MH page 167

“I rejoice that in everything I am of good courage concerning you.” “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;” “being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart.” “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” “Now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.” Verse 16 , A.R.V.; Philippians 1:3-5 ; 1:6, 7 , A.R.V.; 4:1 ; 1 Thessalonians 3:8 .

Expressions of confidence, joy, and thanksgiving in fellowship and spiritual perseverance. Consists of scriptural passages expressing encouragement and spiritual fellowship.

Paul wrote to these brethren as “saints in Christ Jesus;” but he was not writing to those who were perfect in character. He wrote to them as men and women who were striving against temptation and who were in danger of falling. He pointed them to “the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep.” He assured them that “through the blood of the everlasting covenant” He will “make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ.” Hebrews 13:20, 21 .

Believers striving against temptation are sustained by God through the blood of the covenant to accomplish His will. Focuses on spiritual perseverance and divine enablement for those facing temptation.

When one at fault becomes conscious of his error, be careful not to destroy his self-respect. Do not discourage him by indifference or distrust. Do not say, “Before giving him my confidence, I will wait to see whether he will hold out.” Often this very distrust causes the tempted one to stumble.

Preserving self-respect and offering trust rather than suspicion aids those recovering from faults. Makes a behavioral claim regarding the impact of distrust versus trust on a struggling individual.