Strengthened With All Might . . . Unto All Patience
The sermon emphasizes the importance of learning patience and endurance through rejoicing in tribulation, as it is a vital quality for eternal reward.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the apostle Paul's prayer for the Colossians to be empowered with divine strength, enabling them to endure trials with patience and joy. He contrasts mere endurance, which shows strain and seeks sympathy, with the true endurance that embraces the joy set before us, as exemplified by Christ. Simpson encourages believers to remain steadfast like trees that thrive in adversity, reminding them that the lessons of patience and long-suffering are vital for their spiritual growth. He urges the congregation to embrace their current struggles, as they are opportunities to cultivate resilience and prepare for eternal rewards. Ultimately, he highlights that the trials faced now are essential for developing the character needed for heaven.
Text
The apostle Paul prays for the Colossians to be strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness. It is one thing to endure and show the strain on every muscle of your face, seeming to say with every wrinkle, "Why doesn't someone sympathize with me?" It is another thing to endure the cross, despising the shame for the joy set before us. There are some trees in the garden of the Lord which shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit (Jeremiah 17:8).
Let us set our faces toward the sun rising, and use the clouds that come to make rainbows.
Not much longer shall we have glorious opportunity to rejoice in tribulation and learn patience. In heaven we shall have nothing to teach us long-suffering. If we do not learn it here, we shall be without our brightest crown forever and wish ourselves back for a little while in the very circumstances of which we are now trying so hard to rid ourselves.
Sermon Outline
- The Power of Endurance
- The Promise of Fruitfulness
- The Opportunity to Learn Patience
- Rejoicing in Tribulation
- Learning Patience for Eternal Reward
Key Quotes
“It is one thing to endure and show the strain on every muscle of your face, seeming to say with every wrinkle, 'Why doesn't someone sympathize with me?'” — A.B. Simpson
“Let us set our faces toward the sun rising, and use the clouds that come to make rainbows.” — A.B. Simpson
“If we do not learn it here, we shall be without our brightest crown forever and wish ourselves back for a little while in the very circumstances of which we are now trying so hard to rid ourselves.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should strive to endure challenges with joy and patience, rather than just going through the motions.
- We can rejoice in tribulation by setting our faces toward the sun rising and using challenges to make us stronger and more fruitful.
- Learning patience is essential for eternal reward, and we should make the most of the opportunities we have to learn it in this life.