09/21/13 GREATER JOY
I read the following statement from Adam Clarke as I was studying the verses in Proverbs, which address the subject of FOOLS. It is not an explanation of a verse, but it does make an interesting observation, with which I agree. Clarke said,
"Most sinners have more pain and difficulty to get their souls damned, than the righteous have, with all their cross-bearings, to get to the kingdom of heaven."
I would say, greater is the joy that Christians experience, while suffering for Jesus in this present evil world, than a sinner's elation resulting from the passing pleasures of sin during this short season.
GREATER TREASURES
Hebrews 11:25-26
(25) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
(26) Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
ALL JOY
James 1:2-3
(2) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
(3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
Not only is this life easier to deal with, for a Christian, there is eternity with God for those who trust Christ.
NOT COMPARABLE
Romans 8:18
(18) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
MOMENTARY LIGHT AFFLICTION TO ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
(17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
(18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
