Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 1:6
Wed, 16 February 2022

Joyful Suffering in the Spirit

Observation:

What is suffering “much affliction with the joy of the Holy Spirit” like?

Deeper Reflection
AT THE MOMENT WHEN THE THESSALONIANS “RECEIVED the word” and “in much affliction” – “in highly distressing circumstances”46, they “started out on a path of discipleship that entails imitating Jesus and His apostles”47 (v.6). The “affliction” refers to “outward trials and not only the inward anxieties that quite naturally accompany such trials”48. For the Thessalonians, it was persecution in the form of “severe social harassment and ostracism” like “their alienation from unbelieving family members and friends; and the curtailment of their opportunities to maintain, let alone to improve, their current economic and social status”49. We ought to take suffering – in whatever form – for granted as the normal lot of faithful followers of Jesus, for “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). The Thessalonians received the Gospel in severe suffering “with the joy of the Holy Spirit” (v.6). This joy in severe suffering is “a manifestation of the supernatural”50, for it comes from the Holy Spirit and is not humanly generated. This joy is built in endurance. It is rejoicing “in the Lord” (Phil 4:4) – in union and communion with the Lord. This joy in suffering is possible with a theocentric perspective and attitude, seeing the suffering as the will of God and the “fellowship of His sufferings”, which is part of knowing Christ (Phil 3:10). In his imprisonment, Paul viewed himself as “a prisoner of the Lord”, not of Caesar (Eph 4:1).
46 Gary S. Shogren, 66 47 Gary S. Shogren, 67 48 Jeffrey A. D. Weima, 1-2 Thessalonians, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Baker Academic, 2014), 101 49 Jeffrey A. D. Weima, 101 50 Gary S. Shogren, 67
Application:

What is suffering with the joy of the Holy Spirit like for me?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for Singapore: To come to know that true happiness is found in Christ
  • Pray for self

Download this Building Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for East QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for WDL QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 5:17, 25-31; 6:1-2
Mon, 5 June 2023

Serving from Babylon to Persia

Observation:

What is the significance of Daniel serving in the Babylonian and Persian
courts successively?

Deeper Reflection
God’s word to Belshazzar that He would “put an end” to his kingdom and give it “over to the Medes and Persians” was fulfilled immediately – “that same night” (v.30) – after Daniel’s interpretation of the inscription on the wall (vv.25-31). God can fulfil His Word immediately or after a long time. Whatever time God may take to fulfil His Word, He is “trustworthy in all His promises and faithful in all He does” (Psa 145:13b, NIV).The demise of the Babylonian hegemony was not just a historical event, but primarily a theological one. Nebuchadnezzar was “My servant” whom God raised to judge His unfaithful people in the seventy-year Babylonian exile (Jer 25:8-9, 11). When God had accomplished His purpose through Babylon, “I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation” (Jer 25:12). This is how God deals with arrogant and evil nations: “And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, the glory of the Chaldeans’ pride, will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah” (Isa 13:19).The end of Babylon does not mean an insecure future for Daniel. However drastically our circumstances may change, God’s call for our lives remains when we walk with Him faithfully. We are secure in God’s call, because it is God’s call. Daniel became one of “the three commissioners” in Persia (Dan 6:1-2). It wasn’t that having lost his job Daniel applied to serve the Persian king. Daniel couldn’t do that. It was purely by royal appointment. But behind the “It seemed good to Darius to appoint” (Dan 6:1) was God’s call for Daniel to serve Him from Babylon to Persia.
Application:

How do I relate God’s call for me in drastic changes of my life situations?

Prayer:
Lord, I believe You have a calling for my life which You have intended to be distinctive for me. I want to live my life with a deep sense of answering Your calling. Help me to walk with You faithfully, knowing that as I do so, You will unfold Your plans for me in that calling. Grant me wisdom and understanding to discern Your calling for my life.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
 

Download this New Life Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for BPJ QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.