Deeper Reflection
WITH GREAT URGENCY, PAUL SENT TIMOTHY TO THE Thessalonians “to establish and encourage you in your faith” (v.2). The great urgency is reflected in the purpose: “that no one be shaken by these afflictions” (v.3, NRSV). Paul was deeply concerned that the Thessalonians’ “faith” was “shaken” (sainomai) by the persecutions that they were undergoing. Sainomai means being so emotionally disturbed as to be shaken in one’s belief and give up and turn way from one’s belief.¹⁰The contrast of being “shaken” is steadfastness. Steadfastness is enduring and persevering, not giving in, not giving up. Our belief in God and His Word enables us to remain steadfast in suffering. We trust in God, and God Himself – the person of God – is our trust (Jer 17:7). Suffering hits at what we believe in. Hence, knowing what we believe in is a vital key to steadfastness in discipleship suffering. And what we believe in becomes our conviction – really believing what we believe in, and our conviction establishes our commitment and gives us confidence. Discipleship suffering trains and tests our conviction about God, our commitment to God and our confidence in God.The Lord called the church in Smyrna to “be faithful unto death” in suffering “tribulation” (Rev 2:10). The extent of our steadfastness in discipleship suffering is “unto death”. The Lord calls us to trust in Him who is “the first and the last”, and “do not fear” to suffer faithfully “unto death”, because He is the One “who had died and came to life” (Rev 2:8, 10).

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¹⁰ Johannes P. Louw & Eugene A. Nida, 31.66