Patience: To be Exercised: Tribulation
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Patience, a virtue extolled throughout the Scriptures, is particularly emphasized in the context of tribulation. The Bible presents tribulation not merely as a time of suffering but as an opportunity for spiritual growth and the development of patience. This entry explores the biblical perspective on exercising patience during times of tribulation, drawing from various passages in the Berean Standard Bible .

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, underscores the relationship between tribulation and patience. Romans 5:3-4 states, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Here, Paul articulates a progression where tribulation serves as a catalyst for developing perseverance, which in turn refines character and fosters hope. This passage highlights the transformative power of tribulation when met with patience.

The Role of Faith

Faith plays a crucial role in exercising patience during tribulation. James 1:2-4 advises believers, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This passage suggests that trials are a testing ground for faith, and through enduring them with patience, believers are brought to spiritual maturity and completeness.

The Example of Christ

The ultimate example of patience in tribulation is found in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:2-3 encourages believers to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Christ's endurance of the cross, despite its immense suffering, serves as the supreme model of patience in the face of tribulation.

Encouragement for Believers

Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast and patient during tribulation, trusting in God's ultimate plan and purpose. Romans 12:12 exhorts, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer." This verse calls for a posture of hope and prayerfulness, reinforcing the idea that patience is not passive resignation but an active, faith-filled response to adversity.

The Promise of Reward

The Scriptures also promise a reward for those who exercise patience in tribulation. James 5:11 reminds us, "Behold, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." The account of Job exemplifies the blessing and restoration that can follow patient endurance through trials.

In summary, the Bible presents tribulation as an opportunity for believers to exercise patience, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. Through faith, the example of Christ, and the promise of divine reward, believers are encouraged to endure tribulation with patience, trusting in God's compassionate and merciful nature.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Luke 21:19
In your patience possess you your souls.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 12:12
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prayer and Trouble (Continued)
... joy when we are called to pass through tribulation. ... is the presence in us of patience,
meekness, submission ... of righteousness to them which are exercised thereby ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/vi prayer and trouble continued.htm

November 7 Evening
... knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience ... unto them which
are exercised thereby."My ... that the trying of your faith worketh patience. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/november 7 evening.htm

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
... tells us that our faith is proved by tribulation, just as ... Hence we see that all are
not exercised with the ... And yet the exhortation to patience is not to be ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter iii of bearing the.htm

Letter xiii. --(For 341. ) Coss. Marcellinus, Probinus; Pr??f. ...
... known that tribulation perfecteth patience, and patience experience, and experience
hope, and hope maketh not ashamed,' they would have exercised themselves ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xiii for 341 coss marcellinus.htm

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
... tells us that our faith is proved by tribulation, just as ... Hence we see that all are
not exercised with the ... And yet the exhortation to patience is not to be ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of bearing the.htm

Constant, Instant, Expectant
... he gives us the cool antidote, "Patient in tribulation." Either of ... As for "patience,"
how can we be patient if we ... Prayer is to be exercised in all things, for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/constant instant expectant.htm

Zain.
... each man is humbled by some tribulation or mortification ... pride deserved; or when
he is exercised and proved ... comfort, in these words: "In your patience shall ye ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/zain.htm

One of the Duties of Fortitude is to Keep the Weak from Receiving ...
... [268] Nor is the law of courage exercised in causing ... does that call to fortitude
seem to thee but a poor one: "Tribulation worketh patience, and patience ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxxvi one of the.htm

July 24 Morning
... righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."Strengthened ... glorious power,
unto all patience and longsuffering ... world ye shall have tribulation: but be ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/july 24 morning.htm

January 21 Morning
... We glory in tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience,
experience; and ... righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/january 21 morning.htm

Resources
What does it mean to wait on the Lord? | GotQuestions.org

How can I know what God's timing is? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about dealing with difficult people? | GotQuestions.org

Patience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Patience

Patience: Abraham

Patience: Christ, an Example of

Patience: Commended

Patience: David

Patience: Enjoined

Patience: Exercise, Towards All

Patience: General Scriptures Concerning

Patience: God, is the God of

Patience: Illustrated

Patience: Isaac Toward the People of Gerar

Patience: Job

Patience: John

Patience: Ministers Approved By

Patience: Ministers should Follow After

Patience: Moses

Patience: Necessary to the Inheritance of the Promises

Patience: Paul

Patience: Produces Experience

Patience: Produces Hope

Patience: Prophets

Patience: Saints Strengthened to All

Patience: should be Accompanied by Faith

Patience: should be Accompanied by Godliness

Patience: should be Accompanied by Joyfulness

Patience: should be Accompanied by Long-Suffering

Patience: should be Accompanied by Temperance

Patience: should Have Its Perfect Work

Patience: Simeon

Patience: Suffering With, for Well-Doing, is Acceptable With God

Patience: The Congregation at Ephesus

Patience: The Congregation at Thyatira

Patience: The Prophets

Patience: The Thessalonian Christians

Patience: They Who are in Authority, should Exercise

Patience: To be Exercised: Bearing the Yoke

Patience: To be Exercised: Bringing Forth Fruits

Patience: To be Exercised: Running the Race Set Before Us

Patience: To be Exercised: Tribulation

Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for Christ

Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for God

Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for God's Salvation

Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for the Hope of the Gospel

Patience: To be Exercised: Well-Doing

Patience: Trials of Saints Lead To

Related Terms

Steadfastness (15 Occurrences)

Longsuffering (17 Occurrences)

Perseverance (27 Occurrences)

Long-suffering (23 Occurrences)

Patient (34 Occurrences)

Godliness (16 Occurrences)

Forbearance (9 Occurrences)

Tribulations (11 Occurrences)

Temperance (3 Occurrences)

Endure (90 Occurrences)

Goodness (83 Occurrences)

Wait (223 Occurrences)

Try (84 Occurrences)

Knees (47 Occurrences)

Labourer (8 Occurrences)

Weary (77 Occurrences)

Worketh (49 Occurrences)

Fell (331 Occurrences)

Fallen (233 Occurrences)

Tire (5 Occurrences)

Tolerance (2 Occurrences)

Repay (79 Occurrences)

Encouragement (25 Occurrences)

Endured (22 Occurrences)

Encourage (34 Occurrences)

Enduring (25 Occurrences)

Experience (28 Occurrences)

Demonstrate (5 Occurrences)

Meek (23 Occurrences)

Pay (212 Occurrences)

Begged (71 Occurrences)

Awaits (9 Occurrences)

Afflictions (24 Occurrences)

Self-control (14 Occurrences)

Comfort (130 Occurrences)

Aim (17 Occurrences)

Exhort (37 Occurrences)

Ruth (19 Occurrences)

Charity (29 Occurrences)

Ground (538 Occurrences)

Prepared (246 Occurrences)

Won't (144 Occurrences)

Labour (119 Occurrences)

Kindness (295 Occurrences)

Tried (96 Occurrences)

Kind (290 Occurrences)

Labor (181 Occurrences)

Tribulation (43 Occurrences)

Example (54 Occurrences)

Bearing (150 Occurrences)

Borne (172 Occurrences)

Persecution (22 Occurrences)

Follow (267 Occurrences)

Ones (687 Occurrences)

James (40 Occurrences)

Saying (2162 Occurrences)

Fruit (318 Occurrences)

Towards (416 Occurrences)

Bring (1372 Occurrences)

Homage (51 Occurrences)

Vindicate (18 Occurrences)

Vessels (210 Occurrences)

Zealous (40 Occurrences)

Killeth (23 Occurrences)

Kneeled (12 Occurrences)

Nehemiah (9 Occurrences)

Noble (61 Occurrences)

Necessities (7 Occurrences)

Unaware (16 Occurrences)

Under (4325 Occurrences)

Unity (9 Occurrences)

Unfailing (29 Occurrences)

Unselfishness (1 Occurrence)

Utmost (21 Occurrences)

Urgent (12 Occurrences)

Older (43 Occurrences)

Objects (30 Occurrences)

Observed (84 Occurrences)

Patience: To be Exercised: Running the Race Set Before Us
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