The Keys to Surviving Persecution
December 3, 2020
Commentary
II Thessalonians is primarily a letter of correction. It contains correction concerning persecution in chapter one, concerning prophecy chapter two and concerning practice chapter three. Along with persecutions on the outside, the church was facing problems on the inside. Persecution seemed to be a way of life for the church at Thessalonica. It was born in persecution (Acts 17:1-9) and grew in spite of continued tribulation (I Thessalonians 1:6;2:14;3:1-3). Throughout this letter Paul is thanking God that the people are not only growing in the Lord but their relationship with other people is also developing. The keys to surviving persecution and trials are faith, love and patience.
Their faith was growing (v. 3). An easy life tends to lead to a shallow faith. Warren Wiersbe says, “A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted.”Their love was abounding (v. 3). Genuine faith in God is always accompanied by love for others. When Christians are trying to put down and destroy other Christians you can be sure that there is something wrong with their relationship with God.Their patience was increasing (v. 4). “ . . . tribulation worketh patience” (Romans 5:3). God permits trials that He might build character into our lives.Our Lord never promised us that Life would be easy. However, when we are faced with crushing troubles, we can have faith that God is using our trials for our good and for His glory. Knowing that God is fair and just will give us patience in our suffering because we know that He has not forgotten us. In God’s perfect timing He will relieve our suffering and punish those who persecute us. All of this shows that God judges fairly and that he is making you fit to share in his kingdom for which you are suffering (v. 5).
Application
When I am tempted to lose my patience I must remember that my testimony is at stake. If I was on trial for my Christian testimony, would there be enough evidence to convict me?
2 Thessalonians 1:1– 5 (NET)
1 From Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
3 We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith flourishes more and more and the love of each one of you all for one another is ever greater. 4 As a result we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions you are enduring.
5 This is evidence of God’s righteous judgment, to make you worthy of the kingdom of God, for which in fact you are suffering.