How to live life as a Christian, Patient in Tribulation

Just because you’re a Christian, it doesn’t mean you automatically have all the answers on how to live life. But we try our best by reading, praying, studying God’s word, and relying on the Holy Spirit. Even when we are doing all of that, we sometimes struggle to know what the right thing to do is. If we look to scripture, specifically Romans 12, we can find some help. Romans 12:12 tells us what we have to do, but at the same time it’s hard to do, be patient in tribulation, as we live the Christian life.

*Every Monday I will post another important aspect from scripture, on how God wants us to live life like a Christian. I will do this until we have covered the whole chapter.*

SCRIPTURE:

Romans 12:12

12Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

BEHAVIOR:

Patient in Tribulation

WHAT AND HOW:

• What does it mean to be patient in tribulation?
• How does being patient in tribulation help us live life as a Christian?

When we look at tribulation, it means trouble, or something that is hard for us to go through or handle. But Remember, tribulations are different for everyone, and everyone will have tribulation in their Christian walk. Scripture says that we will have tribulation, and it also says through Him we can have peace – which will enable us to be patient during our tribulations. Patience can be hard to live out, but it simply means we wait in a calm matter, with a calm attitude. We can only do this with peace that Jesus Christ can give us.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

So, how does being patient in tribulation help us live life as a Christian? Just like some of the other characteristics we are called to have, this one also keeps us looking to the foundation of our faith. In order to be patient during tribulations we need to get our strength from God, and we see this in John 16:33, it shows us that we can find peace through Jesus in the midst of it all. This helps us to live the Christian life because first of all, it keeps us in a good frame of mind so we can be a good representation of Christ. Secondly, it keeps us focused on God and His promises for us when we need it most, instead of giving in to worldly options to cope with our troubles.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, lets recap what this series, living the Christian life, is all about. Basically, Living the Christian life is about doing God’s will and not our own will. All of the characteristics that we have talked about so far help us to live life as a Christian because they really do keep us focused on God. Each one keeps us focused on the promises that He has given us, and keeps us on a path that is not about us, but about being a light for others that are in the midst of darkness.

COMING UP: Continuing Steadfastly in Prayer

References:
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

We hope you search our Free Bible Studies from Christian Fellowshipping for more encouraging ways to fellowship with God and other believes.

ROMANS 12

verses 1-2

​I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

verses 3-8

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

verses 9-16

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

verses 17-21

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.