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And so we reach chapter 4: Here he describes the brethren as his "joy and crown".
He urges them to stand fast in the Lord. After asking Euodias and Syntyche to settle their
differences, and to be of the same mind, he reverts once more to rejoicing.
"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" (Phil. 4: 4).
And later in the chapter he rejoices in the gift sent by the saints and he expresses his
confidence for the future.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Phil. 4: 13).
Surely our Christian attitude should be one of joyfulness. Let us follow the Apostle
Paul who rejoiced at all times. Whatever our circumstances may be, let us rely on the
enabling power of Christ and rejoice in Him.
No.5.
Patience.
pp. 211 - 214
"Let patience have her perfect work" (James 1: 4).
James writing to the dispersion, begins by exhorting them to count it all joy when
temptations (trials) are encountered,
"Knowing this, that the trying (or proving) of your faith worketh patience. But let
patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire (complete), wanting
nothing."
He continues by adding the advice,
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God . . . . .".
Most of us will admit that we do not have as much patience as we should, and when
our faith is tested by trial or temptation, we need to turn to God in prayer that our faith
may be strong. So tribulation and faith are linked with patience, and in some Scriptures,
there is the link with hope.
Both Paul and Peter show how spiritual growth goes through various stages.
If we turn to Rom. 5: we have the following steps:
verse 3, "We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience,
verse 4, and patience, experience; and experience hope:
verse 5, and 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 8: 24, 25 says that,