Our Development Process

I'm really enjoying the "Captured by Grace" series on Turning Point.

This morning in discussing Romans 5: 3-4, David Jeremiah pointed out that we have a new process for our development.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

First, tribulation gives us the ability to persevere; "tribulation produces perseverance." Perseverance means to live under the pressure God has allowed and not continually be looking for a way out. It means not to ask, "Why did You allow this?" but to ask, "What do You want me to learn from this?"

Second, Paul says perseverance produces character. Character means we develop the characteristics of Christ, characteristics of godliness, the ability to respond to life with a godly perspective and godly wisdom.

Finally, Paul says that character produces hope. In 2 Corinthians 4: 17 he says that "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."