Faith First Media

Tribulation

by Matthew Elton

© 2010 Matthew Elton

Paul commended the believers at Thessolonica for their great faith and great love, which continued to grow even in the midst of persecution. This is commendable because faith and love often decrease in the midst of tribulation when people have the wrong attitude about tribulation.

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

--2 Thessalonians 1:3-4

Tribulation should not be surprising. Being a Christian does not make one immune to persecution. On the contrary, the Bible promises that we will be persecuted (John 15:20, 2 Timothy 3:12). We share in the sufferings of Jesus Christ so that one day we may share in the glory of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17, 2 Corinthians 1:5, Philippians 3:10, 2 Timothy 2:12, 1 Peter 4:13, Revelation 21:7).

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

--1 Peter 4:12-14

Sinful human nature tempts us to seek vengeance whenever we are persecuted. However, the godly response to persecution is not to seek vengeance, but to endure with “patience and faith” as the believers at Thessalonica did. We thus leave room for God’s righteous judgement. There is no need to seek vengeance, because with time, God will bring about perfect justice. God is the one who repays vengeance (Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19).

Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

--2 Thessalonians 1:5-6

Rather than seeking vengeance, we are called to demonstrate love to all people. It’s easy to love someone who is lovable. The true test of Christlike love is in loving one’s enemies, and remaining peaceful in the midst of tribulation.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

--Romans 12:10-19

Though we may suffer great injustices in this life, there is reason to rejoice, but no reason to seek vengeance, because we know that God will bring about perfect justice in time. When Jesus returns, the wicked will receive the consequences of their sins by eternal destruction, and the faithful will receive eternal reward:

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

--2 Thessalonians 1:7-12

Rather than seeking revenge for ourselves, we trust in God’s deliverance, knowing that he will save us from evil and exalt us in due time:

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

--1 Peter 5:6-7

Paul wrote: “I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation” (2 Corinthians 7:4) and “I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). The godly response to tribulation is joy. Tribulation forces us to realize our need for God. It provides us a need to go to God, to trust in God, and to persevere for God. When confronted with tribulation, we turn to God, “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:4). If we persevere in our faith even in the midst of tribulation, we will surely be rewarded. Therefore, those who are persecuted are “blessed” (Matthew 5:11, Luke 6:22, 1 Peter 4:14).

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

--James 1:2-4

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

--James 1:12

Have questions, comments, criticisms, or concerns?

Email me at: Matt@faithfirstmedia.com