Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 3:2-5; 1 Peter 5:8-10
Fri, 8 April 2022

Warfare in Discipleship Suffering

Observation:

What can you learn about spiritual warfare in discipleship suffering in these passages?

Deeper Reflection
PAUL WAS FEARFUL THAT “SOMEHOW THE TEMPTER HAD tempted” the Thessalonians and succeeded (v.5). The situation was suffering of tribulation (vv.3-4). This is spiritual warfare in discipleship suffering. The target of Satan’s temptation was the “faith” of the Thessalonians (vv.2, 5). The temptation was “not simply to commit some sin or sins but rather to commit the sin of apostasy”13 – falling away from the faith. Paul was deeply concerned that none of his new converts were “shaken by these afflictions” (v.3) and gave up and turned away from their faith. The issue is “not moral lapse but continuance in faith”, for “the possibility of apostasy was a clear and present danger”14 for the Thessalonians.How does our “adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet 5:8)? By inflicting suffering on God’s people (cf. Rev 2:10). This ferocious and vicious satanic attack comes in “the same kinds of suffering [that] are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world” (1 Pet 5:9). In our discipleship suffering, Peter calls us to “resist” the devil by being “firm in your faith” (1 Pet 5:9). It is our faith that Satan wants to “devour”, not our bodies that are inflicted with pains. But physical pains do bring about mental and emotional distress that can destabilise our faith in God. To be “firm in faith” is to endure and persevere in “the God of all grace” (1 Pet 5:10), whose “grace is sufficient” (2 Cor 12:9) for us, to strengthen, support, sustain and see us through.
13 Gene L. Green, 165 14 Gene L. Green, 165
Application:

How do I see spiritual warfare in discipleship 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 SGI leaders: To discern spiritual warfare in discipleship suffering and respond
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

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