"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 3
Yesterday: Personal Appointments
“For yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto” (a)
The reason the child of God is hated in the world today is Jesus. Evil people hate Jesus and everything He represents. We who love and follow Him are not surprised to become the targets of their persecution.
Today: The Mindset to Suffer for Christ
“For yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto” (b)
Because of the wrong and misleading preaching about Jesus Christ in his day, Paul said he was “set for the defense of the Gospel.” He was ready to defend it at a moment’s notice. This was regardless of the cost to himself (Philippians 1:15-17)! He knew that his preaching of Jesus would bring him affliction. It is appointed, and he is ready for it.
Life as a God-fearer will become more difficult in the “end days” (2 Timothy 3:1-9). The Christian life was never intended to be a “Sunday School picnic,” and God’s Word tells us of the difficulty faced when entering God’s Kingdom.
“And when they had preached the gospel to that city and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:21-22).
Sadly, this truth is missing from the preaching and teaching of many “pulpits” today. Believer beware! Here’s what Jesus taught,
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues” (Matthew 10:16-17).
“Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).
Has Jesus ever changed His mind about the self-denial and hardships that are necessary to be His disciples? No. Believers, appointments with these kinds of afflictions, and even persecution may become the daily norm of godly, growing disciples, even in our country.
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12).
“Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
“We Christians are set hereunto … to be beguiled by tribulations. We must resist”[1] (Robertson).
Paul said that “no man should be moved by these afflictions!” What is our message and encouragement to each other in these “end time” days?
“Believers, we must be faithful to Jesus Christ, to stand strong, and be ready to suffer for Him!”
Come back tomorrow as we finish these thoughts on “believers today and persecution.”
Quote: “They gave our Master a crown of thorns. Why do we hope for a crown of roses?”[2] (Martin Luther).
[1] A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, the electronic version in eSword. 1 Thessalonians 3:3.
[2] Luther’s quote Downloaded: Monday, March 1, 2021. From: https://www.christianquotes.info/quotes-by-topic/quotes-about-suffering/.