TRIBULATION FOR THE KINGDOM SAKE (PART 2)
"Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we ... sent Timotheus, ... to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto." - 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3, KJV (Emphasis added)
As you would have noticed, I have not only made this message part 2, but by the Spirit's direction also, I've added the word "SAKE" to the title above.
One salient practice of the early Apostles was never to leave their converts for too long without going to find out how much they fared. After a while, they wanted to go back to inquire about their wellbeing in the faith.
In 1 Thess 3:1-3, Timothy was dispatched by Apostle Paul and his team to visit the Thessalonian Church to "establish" and "comfort" them in the faith. Similarly, in Rom 1:11, Apostle Paul had the same thing in mind as he longed to visit the Church in Rome:
"For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me." - Romans 1:11-12 (KJV). Here again, you'll see the two purposes for the visit (to "establish" and to "comfort") clearly spelt out as in 1Thess 3:1-3, cited above.
Now, why would the early Church and the early converts in those days, need to be "established" and "comforted"? This was because of persecutions, trials and afflictions that were constantly the trade in stock at the time. Christians went through a flurry of afflictions! Some were killed, others were divested of their goods and homes, for others, it was outright banishing, etc. Even till now, satan the prince or god of this world (Jn 14:30; 2 Cor 4:4) is behind the scenes, using men and institutions to formulate oppressive schemes and policies, working against God and His followers, the Church. Never be ignorant of this noble fact! Afflictions and persecutions are intended by satan to hinder and discourage believers. The early Church "endured a great fight of afflictions; ... were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; ... took joyfully the spoiling of (their) goods, ... " - Hebrews 10:32-34 (Emphasis added). See also 1Thess 2:14-16 and particularly 2 Cor 11:23-30 for what Apostle Paul went through by way of persecutions, trials and afflictions. If it was so then, what makes you think it's any better today?
To strengthen the faith of the people of God, the Apostles organized trips, visiting Churches, to establish and comfort them in the faith. The major message to them was:
"That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto." - 1 Thess 3:3 (KJV). What a message! Apostle Peter's version of the message was that these afflictions, etc, were to try us, and that in response thereto, you are to " ... rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; ... (that) If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye ... if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." - 1 Peter 4:12-16 (Emphasis added).
This was the Apostles' message to Christians and I want to remind you that it remains unwaveringly and steadfastly so to us today. As a Christian, your response shouldn't be, "if you can't beat them, then join them". No, a thousand times no! I can only add for your information and carefulness that satan has gone digital and supersonic. His subtlety and deceptions today are so illusively delicate in appearance, so serenely poisonous that the unwary Christian will fall headlong for them without much ado. It calls for carefulness! Thank God that the lyrics of that popular song have changed from "Me, I no go suffer ... " to "Even though I suffer ..." . Don't follow them that preach saying, that afflictions and trials aren't for Christians today. Scriptures affirm clearly that Christ died to deliver us from the bondage of sin and sickness; definitely not from trials, persecutions and afflictions; "for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto" - 1 Thess 3:3.
Have a wonderful day!
PRAYER:
Dearest Heavenly Father, I know that to endure afflictions is not an easy task. I receive grace to endure and to finish strong, in Jesus' mighty name.