"That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know."
1 Thessalonians 3:3-4
Part 1
Today: Do not Let Affliction Move You
How do we handle pressure? Not just the stress of daily life, but everyday life when we are caught in a vice and are facing major adversity?
“The test of your character is what it takes to stop you” (Bob Jones, Sr.)
In writing to the Thessalonians, Paul is helping them get a handle on the persecution that they have been experiencing for a long time. They have shown by their character that affliction will not derail them and make them stop serving the Lord.
“That no man should be moved.”
What did Paul mean by these words?
“No man.”
No one, no man or woman that is a genuine believer, and a true “Jesus-lover,” should be moved by what is coming and then fall away.
“Be Moved.”
“Moved” means “to be shaken”[1] (Vincent). And it implies that the believers might become “‘moved’ or troubled or disheartened”[2] (Robertson).
This word came through some interesting facelifts over time. At first, it meant “to wag,” as a happy dog will wag its tail back and forth for the master it is fond of. After changes through time, the word came to mean “to move or waver in mind – as from fear; to dread, to tremble.” Here, it means “to be so moved or agitated by fear, or by the terror of persecution, as to forsake their religion.”[3]
Paul’s concern for the Thessalonians was that the persecution they were going through might discourage them to the point of quitting on Jesus their Lord.
“By these afflictions.”
“These afflictions”
The meaning of the ancient word for “afflictions” has to do with the tremendous pressure being put on the ones “afflicted.” It is the idea of “oppression, affliction, tribulation,” or “distress”[4] (Thayer).
The Thessalonians were familiar with persecution. “These afflictions” for them began as they first received the Word of God that brought them to salvation.
“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance, as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost” (1 Thessalonians 1:5-6).
Their afflictions were mixed with joy as they trusted in Christ, and were indwelt by the Holy Spirit. As they grew in God’s grace, these afflictions did not stop. To them, this was the everyday life of a believer.
“For ye, brethren became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews” (1 Thessalonians 2:14).
The persecution came from those who knew these Thessalonian believers, “your own countrymen,” and not from strangers. Paul’s next words are surprising for many believers today. Come back tomorrow, and let’s keep exploring this subject together as we think about “divine appointments.”
Quote: “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” (Romans 8:18).
[1] M.R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, the electronic version in eSword. 1 Thessalonians 3:3.
[2] A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, the electronic version in eSword. 1 Thessalonians 3:3.
[3] See Barnes for the definition of sainō. Albert Barnes, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword. 1 Thessalonians 3:3. The emphasis is mine.
[4] J.H. Thayer defines “thlipsis.” Thayer’s Greek Definitions, the electronic version in eSword.