Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:4
Mon, 25 July 2022

When the Tribulation Still Persists

Observation:

What was the pastoral situation that Paul addresses first in 2 Thessalonians 1:4?

Deeper Reflection
SHORTLY AFTER PAUL, SILAS AND TIMOTHY HAD PLANTED the church at Thessalonica and began to build the new believers in the faith, they faced strong opposition for proclaiming the Gospel (Acts 17:1-8). They were then forced to leave the still very young church abruptly (Acts 17:9-10). When they left Thessalonica, the Thessalonian believers were suffering “much tribulation” for their faith (v.6; 1 Thess 2:14). Subsequently, Paul made attempts to return to Thessalonica, to continue to establish their faith, for fear that their faith would be shaken by the persecution that they suffered (1 Thess 3:5). However, those attempts made were not successful, because “Satan hindered us” (1 Thess 2:18). So Timothy was sent instead to Thessalonica “to strengthen and encourage you in your faith” (1 Thess 3:3-4). Then Timothy returned to Paul and Silas at Corinth with the good news of the Thessalonians growing in faith, love and hope in the Lord (1 Thess 1:3), and that they were standing firm in the Lord amidst their suffering (1 Thess 3:6-8). In response to the good news, as well as to address certain pastoral problems in the church, Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians in Corinth.Since Paul’s first letter was sent and received by the Thessalonians, “probably only a few weeks or months later, news reached him in Corinth that matters had got worse”56. In 2 Thessalonians chapter 1, we read of the Thessalonians’ “persecutions and afflictions” (2 Thess 1:4). Apparently, they had been “asking questions about the rationale of their afflictions”57. Then Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians, in part, to address these questions.
56 John R. W. Stott, 140 57 John R. W. Stott, 140
Application:

What will I do if my suffering still persists?

Prayer:
O Lord, my soul faints with longing for Your salvation, but I have put my hope in Your Word. My eyes fail, looking for Your promise; I say, “When will You comfort me?”54 Yet, it is good for me to be afflicted so that I may learn Your decrees. The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.55
54 Psalm 119:81-82 (NIV) 55 Psalm 119:71-72 (NIV)
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • 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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