Why God's Co-workers Need Maturity and Approved Qualities?

 

Why God's Co-workers Need Maturity and Approved Qualities?

Ro 5:3 And not only so, but we also boast in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh perseverance,

Ro 5:4 Perseverance produces experience; experience produces hope.

Ro 5:5 And hope doth not put us to shame, because the love of God is poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which is given to us. 

Item	Co-workers Need Maturity and Approved Qualities	Related Scripture
Reasons	1. God tests and examines His co-workers so their service pleases God rather than people 2. Untested workers lack qualities that can be approved by others 3. Life and light alone are insufficient; qualities produced through testing are also needed	1 Thessalonians 2:4: "God has approved us and entrusted the gospel to us" Romans 5:4: "Perseverance produces character" Philippians 2:19-22: Timothy's "proven character"
Effects	1. Enables one to be accepted by others in service 2. Produces virtues that make people feel joyful, sweet, and comfortable 3. Prevents hurting others during service 4. Makes one a valuable vessel, like a pure gold lampstand	1 Peter 1:7: "Faith tested by fire...more precious than gold" Malachi 3:3: The metaphor of refining silver Revelation 3:18: "Buy from me gold refined by fire"
Purposes	1. Provides true gold (Christ's life and nature) for God's Body 2. Enables God's co-workers to serve others effectively 3. Enables one to carry the gospel mission entrusted by God 4. Builds the New Jerusalem of gold	Revelation 1:20: The symbol of the golden lampstand Revelation 21:18,23: The New Jerusalem of gold 2 Peter 1:4: "Participate in the divine nature" Matthew 24:45-51: The faithful and wise servant
Examples	1. Gold refined by fire gains qualities that can be easily approved 2. Paul and his co-workers approved by God's testing 3. Timothy's "proven character" making him trustworthy 4. Biblical figures who became useful vessels through trials	Malachi 3:3: "He will sit as a refiner of silver" Philippians 2:19-22: The example of Timothy 1 Thessalonians 2:4: Paul and co-workers tested by God
Applications	1. Pray for the Lord to grant approved qualities 2. Accept God's refining through circumstances and relationships 3. Endure hardships and trials to produce virtues 4. Serve not only with gifts and light but also with approved qualities 5. Be humble in service, accepting the circumstances God arranges	Romans 5:3-4: "Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character" Revelation 3:18: "Buy from me gold refined by fire" Matthew 24:45-51: The faithful and wise steward

 

God's work requires not only co-workers with gifts and light but also those with mature qualities produced through hardships and trials. These approved qualities make service more effective, helping others without hurting them, preparing useful vessels for building Christ's Body and the New Jerusalem.

 

*Please refer to the 2025 International Chinese Conference Romans 5-8 - The Core of the Bible Chapter 2 The Result of Our Justification - The Full Enjoyment of God in Christ as Our Life