiritual growth, of maturity, of character development; above all, of ministerial development.

Those who flee to the tribulation for the sake of the Gospel of the Kingdom, not only reject their faith in Jesus, but also compromise their faith in negotiating with the world.

The saddest thing is that those who act in this way believe, erroneously, that by remaining in the world and being considered by him, they establish a testimony of their faith.

This ideology is a pagan and devilish strategy denounced since the time of the prophet Isaiah,

Because ye have said, we have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: Isaias 28:15

The tribulation then becomes judgment and anger,

And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it. . Isaias 28:18

Not in all Christian communities was it well seen to suffer for the sake of Christ. The apostle denounced the marginalization, to which he was subjected even by other apostles themselves,

Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, 4Have we not power to eat and to drink? 5Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 6Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? 1st. Corinthians 9:3-6

There were even members of the same team who saw that the issue was unpopular, and that it kept them away from the acceptance of the people, and left them,

For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 2nd. Timothy 4:10

However, because of the spiritual nature of suffering together with Christ, as he wrote to the community of faith in Rome, enduring the tribulation became a strategy of spiritual warfare to break the power of sin,

If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. 1st. Corinthians 9:12

The same doctrinal approach is found in the writing of the first epistle to the community of faith of Corinth,

But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. 16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. 1st. Corinthians 9:15-17

Why is this doctrine so ingrained in Paul? We will discuss three reasons on this occasion; the first one, due to the impact of his conversion,

  1. Because he is committed to God to proclaim the Gospel without receiving compensation in return or any personal benefit.

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 1st. Corinthians 9:16

Paul’s love for Jesus and for the proclamation of the Gospel of the Kingdom in favor of Jews and Gentiles has no rational explanation. It is simply the product of reconciling their zeal for Judaism with the revelation that Jesus is the Christ.

Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Philippians 3:4-7

It was the same zeal with which he persecuted the church that made Paul an indefatigable proclaimer of the Gospel,

And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. Acts 26.11

It was the revelation of Jesus on his way to Damascus, and the forgiveness he received when Ananias visited him from God, which made Paul understand that the only thing he could do for the rest of his life was to proclaim the love of Jesus, as he himself wrote to the community of faith in Rome, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.[4] Paul understood that no matter what he did in return, he could never compensate so much love, so much Grace, poured out to him, as he himself confessed,

For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 1st. Corinthians 15:9

And although he knew the Law, because of his Pharisee background, it was the revelation that he received directly from Jesus that made him a dispenser of the mysteries of God.

But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11, 12

The highest point of the revelation that Paul received, was when he understood that his zeal for persecuting the church was because he was still living according to the flesh,

But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Galatians 4:29

From then on, the commitment that Paul showed about the proclamation of the Gospel was unprecedented,

I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. Romans 1:14

The gospel is, he established in several of his epistles, the power of God. In the epistle to the community of faith of Rome,

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

In the epistle to the community of faith of Corinth,

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2nd. Corinthians 4:7

In the epistle to the faith community of Ephesus,

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Ephesians 3:20

Why does Paul speak of the tribulation and establish it as a sound doctrine of the Kingdom?

For his commitment to Jesus and to the people to whom He sent him. His commitment led him to be available unconditionally,

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2nd. Timothy 4:2

To suffer tribulation,

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 1st. Corinthians 9:16

To be willing even to die for the cause of the Gospel,

Then Paul answered, what mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 21:13

It is a commitment that is absent today in many communities of faith, and even among many apostolic and prophetic ministries.

A second reason why Paul speaks of the tribulation and establishes it as sound doctrine, by the level of revelation that he received,

  1. Because everything in the world is property of Satan, and it is necessary to submit to tribulation to prevent Satan claiming right over the son of faith for the material things he uses.

And the devil said unto him, all this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. Luke 4:6

The Gospel of the Kingdom is not a discipline of human development, therefore, fame and human ways to evaluate and measure it, are not forms applicable to it.

If fame comes to the ministerial activity, it does not come from God, but from Satan, who has wrapped the ministry in a cloud of glory to hold it and make it irrelevant spiritually,

The apostle Paul established the danger of being enveloped by human fame,

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 2nd. Timothy 2:4

The apostle John also established the danger of submitting to fame,

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1st. John 2:15

Why submit to tribulation?

To break the bonds of property that Satan has over the material things we use. Put emphasis and love for material things, and even see them as necessary, gives legal right to Satan to claim right of use, and demand in return submission and obedience.

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Philippians 3:3

Hence the decision of the apostle,

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, …. 12Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:7-12

The tribulation has the spiritual capacity to undo the power of the flesh,

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Romans 6:6

Job was the one who first established him,

Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest my substance. Job 30:22

Two elements that deserve particular attention, in terms of material things and love for them, are money and food,

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1st. Timothy 6:10

In terms of money, many ministries depend on him believing that they are their operating resources,

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money… 20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Acts 8:18-20

It is clearly stated in the Scriptures that God does not depend on money,

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Isaias 55:1, 2

As for the food, many have given in, and have sold their birthright,

Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:34

The Kingdom of Heaven does not depend, nor is carried out, by human resources, according to the rules of the world,

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17

The apostle showed that food has the power to enslave those who see it as a necessity of operation. This teaching is established in a text of the Epistle to the Philippians, which many versions of the Bible have inadequately translated,

Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. Philippians 3:19

The apostle is not describing who his god is, but identifying the position of where his god is. The text should be read,

Whose end is destruction, whose God is in their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.

What indicates the level of slavery that Satan exerts on a person when he cannot go through the tribulation because of hunger, because he understands that it is too humiliating and because he cannot conceive that God wants to make him go through that condition; they do not know what the Scriptures have established about it,

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Deuteronomy 8:3

We also know what happened with Judas,

And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, that thou doest, do quickly. John 13:27

A person of faith who for food sells his birthright enters into satanic slavery, and is subject to principalities that cause the same condition of scarcity over the region,

Why does Paul speak of the tribulation and establish it as a sound doctrine of the Kingdom?

Because it is the way to break the bond of property that Satan arrogates over them. In this way Satan cannot claim any property or right over the person.

The men and women of God must submit to the divine provision, and learn to live by it,

Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. Matthew 4:11

As for the biblical and spiritual teaching of glorying in the tribulation, is it necessary to do so? Am I obliged to do it? Am I a lesser believer if I do not? What other reason is there, if there is one, for it to have a spiritual benefit in the tribulations?

The tribulations, and the attitude of glorying of them, or in them, is because of what we want to achieve in Jesus,

Jesus said unto him, if thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. Matthew 19:21

It is important to emphasize it, because of the belief that has been established within many communities of faith, that the tribulation has to do exclusively with persecution; and similarly, being under tribulation is not being accountable to God.

Deciding to face and submit to tribulation has spiritual benefits, spiritual maturity, the character of Christ, and discernment,

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 2nd. Corinthians 4:17

Fleeing the tribulation takes away authority from our spiritual executions,

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

  1. A third reason why Paul speaks of the tribulation and establishes it as sound doctrine, because it is a requirement of ministerial formation.

There is a category of people, men and women, of all ages, for whom passing through the tribulation is a requirement of ministerial formation.

Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Isaias 53:10

These are people chosen by God, with or without a recognized ministry, to whom God himself submits them to the tribulation.

It is not an occasional, fortuitous tribulation, it is a process by which the person is formed and trained according to the ministry that he / she will develop. In the book of Deuteronomy we discover the basis of this formation process,

And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. 3And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Deuteronomy 8: 2,3

The prophet Isaiah also discovered this process when he describes that for someone who serves the Lord there is a particular type of food,

Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. Isaias 7:15

For this class of people, the tribulation is part of their training and ministerial formation.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2nd. Corinthians 12:9

The tribulation to which they are subjected is due to the work they are going to develop, and facing it develops a firm character to not give up during their performance.

There are all kinds of ministry, but stand out particularly those ministries that have a prophetic mandate.

We invite you to review our published books, and to acquire them in printed format, or in electronic format.

Coming in two formats: Paperback, and ePub

@pastormontoya

[1] Acts 14:22

[2] Galatians 4:19

[3] Romans 8:17

[4] Romans 5:8

Can Someone Glory in the Tribulations?

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; Romans 5:3

Tribulations, anguish, pain, suffering, and similar issues are seen in the Western world as a symbol of misfortune and failure. No one can understand, nor accept, that the Gospel of the Kingdom considers that tribulation or anguish comes from God and that it has a purpose of Revelation.

This is of course a philosophical conception, and it comes from Greece. Greek philosophy established as a measure of good that happiness is the ultimate goal of the life of man, that every affliction, pain or tribulation is synonymous with tragedy, and that it comes from satanic intervention (demiurge).

From there it was socially established that anguish is an evil, that pain is a punishment, and that the tribulation is a divine judgment, from which it is recommended to flee from them.

The Christian religion has echoed this philosophical approach and has promoted among its basic doctrines that seeking and being accountable to God is equivalent to living well, enjoying a pleasant life, and the assurance that the future will be prosperous and satisfactory.

However, none of these approaches is biblical. The Bible clearly states that tribulations are associated with the life of faith, that they come to prove the conviction of the believer about the truth of his submission to the lordship of Christ.

The theme of tribulations is part of the sound doctrine of the Gospel of the Kingdom. Its foundation is the very teaching of Jesus.

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. Matthew 24:9

In the reference of the conversion of the apostle Paul we find the revelation that Ananias received around the apostle,

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. Acts 9:15, 16

Jesus prepared his disciples to see that tribulations are the natural reaction that the world raises so that the believer desists from his faith in Jesus.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Affliction is spiritual turbulence, and it is because of union with Christ. All the writers of the Gospels left it established in their respective writings,

In the Gospel of Matthew,

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matthew 10:22

In the Gospel of Mark,

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Mark 13:13

In the gospel of Luke,

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. Luke 21:17

In the gospel of John,

If the world hates you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. John 15:18, 19

In the epistles we also find this same establishment. The apostle Paul stressed that the life of faith is achieved by overcoming the tribulations,

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

The apostle Peter exhorted to stand firm and not fluctuate in the presence of tribulations,

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1st. Peter 1:6,7

The apostle John emphasized that the tribulation is a faithful testimony of the personal decision by the call of Jesus to be part of the Kingdom of Heaven,

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:9, 10

Everyone who joins Jesus will face tribulation. The tribulation is not only because of persecution, it also arises from the abhorrence that the world raises over them, in some cases, abhorrence on the part of the family itself.

The tribulation also comes because the forces of darkness cause diseases, scarcity and marginalization. The case of Job is a clear example of this case.

Everyone who joins Jesus will face tribulation,

For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry? Luke 23:31

The children of faith never saw the tribulation or the affront as an obstacle; they saw in it the participation in the tribulations of Jesus,

And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. Acts 5:41

The apostle Paul, even, understood that his tribulations complemented the afflictions of Christ because of the Gentiles,

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: Colossians 1:24

Is there a process of Revelation through the tribulation, and if there is, of what kind, and where is it?

The tribulations, the anguish, the pain, the suffering, are the path of Revelation for the establishment of the Justice of the Kingdom through faith in Jesus.

For those who are called to develop a ministry of the new covenant according to the Spirit, they must understand that fleeing from tribulation, from affliction, from anguish, from suffering, moves them away from a singular ministry, from power, from the supernatural,

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1st. Corinthians 4:1

We must be guided by the Word and not by philosophical approaches that promote comfort, because all this comes from Satan,

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1st. Corinthians 1:18

However, it is not about suffering for suffering or having problems to be suffering. Pain, suffering and anguish are not in themselves the foundation of Revelation. It is necessary to understand that the purpose of enduring them is because in the decision to submit to the lordship of Christ, there is also the decision to deny oneself all the pleasures of Adamic existence.

The process of Revelation is enabled when the tribulations are worked in light of the promises in the Word. Let’s look at the question Paul asks about Abraham’s tribulations.

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? Romans 4:1

And, three verses later in the same chapter, he answered,

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Romans 4:4, 5

Paul assures that Abraham would have had to glory in the flesh, if he had done something; But Paul himself states that the only thing that Abraham did was to believe the promise of God, and since believing is not a human work, but a spiritual, divine one, Abraham has nothing to boast about; but his act of believing God was counted for Righteousness, because the suffering of leaving his land and his family, and the house of his father, to walk to a land that he did not know, established on earth that God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent.[1]

The pain of expelling his firstborn son, Ishmael, only because God told him: This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir,[2] it established in the land that is Jehovah God who blesses, prospers and inherits on earth.

And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it. Genesis 15:7

The tribulation of knowing that after three days he would sacrifice the son of the supernatural, Isaac, in a holocaust like any lamb he had previously sacrificed, only because God himself had requested him, it established on earth that the Life of faith is activated when man strips himself of what he has, and gives it entirely to God, without retaining anything for himself,

And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. 12And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. Genesis 22:11, 12

No tribulation, no pain, no suffering produces by itself Revelation, because if so, we would be before the justification by works.

Tribulation, suffering, pain produce Revelation only when it has been fully understood that such afflictions have come because of the Word that has been established in the believer’s heart, Word by which it has been born to a newness of life. Two teachings of Jesus establish it.

The first teaching is found as part of the parable of the sower,

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. Matthew 13:19

The second teaching is found in what is known as the Sermon on the Mount,

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. Matthew 7:24, 25

Note that the rain that descended, the floods that came, and the winds that blew the house, represent the afflictions, the tribulations and the pain, which come to those who do according to the Word, as well as to those who do not do according to the Word. The difference is the result of what happens with each person.

Revelation through tribulation comes when arises in the believer the conviction that such afflictions come to reach that for which we were reached. There is no place for feelings of grief and pity.

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12

The tribulation has the purpose of undoing the Adamic nature, and transforming the genetics of its substance,

Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest my substance. Job 30:22

It is by the conviction that God is upsetting the Adamic nature, and forming Christ in me, that it can see the process of development of ministerial character, necessary to be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.[3]

Only until then, and not before, is that we can glory of the tribulations,

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:3-5

The text of Paul, Word of the Lord, means the following,

Tribulations worketh perseverance;

It is not the same patience as perseverance. Patience is passive: to wait for something to happen. Perseverance is active: something is already happening, that’s why I persevere in what I believe.

And perseverance worketh the effort to prove what I believe;

The expression of the apostle, δοκιμην, which was translated as experience, means in Greek what the expression “try-out” means in English, an exercise to prove what I am capable of doing.

The effort to prove what I believe worketh the confidence to see what is promised;

Hope is not what is expected, but what was promised, according to the same apostle defined it,

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Romans 8:24, 25

And here is the process of development of ministerial character, that is, the process of Revelation of Christ in me, through tribulation, of affliction, of pain, of anguish,

Tribulation worketh perseverance; And perseverance worketh the effort to prove what I believe; the effort to prove what I believe worketh confidence to see what is promised; and the confidence of seeing what is promised does not embarrass; Because the love of God is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given to us (God is not a liar in what is promised);

Can someone glory of the tribulation?

Yes, many, because Christ is being formed, in such a way that we can now say, with understanding and with certainty,

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Therefore, as part of glorying in tribulations, our understanding leads us to make decisions,

And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Galatians 5:24

We do not cultivate the soul, neither feed the feelings, nor offer cult to reason, but we grow in the Word, in the Revelation of the formation of Christ in us, hope of Glory.

Therefore,

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Philippians 3:13

Understanding that tribulation produces perseverance,

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1st. Corinthians 9:27

And that perseverance produces the effort to show what I believe,

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, Galatians 4:19

Can someone glory of tribulations?

Blessings

We invite you to review our published books, and to acquire them in printed format, or in electronic format.

Coming in two formats: Paperback, and ePub

[1] Numerus 23:19

[2] Genesis 15:4

[3]Ephesians 3:18