Paul mentioned here that we do not become co-workers of God overnight. Rather, we have to go through all kinds of trials or tests. We often only see the great success of godly people, but rarely see the tears and failures that were behind their success. Paul was no exception. If you see the trials and persecution he has endured in his life, you will understand why God used him so mightily. Of course, going through much suffering does not necessarily imply that a person can be used by God. However, we see that for those whom God had used, they must have gone through much suffering.
Some suffering comes from the environment, as verse 4 says, "in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots". These difficulties do not prevent God's servants from following Him because we can call upon this true God. When we experienced the distress that Christ did on the cross, we need to have the same hope as He did, and never give up. In addition, some suffering comes from our mind, such as the desires of our heart, depression and fear. We need to let God deal with all these. As Paul said in verse 5, we need to build our inner man by "hard work, sleepless nights and hunger, in purity, understanding, patience and kindness". On multiple occasions, Paul said "no" to his flesh, but "yes" to God. We are so desperate for such training. We often neglect the process of transformation as this society emphasizes on quick results. God is more concerned about the process.
In the process of training, God will give you and I sufficient strength. As such verse 6 to 7 describes several weapons. First is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit often moves within us to bring about transformation and revealing God's will to us. Second one is the sincere love which does not seek its own benefits and transforms our hearts. Third, there is truthful speech which is the Word of God that is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Fourthly there is the power of God which will bring everything to fruition, far above what we can ask or imagine. Last, there are the weapons of righteousness which is like shield of faith, protecting us from the attacks of the enemy. God has poured out all kinds of gifts onto us. Let us rejoice and receive these gifts gladly and run towards God!
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