Appointed to Affliction
Book of 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3
The Bible is clear concerning the fact that God's people will suffer persecution!
We may not like it but it is a fact and we need to be prepared for it.
The persecution of Christians takes place all around this world we live in.
It is not that God causes our suffering, but God does have a purpose in our suffering.
In fact, the suffering of the Christian is another way that actually proves that the Bible is true.
The suffering of each Christian is a test of faith!
The one main thing that is needed in the Church today is a strong faith!
The is a faith that honestly knows the Lord Jesus Christ and knows what it is to be walking with Him day by day, trusting Him.
Walking means we are not to be standing still but growing in our faith.
Chapter three verse one.
*****1Th 3:1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
1Th 3:2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
Paul only spent three weeks in Thessalonica before he had to leave because his life was threatened.
It was a group of unbelieving Jews who were trying to stop the growth of Christianity so, Paul was anxious to know how this Church was doing and he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to confirm this new church full of babes in Christ.
Paul was now alone in Athens Greece.
Sometimes the Holy Spirit can do His greatest work in us when we are alone.
It is a sad thing that this world is determined to stamp out and destroy the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
What is this world so afraid of?
Paul may have been in Athens but his heart was still in Thessalonica.
Timothy was like a son to Paul, but at the same time a brother in Christ and a great man of God.
Every true preacher is concerned about the establishment of believers not because of the truth of God, but simply because this world is so full of hate for the Lord Jesus Christ.
This new church was standing its ground against the Devil.
We can see that it is a must that we stand by our faith, or this world will try to walk all over us.
The one thing true in Athens was that Paul saw the whole city given to idolatry.
It is this thing that stirred up the Apostle Paul.
Then, Paul went into the Jewish Synagogues and preached at the market where there were many philosophers speaking on all types of subjects.
It is always a good time to get busy serving the Lord!
Timothy had the same concerns for the church in Thessalonica as did Paul.
Before the Lord Jesus Christ, this world had nothing firm to base their lives upon. This world had no solid foundation to place their faith.
Many of them had good intentions, but these intentions could not prosper in a land full of lies and deceit.
The "Gospel" gives us a sound foundation for a moral life where we can grow in the "Grace of God".
We all need encouragement from time to time and this is what Timothy gave to that church in Thessalonica.
Persecution is not going away, in fact it will get worse, but our faith will carry us through it all.
No amount of persecution can change the fact that our souls are saved and will be in Heaven in the end.
*****1Th 3:3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
We should be able to see that the same afflictions that make us better Christians will harden the heart of a sinner.
An example in the Bible are the plagues of Egypt every plague caused the heart of Pharaoh's to harden even more.
1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
1Pe 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
When we are recognized as someone trying to be like Jesus Christ, then this should make us feel good and even bring joy to us because this is should be our goal until the day we die, to be more like Jesus.
As our faith endures such afflictions, it will make us to be stronger and purer Christians!
God may give riches to some in this world, but the stores of Heavenly treasures are far greater than anything on this earth and are set aside for God's children when they go home.
2Ti 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Every Christian will suffer some from the afflictions that come from this world, because this world hates the Lord Jesus Christ even though there is no reason to do so.
The only things Jesus ever did was all good things. Jesus never did one bad thing!
*****1Th 3:4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
1Th 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
There was a direct attack upon the Apostle Paul to destroy him.
It began with rumors and lies. These people felt if they could destroy the reputation of the Apostle Paul that they could destroy the early Church.
This is impossible!
They forgot what Jesus said: "and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it", referring to the Church.
It is impossible for this world to destroy God's Church!
The shameful treatment of God's people will only stir up the wrath of God.
There may come a time that the Church will speak with martyrdom but it has not yet.
The truth is that we should not be moved by these afflictions.
We must understand that we are not of this world and this is the way this world will treat all aliens.
Joh 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
The Christian is hated because we point out the sin and the lies and the immoralities of this world!
The Christian is hated because we live in world where everyone wants to be their own god.
The world believes that a true God should fulfill all their desires no matter their own personal behavior.
The truth is God is love, but God is also "just" and God "demands righteous behavior"!
This is what the world rebels against the most.
As Christians, we must keep in mind that it is Satan who is behind all afflictions aimed at believers.
The truth is, that Jesus Christ died for our sins so that we would not perish in a sinner's hell.
It is Jesus Christ who gives us the privilege to live with Him in Heaven.
We must not give in to the temptations of this world!
Our faith is the key to life everlasting in a place that the word paradise cannot describe sufficiently.
*****1Th 3:6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
A wise man once said, “As cold water is to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.”
A strong faith is a faith that gives an excellent testimony!
Timothy brought relief to the Apostle Paul. Those believers were standing fast in their faith in Jesus Christ.
They were continuing to study the Word of God, and to pray and to worship together.
They were witnessing for Christ as the opportunity arose and His promise of eternal life.
Joh 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Joh 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
They were meeting the needs of those in the Church who had a need.
They remembered the one who had set them on the path of righteousness, the Apostle Paul and had a longing to see him again.
What is the message of our Church?
We have faith that will stand fast in the face of opposition.
We have a faith that demonstrates the love of God.
We have a faith that longs for the fellowship with our Pastor.
We have a strong faith in the truth of God.
*****1Th 3:7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
1Th 3:8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
What is the greatest motivation we can give to our Pastors?
Our own faith in the truth of God that he preaches!
The Apostle Paul was in Corinth at this time and he was facing fierce persecution against him and the new church in Corinth.
Again, it was that group of Jewish religionists that had stirred up much trouble for Paul and early Christians especially those Jews who had converted to Christianity and were excommunicated.
They had dragged Paul before a Roman court.
Many believe that some threat or some savagery happened to Paul at this time that is not recorded, and it brought great affliction to the Apostle Paul.
This good news of the faith of the Thessalonians had brought great comfort to Paul, the comfort he desperately needed.
The strong faith of the Thessalonians stirred renewed life and purpose to the ministry of the Apostle Paul and those with him.
Paul had been discouraged but not defeated!
Paul was stirred to share Jesus Christ as never before.
This church of the Thessalonians were a testimony to the Apostle Paul.
They were suffering persecution and they were remaining steadfast to the Lord.
They were a great example of the true Church.
As we go about serving the Lord we never know when our own faith and our own strength in the Lord are needed to help some other believer.
We must always stand fast in our faith in the truth of the Gospel and in all the Word of God.
Our faith will certainly help our Pastor as he goes about answering his own calling to serve the Lord.
If we stand fast in our faith we will grow more to be like our Savior!
Php 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
The heart of Paul was touched by the actions of these Thessalonians.
*****1Th 3:9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
1Th 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
Paul's grief had turned to joy.
A wise man wrote: Of all the emotions and affections of the soul, love is the only one we can interchange with God.
We can try to love Him like He loves us!
God has that perfect love a love that we need to seek and show to Him.
This is love that comes from the heart.
We can show our joy to God by fervent thanksgiving.
There is never a day that we should not be thanking the Lord for what He has done in our lives!
Paul prayed earnestly that he could return to this Church and preach to them the meat of the Gospel.
We never have so much knowledge in the Word of God that we cannot learn more!
We never have so much faith that we cannot increase our faith.
We never have so much love that we cannot increase our love.
We can also pray continuously for our brothers and sisters in Christ and for the men of God who carry God's message to the world.
The more we get busy serving the Lord the more joy we will see in our Pastor!
The more we get busy serving the Lord the more joy we will see in our Church.
The more people who get saved in our community the more joy we will see in our community.
It is a joyous feeling to know you have missed out on Hell.
I know it was for me.
You just want to be around people like that.
This is one of the greatest testimonies of the true Church.
Why would anyone want to be around a bunch of sad sacks?
A sad church is a miserable church!
Like my Pastor says, "who wants to be around a bunch of people who are mad because they are saved"?
The relationship of the Pastor to his people is so close and vital, that they have within their power to make his life happy or they can make his life miserable.
A good Pastor will not stay in a miserable church!
The church in Corinth was at that time full of problems and it was telling upon the Apostle Paul so of course he had a great yearning to be with a people who had joy in their salvation.
It took some time, but the church at Corinth did become a good church.
A true church will have sympathy for the lost, a faith that is rock solid, a steadfastness to the Word of God, and a spirit of joy for missing out on Hell.
Another thing every church needs is to grow in the Spirit and Grace of the Lord.
A church that is standing still is losing ground and may stumble and fall at any time.
Php 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
Php 1:26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
Paul had a great goal of making every Christian perfect for the Lord Jesus Christ!
Paul had a Pastor's heart but God called him to be an evangelist and church planter.
The goal for the Christian Church is for every Christian to come to a unity of the faith in Jesus Christ!
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
In some churches the Lord Jesus Christ is no longer present so they have no Holy Ghost power!
*****1Th 3:11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
For the true Church to be stronger then, we must be sure about God and know who Jesus Christ is!
It is God alone who can fill the desires of His servants!
How do you see God?
God is the Supreme and Matchless being in our universe, the Supreme Intelligence, the Creator and Maker of all things, the Giver and the Sustainer of Life and of everything else. The person who dwells everywhere in Perfect and Supreme Power, Knowledge, and Being.
Some people only think of God as someone who lives in Heaven, in outer space somewhere, and does not really care what is going on in the world.
In fact God is much, much more!
God is intimately involved in our lives.
God is actively involved in our lives!
God is not only in Heaven, but He is also right here with us!
God is our Heavenly Father!
How do you see the Lord Jesus Christ?
The Lord Jesus Christ has existed eternally in Heaven and loves us enough to become our Lord.
The Lord Jesus Christ who loved us enough to come to this earth in the person of Jesus, the Jewish Carpenter from Nazareth.
The Lord Jesus Christ who is the promised Messiah and the Savior of this world.
It is this God who Paul prayed to and it is this same God who we are to pray to.
If this not your God then you are wasting your time praying!
It is only this God who can direct our ways!
He is also the Lord of love!
*****1Th 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
Love is what this world needs and not that lustful existence that is in our world today.
Every believer needs love!
Every believer needs to show love!
Every believer needs to grow in love!
We need to grow in love toward all mankind and not just love for each other.
In the Bible it is called "agape" love.
The English language has only one word for love to describe affectionate experiences whereas the Greek language has four.
1) There is "eros", a passionate love. This physical love between the sexes, the patriotic love a person has for his nation, or the ambition of a person for power or wealth. Eros can be a good love or a bad love.
2) There "storge" love or affectionate love. This is the love that exists between a parent and a child and between a loyal citizens and a trustworthy ruler.
3) There is "phileo" love or endearing love. Phileo love is the love between a husband and a wife for each other. Of brothers and sisters, and sometime close friends.
4) Then there is "agape" love. A selfless and sacrificial love. Agape love is a love of the mind, of reason and of will.
Agape love loves a person who is undeserving of that love. Agape love is love for a person who is unworthy of that love.
Agape love is the love God has for us. Agape love is the love Christ Jesus demonstrated on the cross.
Rom 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
It is the love for unworthy sinners.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
It is the love of God for undeserving enemies.
Rom 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Selfless agape love is a gift of God.
There is no agape love without a relationship with Jesus Christ because this is the love that comes to us by the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit will not come into us without a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
1Co 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
After our salvation and prayer, the next greatest gift we get from the Lord is agape love.
Without the love of God, He would certainly be that distant God who would not care what we are doing at any time but He loved us before we even knew Him.
1Jn_4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1Jn_4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
The result of this love is that we will be presented unblameable before God when the Lord Jesus returns to take us home.
*****1Th 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
The great result of God's love is that the Lord Jesus will present His Church unblameable before God His Father when we meet Him in the clouds.
The Lord Jesus as our Advocate will stand before His Father and say, "these are the ones I have been telling you about".
The Lord Jesus will confirm our relationship with Him!
No one else has the power nor the right to present us before God, than our Redeemer.
That word unblameable means that we will be without a blemish and without a spot, free from fault and free from blame.
We will be free from all the charges that Satan has brought against us.
If it our Savior who is the only One who can make us unblameable before God!
If Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not have the power nor the desire to present us before God, then we are all doomed.
Jesus is the only One who has ever risen from the dead to live for evermore.
Yes, the Lord raised some from the dead when He was upon this earth, but they later had to die again.
He will present all those who died in Christ.
He will present all those who lived until the Rapture of the Church.
We will one day not too far into the future be presented face to face to the Almighty Living God.
This is the promise of God Himself.
Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
We know our Lord does not ever break His promises!
Amen
