But Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than men. - Acts 5:29
What is it to have proven Christian endurance?
After the day of Pentecost, when the apostle’s received the Holy Spirit, their ministry grew enormously throughout Jerusalem and beyond. It was at this point in history that Peter began to live up to the charge given to him by Christ; “and I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matt 16:18).
Peter is quite a character, a fisherman by trade, was called away with his brother to follow the Messiah. Though he had no theological training besides living with Christ for three years, and learning from him. Peter endures with the Holy Spirit. Peter is the one on whom Christ will build the church. God’s use of Peter is remarkable because it really has very little to do with Peter, himself, aside from Peter’s willingness to endure for the sake of Christ.
Peter by himself was proven to be weak, and loud mouthed, and in constant need of approval from others. However, when Peter gave himself over to the Lord, and received the blessing of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s character completely changed. From that point forward we see Peter as a leader, as someone sold out for God, and not backing down from anyone as he proclaims the truth of God. Peter is a prime example of how God will take us as we are, and produce much fruit if we are obedient to God and work with God’s blessing of the Holy Spirit.
God did not send the Holy Spirit just to make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside, in fact the sending of the Holy Spirit to dwell inside of us has very little to do with us at all. The purpose of receiving the Holy Spirit is so that we can get rid of our earthly desires. We are not capable of living for God on our own, and God understands that, so as we give ourselves over to God, He gifts us with His precious Spirit. That Spirit allows us to have spiritual strength, wisdom, and understanding; it produces in us endurance to make it through difficult times, and goes beyond anything that can be taught. Mostly, though, the Sprit is for the purpose of glorifying God through the way we show love for one another. Our humble response for this gift, is obedience.
We can endure all things, through Christ and the Holy Spirit that give us strength.
Grace & Peace,
Sam