Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 3:1-3a; Revelation 2:8-11
Wed, 6 April 2022

Steadfastness in Discipleship Suffering

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about discipleship suffering (v.3; Rev 2:8-11)?

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).
10 Johannes P. Louw & Eugene A. Nida, 31.66
Application:

What does it mean for me to be steadfast in suffering in my discipleship journey?

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 the Generations: To accept discipleship suffering and be steadfast in the Lord
  • 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 7:13-18, 25-27; 11:29-36
Sat, 2 December 2023

The Triumph

Observation:

What characterises the triumph of God’s people in tribulations under tyrants?

Deeper Reflection
God’s people living under tyrants and suffering tribulations under them can triumph – whether we are delivered from or destroyed in tribulation. The triumph rests on a threefold confidence.We know the conclusion of evil. It is repeated in manifold ways in Daniel that evil that comes through inhuman kings – no matter how great and how long – will definitely come to an end: “he will be broken” (Dan 8:25), “he will be found no more” (Dan 11:19), “yet he will come to his end” (Dan 11:45) and “all these events will be completed” (Dan 12:7).We know God’s calling for us: To be a suffering people – to be captured, plundered, burned or killed (Dan 11:33). But in our suffering, we can be strong as “people who know their God” (Dan 11:32), knowing that God is purging and purifying us to become a sanctified (Dan 11:35; 12:10) and shining people who “shine brightly” with heavenly brightness in the hostile world (Dan 12:3). And we will be a steadfast people who “keep waiting and attain to the 1,335 days” (Dan 12:12) – until we become a sovereign people who “receive and possess the kingdom forever” from “the Ancient of Days” (vv.13-14, 18, 27).We know who is in control. The tribulations under the tyrants in Daniel 7 to 12 are all subject to and subsumed under “that which is decreed will be done” (Dan 11:36; 9:26, 27) “at the appointed time” (Dan 11:27, 29, 35).We conclude Daniel with this theological-discipleship summary statement: We can triumph in tribulations under tyrants when we trust with tenacity in the One who is on the throne.
Application:

How can I triumph in tribulations?

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 Church Board: To grow in the faith and perseverance of overcomers in Christ
  • 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.