How Character Produces Hope

Paul, James, and Peter each tell us similar things about persevering in trials and tribulations.

Paul says this:

“And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;” (Romans 5:3-4 NASB20)

Please note that the Greek word translated perseverance here is hupomone.

Here the Spirit reveals a progression. As we endure the challenges and suffering life throws at us, our character is proven. When our character is shown to be a reflection of the character of our Father, the result is hope.

We celebrate this, he says.

Hope is produced because when we have gone through great difficulties, and upon reflection observed that we have reacted in more godly ways than we might have expected or have been characteristic of our past experience, we know for sure that Holy Spirit is alive and well in us. We can see that He was the dynamo energizing these responses within us all along. Consequently, we know with greater certainty that our faith is not a fable and that the promised inheritance is ours.

James says something similar.

“Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 NASB20)

(Please note that the Greek word translated endurance here is hupomone, the same word translated perseverance in Romans 5:3-4)

From this we see that perseverance, or endurance, is a product of tribulation, or the testing (proving) of our faith.

But then James adds the idea of us becoming complete. The Greek word here is teleo and this, though here in a different grammatical form, is what the Lord Jesus said from the cross when He declared, “tetelestai, It is Finished.”

As we endure and persevere in trials, our faith grows stronger. It is proven by fire, so to speak. We become more convinced of the power of God Living in us and His effect on us. This causes us to reflect Christ more accurately, more fully, and thereby, like healthy vines, bear more and better fruit.

Peter joins this theme in 1 Peter 1:3-9 when he writes this.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (NASB20)

Peter tells us that the ultimate result of this “testing [of our faith] by fire” is glory and honor coupled with the certainty that our future is secure. We come to truly know that our inheritance is secure. We truly grasp the idea that we are safely kept (hidden) with Christ Jesus in God. As a result, God is honored, praised, and seen for who He is through all such things.

Grace and peace to you.
Larry