Deeper Reflection
BIBLICALLY, IT IS A GIVEN, THAT WHEN WE FOLLOW THE Lord faithfully, we will suffer “trials of various kinds” (Jas 1:2). We have to embrace this biblical “given”. We suffer because we are faithful to the Lord and when we suffer we remain faithful to the Lord – “your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in all the afflictions that you are enduring” (v.4). Note the word “all”, which indicates the extent of the Thessalonians’ sufferings.In our suffering, it is easy for us to focus on the pains that we feel, the causes of the sufferings and our struggling to endure. If we are not careful, this can lead to self-absorption and wallowing in self-pity, and we begin to doubt and question God. A theocentric focus in our suffering will prevent us from spiralling down to this unhealthy spiritual condition.One important theocentric focus in suffering is: God is righteous. God is a “God of faithfulness and without injustice, good and upright is He” and “His work is perfect, for all His ways are just” (Deut 32:4). Paul points the Thessalonians to “the righteous judgment of God” in their suffering (v.5a). Our faithful endurance in trials (v.4) is “plain evidence” of God’s “righteous judgment” (v.5a). In other words, we see God’s “righteous judgment” in our faithful endurance. God’s “righteous judgment” is, we are “considered worthy of the kingdom of God” – by God Himself (v.5b). “Christ established the pattern of faithfulness in suffering leading to worthiness”⁷: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain” (Rev 5:12) for being a “faithful witness” (Rev 1:5).

---

⁷ G. K. Beale, 1-2 Thessalonians, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (IVP Academic, 2003), 185