Patience and Faith in All Persecution

​“So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:”
-I Th. 1:4

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            Please re-read this verse—and once more.  Now, have you ever heard any ministers saying this today?  It would be a surprise if you have.  If you live anywhere in western society it is very rare (though things are rapidly changing) to face real persecution.  It is often taught in the western churches that God will rapture the church from any tribulation.  Is this a legitimate hope?  Is there any Biblical reference to support this teaching?

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“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”-John 16:33

            Quite the opposite!  Furthermore, if God ‘raptured’ the western church what would He say to the church in the east? What of those steadfast saints, who have faced so much persecution and tribulation?  God is no respecter of persons and as we (in the west) become more like Sodom and Gomorrah it seems more reasonable to expect destruction.  There is comfort in the truth, as this is the only place the spirit within a person will allow true rest.
                Paul did not try to convince the church at Thessalonica of any reprieve from the persecution, rather he sought to help them to see its usefulness.  As we suffer in the flesh, we cease from sin[1].  This holiness we are called to, as saints, begins with an inward change, is quickly seen outwardly.  Those who cleave to God in such a manner become a reproach to a rebellious generation demanding acceptance, rather than pardon.  Still, the truth is, those “that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy[2]”.

[1] I Pt. 4:1  [2] Jonah 2:8

​“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”-II Ti. 3:10-12

            Paul surely had not forgotten his own experiences.  This was why he was able to witness to the people edifying their faith despite the circumstances.  God delivered him from “them all” and since God is no respecter of persons, as he was delivered, they would be also.  The main thing that he wanted to build on was their resolve to hate “even the garment spotted by the flesh[1]”.

​[1] Jude 23

 
“Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:”-I Th. 1:5 

            Paul gives the reason they are suffering—"a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God”.  The word ‘manifest’ is defined[1] as plain, open, clearly visible to the eye or obvious to the understanding; apparent; not obscure or difficult to be seen or understood.  The word token[2] is defined as “a sign; something intended to represent or indicate another thing or an event.  Thus the rainbow is a token of God’s covenant with Noah.  The blood of the paschal lamb, sprinkled on the doors of the Hebrews, was a token to the destroying angel of God’s will that he should pass by those houses[3]”.
So, a manifest token is a sign which makes clear the judgment of God to come.  “Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord[4]”, dear Saint, did you ever realize that you will have a part in that great and terrible day?

[1] Webster’s Dictionary 1828  [2]Webster’s Dictionary 1828  [3]Gn. 9:12; Ex:12:13  [4]Rm. 12:19 

”Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;”-I Th. 1:6

​                When that day comes, we will fight alongside of Jesus and we will be completely just to do so.  We will have been set free from the bounds of this fallen world, just as we have now been delivered from the bonds of sin by the precious blood of Jesus.  We will have the righteous banner of Elohim; this is described in Psalm 149 as well as this letter to the Thessalonians.  What a wonderful day that will be!

”For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.  
Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;  
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;  
To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;  To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.”- Ps. 149:4-9

            Paul exhorted the saints at Thessalonica to “rest with us”.  He reminded them that it is a “righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation”.  It does not yet appear what we shall be, but when he appears, we shall be like Him[1].  What a precious promise this is!  What hope we ought to have, a longing for Him to return!

[1] I Jn. 3:2

​“In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”-II Th. 1:8-9

            This is a deep insight into the nature of God and a roster of the events of judgment day.  It seems through consistent Bible study that we (Saints) will be fighting along the side of Jesus.  Do you think you will be able to fight against people who have rebelled against God by their lifetime of committing the same sins as you compromise the Gospel for?  No, you must “Come out from among them[1]”.  Any compromise will lead to an inability to stand on that great and terrible day!
            The world wants you to make the deal.  Don’t tell about them their sin and they won’t tell of yours.  In doing so, you become those who judge themselves by themselves, this is not wise[2].  This is the ‘Christianity’ modernity offers and it is a culture of death.  Do you suppose Jesus will allow an army of hypocrites to serve in His Royal army?  God forbid!

[1] II Co. 6:17  [2] II Co. 10:12

“Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness,
​ and the work of faith with power:”-II Th. 1:11

            Are you worthy of His calling?  To be sure, you cannot do it on our own merit.  Have you been washed by the blood?  If so, see to your walk, if you have been “…purged of your former sins[1]”, be sure that you do not return to them “like a dog returning to its vomit[2]”.  What God has cleansed, let no man call unclean[3].  This is the reproach of Christ that we should suffer as we live blameless and above reproach by the power of the Holy Ghost.  Those who understand will be glad to bear their cross.

[1]II Pt. 1:9  [2] II Pt.2:22  [3] Acts 11:9 

“That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”-II Th.1:12

            The Gospel of the Bible produces obedience to God.  The grace of God produces godliness, or holiness.  So, this was what Paul spoke to those being persecuted in Thessalonica, and you would do well to hear his words.  When we begin to live the Gospel, we can count on persecution.  We know that through this tribulation God gets glory.  This will cause us to take our rightful place, which is waiting patiently at the foot of the cross.  We will then begin our mission of pointing the way to others.  The love of God is herein fulfilled, as we who once were unconcerned by the will of God become obedient even to death[1].  We will love God with all our heart mind and strength.  In our earnest pleadings and stern warnings, we are truly loving our neighbors as ourselves.  As unprofitable servants we hope to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” 
 
                Hallelujah, Saint!  Proclaim the victory in the high times, in the sadness, and in the tribulation for Jesus has truly overcome the world!

[1] Ph. 2:8