SHARING A CROWN THROUGH TRIALS

CHRISTS VICTORY IS OURS

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Overview

Christs victory is a gift of God to man that those who will believe will have the victory
against temptation and sin. His victory does not replace mans part in obtaining victory in a
temptation but in order to provide strength and a way to have the victory. Every dart of
accusation the devils will throw against man has now an answerthe cross of Christ. The one
who is under the trial and temptation must to cling on Christs victorious power by faith in order
to become a victor. In order to become partakers of Christ victory man has to experience Christs
sufferings, conflicts and trials and he must have the armor of Christ which is the word of God.

The subtlest way to overcome a Christian is to let him believe that he can overcome
temptation and sin by his own strength and strategy which is the strategy of the devil. The devil
would like the Christians to play his own game in order to share his defeat. Satans game is the
game of presumption, seeking after want or appetite, of pride, and of self reliance. He wants the
Christians to try to overcome evil with a subtle evil or compromises. He wants them to argue
with him, to make their own way in attaining Gods promises, to rely on their wisdom and
strength, to obey Gods word partially, and to put God in your own terms. He wants them to
believe that they should compete with the devil and to forget that the battle is the Lords.

Key texts: 2Samuel 17:47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with
sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands.

2Chronicles 20:15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and
thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of
this great multitude; for the battle [is] not yours, but God's.

I. Trials purposethat God may share through Christ His faithfulness and victory to
purify us that we may become like Him

1 Peter 1: 6, 7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in
heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious
than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour
and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: [when] he hath tried me, I shall come forth as
gold.
Revelation 3:18, 29 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich;
and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not
appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke
and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Zechariah 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is
refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will
say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

Malachi 3:2, 3 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he
appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit [as] a refiner and
purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that
they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

God sends trials to prove who will stand faithful under temptation. He brings us into
trying positions to see if we will trust in a power out of and above ourselves. Everyone has
undiscovered traits of character that must come to light through trial. God allows those who
are self-sufficient to be sorely tempted that they may understand their helplessness. He suffers
the deep waters of affliction to go over our souls, in order that we may know Him and Jesus
Christ whom He has sent, in order that we may have deep heart longings to be cleansed from
defilement, and may come forth from the trial purer, holier, happier. Often we enter the furnace
of affliction with our souls darkened with selfishness; but if patient under the crucial test, we
shall come forth reflecting the divine character. When His purpose in the affliction is
accomplished "he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the
noonday" (Psalm 37:6). {HP 279.3}

God has always tried His people in the furnace of affliction. It is in the heat of the furnace that
the dross is separated from the true gold of the Christian character. Jesus watches the test; He
knows what is needed to purify the precious metal, that it may reflect the radiance of His love. It
is by close, testing trials that God disciplines His servants. He sees that some have powers which
may be used in the advancement of His work, and He puts these persons upon trial; in His
providence He brings them into positions that test their character and reveal defects and
weaknesses that have been hidden from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to
correct these defects and to fit themselves for His service. He shows them their own weakness,
and teaches them to lean upon Him; for He is their only help and safeguard. Thus His object is
attained. They are educated, trained, and disciplined, prepared to fulfill the grand purpose for
which their powers were given them. When God calls them to action, they are ready, and
heavenly angels can unite with them in the work to be accomplished on the earth. {PP 129.3}

God sends trials to prove who will stand faithful under temptation. He brings us into trying
positions to see if we will trust in a power out of and above ourselves. Everyone has
undiscovered traits of character that must come to light through trial. God allows those who are
self-sufficient to be sorely tempted, that they may understand their helplessness. He suffers the
deep waters of affliction to go over our souls, in order that we may know Him and Jesus Christ
whom He has sent, in order that we may have deep heart longings to be cleansed from
defilement, and may come forth from the trial purer, holier, happier. Often we enter the furnace
of affliction with our souls darkened with selfishness; but if patient under the crucial test, we
shall come forth reflecting the divine character. When His purpose in the affliction is
accomplished "He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the
noonday." {KC 26.4}

Many of your afflictions have been visited upon you, in the wisdom of God, to bring you
closer to the throne of grace. He softens and subdues His children by sorrows and trials. This
world is God's workshop, where He fashions us for the courts of heaven. He uses the planing
knife upon our quivering hearts until the roughness and irregularities are removed and we are
fitted for our proper places in the heavenly building. Through tribulation and distress the
Christian becomes purified and strengthened, and develops a character after the model that Christ
has given. {AG 89.3}

II. Christs victoryour key to victory; faith developed and patience perfected in time
of trials

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye
shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Hebrews 12: 1-15 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us
run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher
of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured
such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye
have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation
which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord,
nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and
scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as
with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without
chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we
have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not
much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days
chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his
holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:
nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are
exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And
make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather
be healed. Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up
trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;

When Satan assails you with doubt and temptation, point him to Calvary; for he cannot stand
before the weighty argument of the cross. Take the yoke of Jesus, and learn of him; for he is
meek and lowly of heart. Temptations and trials will come upon the Christian; but you need not
be discouraged and lose your faith. The apostle says, "That the trial of your faith, being much
more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise
and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love: in whom,
though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory."
{RH, July 19, 1892 par. 10}

The important future is before us. To meet its trials and temptations, and to perform its duties,
will require great faith and perseverance. But we may triumph gloriously, for not one watching,
praying, believing soul will be ensnared by the devices of the enemy. All heaven is interested in
our welfare and waits our demand upon its wisdom and strength. In the time of trial just before
us, Gods pledge of security will be placed upon those who have kept the word of His patience.
Manuscript 100, 1893. {CTr 316.6}

The soldier of Christ must meet many forms of temptation, and resist and overcome them.
The fiercer the conflict, the greater the supply of grace to meet the need of the soul; and the very
nature of the grace received will enlarge the capacity of the servant of Christ to know God, and
Jesus Christ whom he hath sent. The soul of the believer will go out in intense longing to know
and understand more of the truth and righteousness of Christ. All who advance in the divine life
will have increased ability to search for truth as for hid treasure, and will appropriate the truth to
their own souls. The true Christian will understand what it means to pass through severe conflicts
and trying experiences; but he will steadily increase in the grace of Christ to meet successfully
the enemy of his soul, who works through human agency to cause the ruin of the servants of
Christ. By passing through severe ordeals of trial, the follower of Christ will better understand
the ways of God and the plan of redemption, and will not be ignorant of the devices of the
enemy. The darkness will press upon his soul at times; but the true light will shine, the bright
beams of the Sun of Righteousness will dispel the gloom; and although Satan seeks in every way
to discourage him by presenting obstacles before him, through the grace of Christ he will be
enabled to be a faithful witness of the things which he has heard from the inspired messenger of
God. He does not despise or neglect the message received, but commits his knowledge to faithful
men, who in their turn are to be able to teach others also. In communicating the light to others,
the Christian proves the truth of the word that "the path of the just is as the shining light, that
shineth more and more unto the perfect day" (Proverbs 4:18) (Review and Herald, June 16,
1896). {LHU 267.3}
 III. Our helper in the time of trialChrist; He was tried and overcame to become a
helper

Psalm 46:1-3 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our
refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth
be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though] the waters
thereof roar [and] be troubled, [though] the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Hebrews 4:14- 16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession. For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as
[we are, yet] without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

If you take hold of the strength of the mighty Helper, and not reason with your adversary and
never complain of God, His promises will be verified. The experience that you gain today in
trusting Him will help you in meeting the difficulties of tomorrow. Each day you are to come,
trusting as a little child drawing nearer to Jesus and heaven. In meeting with unwavering trust in
God the daily trials and difficulties, you will again and again test the promises of Heaven, and
each time you will learn a lesson of faith. Thus you will gain strength to resist temptation, and
when the harder trials come, you will be able to endure. {OHC 326.5}

IV. Be under heavenly principles: Overcome trials and temptation with good

Romans 12:21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in
you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 2:13- 16 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the
beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto
you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because
ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye
are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. Love not
the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the
Father is not in him. For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Satan has nets and snares, like the snares of the fowler, all prepared to entrap souls. It is his
studied purpose that men shall employ their God-given powers for selfish ends rather than yield
them to glorify God. God would have men engage in a work that will bring them peace and joy,
and will render them eternal profits; but Satan wants us to concentrate our efforts for that which
profiteth not, for things that perish with the using. The service of Satan is one of care, perplexity,
anxiety, and wearing labor, and the treasure men toil to accumulate on earth is only for a season.
The greatest caution is exercised in the worldly investment of means, that the expenditure may
yield a good profit; but in things of eternal concern the utmost indifference is displayed. O, that
the great interests of the world to come were appreciated! Why is it that men are so unconcerned
about the salvation of the soul, when it was purchased at such a cost by the Son of God? {RH,
October 20, 1910 par. 5}

V. Key to Deliverance in the time of trial: Obedience

2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the
unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

James 4:6-8 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth
grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners;
and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

Revelation 3:10, 11 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from
the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the
earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Psalm 66:12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through
water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy [place].

In the daily life you will meet with sudden surprises, disappointments, and temptations. What
saith the word? "Resist the devil," by firm reliance upon God, "and he will flee from you. Draw
nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may
make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Look unto Jesus at all times and in all
places, offering a silent prayer from a sincere heart that you may know how to do His will. Then
when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard for you
against the enemy. When you are almost ready to yield, to lose patience and self-control, to be
hard and denunciatory, to find fault and accuse--this is the time for you to send to heaven the
prayer, "Help me, O God, to resist temptation, to put all bitterness and wrath and evilspeaking
out of my heart. Give me Thy meekness, Thy lowliness, Thy long-suffering, and Thy love. Leave
me not to dishonor my Redeemer, to misinterpret the words and motives of my wife, my
children, and my brethren and sisters in the faith. Help me that I may be kind, pitiful,
tenderhearted, forgiving. Help me to be a real house-band in my home and to represent the
character of Christ to others." {AH 214.2}

The Lord desires us to act sensibly. We shall have trials; we need never expect anything else;
for the time has not yet come when Satan is to be bound. Wherever we may be, we shall continue
to have trials. But if we give up to the suggestions of the enemy, we lose the battle. Can we
afford to yield to the arch-deceiver? -- O, no! we are to turn for help and deliverance to Him who
"according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection
of Jesus Christ," even the hope of an eternal inheritance reserved for those "who are kept by the
power of God through faith unto salvation. {PUR, December 26, 1912 par. 8}

The path to freedom from sin is through crucifixion of self, and conflict with the powers of
darkness. Let none be discouraged in view of the severe trials to be met in the time of Jacob's
trouble, which is yet before them. They are to work earnestly, anxiously, not for that time, but for
today. What we want is to have a knowledge of the truth as it is in Christ now, and a personal
experience now. In these precious closing hours of probation, we have a deep and living
experience to gain. We shall thus form characters that will insure our deliverance in the time of
trouble. {RH, August 12, 1884 par. 10}

VI. Self denial of Christ our key to victory and glory of heaven

Philippians 2:5-13 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the
form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation,
and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found
in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the
cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every
name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in
earth, and [things] under the earth; And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is]
Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed,
not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good
pleasure.

Follow Christ in Self-denial.--In order to become acquainted with the disappointments and
trials and griefs that come to human beings, Christ reached to the lowest depths of woe and
humiliation. He has traveled the path that He asks His followers to travel. He says to them, "If
any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
But professing Christians are not always willing to practice the self-denial that the Saviour calls
for. They are not willing to bind about their wishes and desires in order that they may have more
to give to the Lord. One says, "My family are expensive in their tastes, and it costs much to keep
them." This shows that he and they need to learn the lessons of economy taught by the life of
Christ. . . . {AH 381.3}

To all comes the temptation to gratify selfish, extravagant desires, but let us remember that
the Lord of life and glory came to this world to teach humanity the lesson of self-denial. {AH
382.1}

Those who do not live for self will not use up every dollar meeting their supposed wants and
supplying their conveniences, but will bear in mind that they are Christ's followers, and that there
are others who are in need of food and clothing. {AH 382.2}
 To a large extent parents create the atmosphere of the home circle, and when there is
disagreement between father and mother, the children partake of the same spirit. Make your
home atmosphere fragrant with tender thoughtfulness. If you have become estranged and have
failed to be Bible Christians, be converted; for the character you bear in probationary time will
be the character you will have at the coming of Christ. If you would be a saint in heaven, you
must first be a saint on earth. The traits of character you cherish in life will not be changed by
death or by the resurrection. You will come up from the grave with the same disposition you
manifested in your home and in society. Jesus does not change the character at His coming. The
work of transformation must be done now. Our daily lives are determining our destiny. {AH
16.2}

VII. Be ready: Exercise faith and the will before the time of trials

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but
God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the
temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

JESUS PRAYED FOR STRENGTH TO ENDURE TRIALS.Few will follow the example
of our Saviour in earnest, frequent prayer to God for strength to endure the trials, and to perform
the daily duties, of this life. Christ is the captain of our salvation, and by His own sufferings and
sacrifice, has given an example to all His followers, that watchfulness and prayer and
persevering effort were necessary on their part if they would rightly represent the love which
dwelt in His bosom for the fallen race.(Review and Herald, February 23, 1886.) {Pr 168.4}

"Watch ye, and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Watch against the stealthy approach of the
enemy, watch against old habits and natural inclinations, lest they assert themselves; force them
back, and watch. Watch the thoughts, watch the plans, lest they become self-centered. Watch
over the souls that Christ has purchased with His own blood. Watch for opportunities to do them
good. {KC 26.5}

Many are supposed to be converted who will not stand the stress of trial and temptation. . . .
They have no depth of spiritual experience. They do not apply the truth to the heart and
conscience. . . . There is a lack of pure-toned piety; and this lack makes them weaklings in the
army of the Lord, when they might be giants if they were but willing to be truly converted. . . .
{RC 111.5

Samson's Willful Choice.--God's providential care had been over Samson, that he might be
prepared to accomplish the work which he was called to do. At the very outset of life he was
surrounded with favorable conditions for physical strength, intellectual vigor, and moral purity.
But under the influence of wicked associates he let go that hold upon God which is man's only
safeguard, and he was swept away by the tide of evil. Those who in the way of duty are brought
into trial may be sure that God will preserve them; but if men willfully place themselves under
the power of temptation, they will fall sooner or later. {AH 460.2}
 I saw that the angels of God are never to control the will. God sets before man life and death.
He can have his choice. Many desire life, but still continue to walk in the broad road. They
choose to rebel against God's government, notwithstanding His great mercy and compassion in
giving His Son to die for them. Those who do not choose to accept of the salvation so dearly
purchased, must be punished. But I saw that God would not shut them up in hell to endure
endless misery, neither will He take them to heaven; for to bring them into the company of the
pure and holy would make them exceedingly miserable. But He will destroy them utterly and
cause them to be as if they had not been; then His justice will be satisfied. He formed man out of
the dust of the earth, and the disobedient and unholy will be consumed by fire and return to dust
again. I saw that the benevolence and compassion of God in this matter should lead all to admire
His character and to adore His holy name. After the wicked are destroyed from off the earth, all
the heavenly host will say, "Amen!" {EW 221.1}

VIII. Dont temp God but be obedient in times of trial; The price of rejecting Christ in
trials

Hebrews 3:14-15 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our
confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not
your hearts, as in the provocation.

James 1:13, 14 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be
tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn
away of his own lust, and enticed.

Psalm 78:56 Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:
106:14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.

Deuteronomy 6:15-17 (For the LORD thy God [is] a jealous God among you) lest the anger of
the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth. Ye
shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted [him] in Massah. Ye shall diligently keep the
commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath
commanded thee.

2 Peter 2:19-22 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption:
for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have
escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the
beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than,
after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is
happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again;
and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
 If the people who lived before the Flood had been obedient to the word of God they would
not have perished by the waters of the Flood. If the Israelites had been obedient to the words of
God, He would have bestowed upon them special blessings. But they fell in consequence of the
indulgence of appetite and passion. They would not be obedient to the words of God. Indulgence
of perverted appetite led them into numerous and grievous sins. If they had made the
requirements of God their first consideration, and their physical wants secondary, in submission
to God's choice of proper food for them, not one of them would have fallen in the wilderness.
They would have been established in the goodly land of Canaan, a holy, happy people with not a
feeble one in all their tribes. {Con 43.2}

In the day of final judgment, every lost soul will understand the nature of his own rejection of
truth. The cross will be presented, and its real bearing will be seen by every mind that has been
blinded by transgression. Before the vision of Calvary with its mysterious Victim, sinners will
stand condemned. Every lying excuse will be swept away. Human apostasy will appear in its
heinous character. Men will see what their choice has been. Every question of truth and error in
the long-standing controversy will then have been made plain. In the judgment of the universe,
God will stand clear of blame for the existence or continuance of evil. It will be demonstrated
that the divine decrees are not accessory to sin. There was no defect in God's government, no
cause for disaffection. When the thoughts of all hearts shall be revealed, both the loyal and the
rebellious will unite in declaring, "Just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints. Who shall
not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? . . . for Thy judgments are made manifest."
Revelation 15:3, 4. {DA 58.1}}

But even as a sinner, man was in a different position from that of Satan. Lucifer in heaven had
sinned in the light of God's glory. To him as to no other created being was given a revelation of
God's love. Understanding the character of God, knowing His goodness, Satan chose to follow
his own selfish, independent will. This choice was final. There was no more that God could
do to save him. But man was deceived; his mind was darkened by Satan's sophistry. The height
and depth of the love of God he did not know. For him there was hope in a knowledge of God's
love. By beholding His character he might be drawn back to God. {DA 761.5}

IX. The joy in time of trials

1Peter 4:13-16 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his
glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name
of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is
evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or [as] a
thief, or [as] an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if [any man suffer] as a
Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

2 Corinthians 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep
poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is
the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and
shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for
great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

X. The reward of victory

Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also
overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Revelation 22:14 Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to
the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

If we overcome our trials, and get victory over the temptations of Satan, then we endure the
trial of our faith, which is much more precious than gold, and are stronger, and better prepared to
meet the next. But if we sink down, and give way to the temptations of Satan, we shall grow
weaker and get no reward for the trial, and shall not be so well prepared for the next. In this way
we shall grow weaker, and weaker, until we are led captive by Satan, at his will. We must have
on the whole armor of God, and be ready at any moment for a conflict with the powers of
darkness. When temptations and trials rush in upon us, let us go to God, and agonize with him in
prayer. He will not turn us away empty; but will give us grace and strength to overcome, and to
break the power of the enemy. Oh, that all could see these things in their true light, and endure
hardness as good soldiers of Jesus. Then would Israel move forward strong in God, and in the
power of his might. {ExV 27.6}

I was shown the saints' reward, the immortal inheritance. Then I was shown how much God's
people had endured for the truth's sake, and that they would count heaven cheap enough. They
reckoned that the sufferings of this present time were not worthy to be compared with the glory
which should be revealed in them. The people of God in these last days will be tried. But soon
their last trial will come, and then they will receive the gift of eternal life. {Mar 52.6}

REFLECTION

In this life we must meet fiery trials and make costly sacrifices, but the peace of Christ is the
reward. There has been so little self-denial, so little suffering for Christ's sake, that the cross is
almost entirely forgotten. We must be partakers with Christ of His sufferings, if we would sit
down in triumph with Him on His throne. So long as we choose the easy path of self-indulgence,
and are frightened at self-denial, our faith will never become firm, and we cannot know the peace
of Jesus, nor the joy that comes through conscious victory. The most exalted of the redeemed
host that stand before the throne of God and the Lamb, clad in white, know the conflict of
overcoming, for they have come up through great tribulation. Those who have yielded to
circumstances rather than engage in this conflict, will not know how to stand in that day when
anguish will be upon every soul, when, though Noah, Job, and Daniel were in the land, they
could save neither son nor daughter, for everyone must deliver his soul by his own righteousness.
{CET 189.4}

No one need say that his case is hopeless, that he cannot live the life of a Christian. Ample
provision is made by the death of Christ for every soul. Jesus is our ever-present help in time of
need. Only call upon Him in faith, and He has promised to hear and answer your petitions. {CET
190.1}