“My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.” (Colossians 4:10-15, NIV)
Epaphras’ prayer for the church in Colossae reveals yet another sign of maturity. Did you catch it? This man’s prayer was that the church together and each believer individually be able to stand firm in the all the will of God. And Paul indicates that being able to so stand shows maturity.
Being able to remain steadfast in the face of extreme pressure is a sure sign of maturity. I said that in an earlier post. Remember? Now hear this added truth. Being able to stand firm shows maturity. Being fully assured of the promise of eternal life does too.
Jesus made it through the torture of the cross because of the joy he knew was on the other side. That’s what it says in Hebrews – that and more.
“Let us 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 opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3, NIV)
Our Savior knows what it’s like to be falsely accused, to be beaten up, to be mocked and ridiculed for righteousness sake. He knows and he is with us when we go through the same things for his name’s sake. He sympathizes with us and gives us strength to stand firm, mature and fully assured of his goodness despite our circumstances.
Friends, something far better than anything we might gain by giving in to peer pressure awaits those who overcome this world. Listen to the promise Jesus gives to those who are faithful.
“He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.” (Revelation 2:11, NIV)
James affirms this truth. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12, NIV)
Mature believers follow Jesus no matter what because they know there’s no one that offers any reward better than that which he offers.
What can those who are pressuring you to sin offer you? A temporary fix. A momentary pleasure. A bit of prestige or a bag of money. Nothing compared to the eternal life and the rewards of God. So stand firm in the faith. Let nothing move you.
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