Title: Encouragement for the Saints in Tribulation
Contents
Title: Encouragement for the Saints in Tribulation
Text: (2 Thessalonians 1:1~12)
Hymns: 336. In the midst of tribulation and persecution
Date: December 8, 2011 (Thursday) 5 am
Venue: Jeonju Yebut Church Small Worship Room
In the Thessalonian church, there were people who gave up their livelihoods because of the delusion of false teachers, and they were restless and waiting for the return of Christ. In this situation, Paul encourages the saints and teaches them to live by holding on to the truth. These words apply equally to us today.
1. God's proud saint
Paul praised the spiritual maturity of the Thessalonian church community. Unlike the Galatia church, the Thessalonian church members grew their faith quickly. Love abounded in the Thessalonian church. Love is the essence of God. Even in the midst of tribulation, they did not forsake their faith and trusted in God's love, eventually bearing the fruit of patience. In this way, believers should be proud of their unshakable patience and faith, with the hope of the Lord's second coming and taking root in faith. Please keep in mind that believers are living beings who look to the kingdom of God and seek His righteousness, and live a life full of gratitude through perseverance in the midst of tribulation.
2. God's Justice Repaying with Rest
It is natural for believers to suffer in the world. However, when we wait for the glory of the coming of the Lord and persevere, the work of faith will happen. Because suffering is a sign of God's justice. God will surely repay those who persecute the saints, and repay those who have suffered affliction with rest. Therefore, believers must realize God's justice and overcome hardships by trusting in God. God's final judgment has not yet been made. In that day, not only those who do not know God, but also those who do not obey the Gospel will be punished with eternal destruction. Christians, on the other hand, will enter the kingdom of glory. Hope for the glory you will receive and overcome hardship.
3. Fulfillment to those who called
Jesus, who will come again as the Lord of Judgment and the King of Victory, will receive glory and praise from the saints. The words, “You believed the testimony we gave you” (verse 10) reassure those who are weak in faith. God will be glorified by the saints through the judgment of justice, and the saints will be amazed at his glory. Saints are those who glorify the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The more we glorify Christ, the more the saints receive the same glory as Him. The saints who are worthy of God's call rejoice in all goodness and accomplish the work of faith with power. I hope that you will become the joy of God by living worthy of God's calling today as well.
If you want to live a life that glorifies Christ, you may suffer on earth instead of being glorified. However, it must be remembered that the sufferings of the saints are a sign of God's righteous judgment and at the same time share in the glory of Christ. That is why we should rejoice greatly when we suffer. Tribulation will bring perseverance, perseverance will bring refinement, and refinement will bring hope. I hope you will become the saints who win the race of faith by trusting in God.
<Prayer>
1. May you always rejoice, pray constantly, and live a life of gratitude for everything!
2. May the river of living water overflow from the Jebut pulpit, so that the knowledge of the Lord may fill the whole world!
3. Heal the weak members of the church and save the unbelieving families so that they can achieve the fame of faith!