TRIBULATION FOR THE KINGDOM SAKE ( PART 4, FINAL PART)
"But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;" - Hebrews 10:32, KJV. (See also 2 Timothy 3:10-11).
This is the final part in the series titled "Tribulation For The Kingdom Sake". Having shown that Christians are appointed for trials, tribulations and persecutions (1 Thess 3:3); having shown also that by them the Lord Jesus is glorified and also that it's to our honor to bear them for Him (Phil 1:29-30), the question is what should be our response to trials, tribulations and persecutions?
From Scriptures, we found out that endurance is the key! What seems to be the general admonition is given in 2 Timothy 4:5:
"But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, ... ". The early Apostles visited new converts to ensure that their faith in the Lord remained steadfast in spite of trials, afflictions and persecutions. The sole aim for those journeys was to ground them in the faith and to remain resolute and unmovable therefrom despite their ordeals in the hands of those that opposed them. Yes, the world will stir up trials and afflictions for us, but we are called upon as Christians to endure them (Timothy 3:10-11, Hebrews 10:32).
In the parable of the sower, the Lord Jesus showed us the interpretation for the seed that fell on the stony ground. According to Him, the seed that fell on the stony ground represented those " ... who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended." (Mark 4:16-17, KJV). Again, and yes, afflictions and persecutions will always arise for the Word's (Jesus') sake! Apostle Paul wasn't hesitant to tell the Thessalonian Church this fact, saying: "We knew that people would give you trouble, and we didn’t want any of you to stop following Jesus. You yourselves know that you get trouble for following Jesus." (1 Thess 3:3, PEV). Writing to Timothy, his son in the Lord, the blessed Apostle told him plainly also that "Everyone who wants to live the way God wants, in Christ Jesus, will be persecuted." - 2 Timothy 3:12 ICB. In effect, experiencing trials and persecutions amounts to following Jesus' example (see Jn 15:20; 1 Pet 2:19-21) and that of the prophets of old. "My brothers, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them happy who endure. You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the purpose of the Lord, that the Lord is very gracious and merciful." - James 5:10-11 MEV.
Therefore, as a Christian, you should be bold to "Take your part in suffering, as a loyal soldier of Christ Jesus." - 2 Timothy 2:3, GNT. We don't shy away from afflictions, sufferings and persecutions; rather, we endure them because according to the Bible, they are proof that we are on the path of God's Kingdom. "All of this proves that God's judgment is just and as a result you will become worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering." - 2 Thess 1:5, GNT. This same sentiment is expressed in Acts 14:22 where the early Apostles made missionary voyages to the places where they had made disciples. "They strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, “We must enter the kingdom of God through many persecutions.” - Acts 14:22 NET.
Finally, on the benefits of trials and persecutions to the Christian soul, let's consider the views of : à Kempis Thomas in his book, “The Imitation of Christ.” :
"Yet, notwithstanding, temptations turn greatly unto our profit, even though they be great and hard to bear; for through them we are humbled, purified, instructed. All Saints have passed through much tribulation and temptation, and have profited thereby. And they who endured not temptation became reprobate and fell away. There is no position so sacred, no place so secret, that it is without temptations and adversities." Hallelujah!
PRAYER:
As trials, sufferings, temptations and tribulations come my way in life, I receive strength to endure them, in Jesus name.