• The Tested Quality of Faith Works Out Endurance
    The Watchtower—1976 | September 15

    • the conquest that has conquered the world, our faith.” (1 John 5:4) It is a question of integrity, not of might. Enduring with faith is following the pattern of the one with greatest faith and the conqueror of the world, Jesus Christ.​—John 16:33.

      22. How does 1 Peter 1:7 show the durability of tested faith and the durability of its possessor?

      22 Yes, any material thing, even gold, can perish by wearing away or being dissolved by certain chemicals. But faith, being tested and tried and found to be of strong, sterling quality, is “incorruptible.” It cannot be destroyed, because it is founded upon the everlasting God, the Almighty. The apostle says that it is impossible to please God without faith. (Heb. 11:6) One without faith cannot believe the truth. He overlooks the greatest truth in the universe, the rightful sovereignty of Jehovah God. He cannot please God because what he does is out of harmony with the entire universe. The man or woman with tested faith will endure forever, because God, who lives forever, loves and protects the life of such persons.​—Ps. 145:18-20; Rev. 7:15-17.

  • “Let Endurance Have Its Work Complete”
    The Watchtower—1976 | September 15

    • “Let Endurance Have Its Work Complete”

      “Let endurance have its work complete, that you may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything.”​—Jas. 1:4.

      1, 2. Why do all Christians face the question of endurance? (Matt. 10:22, 36)

      NO PERSON having faith in God can avoid undergoing a test of his faith. This is because the spirit of the world is opposed to faith in God, and its tendency is to put pressure on one having faith, in order to break it down. The Christian, therefore, is going to face the question of endurance.

      2 The test on faith can come in many ways. It may be direct opposition from others, even family and friends. It may be ridicule, hatred, being misunderstood, falsely accused or defamed. It may be physical persecution, and may even be connected with sickness.

      3. What questions can the Christian ask himself as he faces trials?

      3 The question before the Christian is, How will I take these things? Will my faith be undimmed through such trials? Will I endure with understanding, and with a feeling of joy that my faith is producing an enduring quality? Will my motive be to endure for the sake of righteousness, to glorify God, not self?​—Matt. 5:10.