Day 6 of 21
What should a believer's attitude be toward suffering?
In 2 Thessalonians 1.4, Paul speaks of the "patience and faith" of the Thessalonians. Nowhere was their growth in faith and love more evident than in the way they patiently and faithfully endured hostilities and suffering from the enemies of Christ. Although there was no need to speak, since the Thessalonians' lives spoke clearly enough (1 Thess. 1.8), Paul's joy before the Lord over their perseverance bubbled up.
Having a right attitude toward suffering (v. 5) is essential, and that required attitude is concern for the kingdom of God. They were not self-centered but concentrated on God's kingdom. Their focus was not on personal comfort, fulfillment, and happiness, but on the glory of God and the fulfillment of His purposes. They were not moaning about the injustice of their persecutions. Rather, they were patiently enduring the sufferings they did not deserve (v. 4). This very attitude was "manifest evidence" or positive proof that God's wise process of purging, purifying, and perfecting through suffering was working to make His beloved people worthy of the kingdom (2.12) by being perfected (James 1.2-4; 1 Pet. 5.10).
For believers, afflictions are to be expected (1 Thess. 3.3) as they live and develop Christian character in a satanic world. Suffering is not to be thought of as evidence that God has forsaken them, but as evidence that He is with them, perfecting them (Matt. 5.10; Rom. 8.18; 2 Cor. 12.10). So the Thessalonians demonstrated that their salvation, determined by faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ, was genuine because they, like Christ, were willing to suffer on account of God and His kingdom. They suffered unjustly as objects of man's wrath against Christ and His kingdom (Acts 5.41; Phil. 3.10; Col. 1.24).
II Thessalonians 1:4 NKJV
4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,
James 1:2-4 NKJV
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
I Peter 5:10 NKJV
10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
I Thessalonians 3:3 NKJV
3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.
Matthew 5:10 NKJV
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 8:18 NKJV
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
II Corinthians 12:10 NKJV
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Acts 5:41 NKJV
41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
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