Bible study

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything...."

"Believers in humble circumstances ought to glory in their high position..."

"Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."

James 1:2-4, 9, 12.

Read these verses in the morning, whilst going through the first chapter of Book of James. I used to dislike the English word "Perseverance" - because it is much harder done than said. And it has certainly been very hard to "consider it pure joy" in my trials.

Anyway, today I did a Greek word search which helped me to understand much better. Of more significance...

The original Greek word for "produces" used in v. 3 is katergazomai - which depicts one bearing down in labor. (Mothers, you should be able to get a picture of the extreme expenditure of effort required here! Also, the imperative for a successful conclusion.) The Romans used this word for diligent farmers and miners working their fields - indicating katergazomai always bears its fruit and benefits. Therefore, the right response to trials is to bear down... in a vessel-breaking, strenuous process, which we call it perseverance.

The Greek word for "perseverance" is hupomone, which conveys the idea of subjecting oneself under some sort of load - unflinching and refusing to surrender. However, this word does not describe the situation whereby one is supposed to merely tolerate or passively cope with suffering like an unfeeling robot; sit down and rot into dust. Rather, hupomone is a purposeful, active word that guarantees a triumphant ending. It calls the sufferer to rise up and press on in faith so that he/she will become an overcomer and God, the giver of all joy, strength and power to do so, will be glorified. And since hupomone is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we should continue to walk closely with God.

In v. 9, I thought the Greek word for "humble circumstances" sounded like some yummy Mexican food, please excuse me! Tapeinos was a word of contempt in the Greek culture, means "not rising far above the ground" - whether in material or social condition. Kauchaomai, the word for "glory" denotes such a paradox because it recommends a personal reaction to tapeinos that nobody is likely to portray - we are to take legitimate pride in our circumstances as if we owned a prized posession or privilege! Not in an arrogant or self-important manner, but in joyful contentment. In other words, to count oneself blessed. The writer confirms in v. 12 - that those who persevere are blessed (makarios). This word implies a state of assurance and happy rest for one who looks forward to receiving favor of God when his/her faith has been proven genuine. Glorying in one's trials is a mark of perseverance.

Finally, the word for "crown" in v. 12 is stephanos, which was originally a wreath; such wreaths were worn around the heads of winners in the Greek athletic games as well as awarded to people who had made exceptional contributions to the state in the Graeco-Roman world - usually at their own expense. Apostle Paul also used this word in 1 Cor 9:24-25 to encourage the Corinthian Christians to faithfully endure in their trials till the end. Zoe, which is the Greek Word for "life" (as well as the Greek version of my sister's name) not only appears in v.12, but in every book of the New Testament. Zoe in the context of the NT is what every saved believer should possess - everlasting life afforded by the precious blood of Christ. The "crown of life" is therefore not merely a symbol of God's divine recognition  for faithful Christians - but also an anointing of the fullness of life that Christ came to give. Spiritual riches which satisfy and ultimately, the transformation power which frees us from our old selves more and more - to be whole, beautiful and fulfilled. Perseverance prepares the one who perseveres for a reward Satan cannot snatch away or pervert.

In conclusion - trials, when responded to the right way, produces perseverance manifested by joy and faith - which prepares one for a divine reward.

Having done the Greek word study, I suddenly remembered Ben and I trying to budget our monthly expenses last night. We are currently a "single income" family - Ben is the sole breadwinner, while I am still studying. After I'm done with my masters, I still don't know what I am supposed to do. When our kids come on board, I have decided (with the support of my hubby) to be more of a homemaker (at least before their early adolescent years) - because I feel that it is one of the callings (which I received in my med school days) that I have yet to obey. And so, yesterday's budget "meeting" certainly had us laughing rather helplessly at the tightness of it all. (Darn those loans!) Reading this passage has certainly made me reflect on something much greater than our limitations - this is our Father's world! And so, all the more we can persevere and glory in our humble circumstances - because His gracious provisions are at hand.

Most of my sources came from http://www.preceptaustin.org which I go to when I need to do my assignments on biblical interpretation.