The last time I shared with you it was from 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 and focused on the theme, “Christian Concern for the Family of God.” Today our passage is 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5, which focuses on the theme of Christians being, “Destined for Affliction.” Some of you may be thinking, “Are you sure about that?” Yes, I am sure about that. God’s Word clearly teaches that as a part of God’s sovereign plan, Christians will suffer affliction. Paul writes elsewhere, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). So, affliction is to be expected in the life of a Christ-follower. Paul helps shape our perspective on such a reality when he writes, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Rom. 5:3–5). The Lord intends such difficulties to produce spiritual maturity and Christ-likeness in the lives of his people. Peter writes, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12–13). Before I go any further, I have to highlight the fact that Scripture teaches our suffering should be the result of obedience to the Lord, not wrongdoing. Sinclair Ferguson taught, “Spiritual growth depends on two things: first, a willingness to live according to the Word of God; second, a willingness to take whatever consequences emerge as a result.”
In 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5, Paul informs the church that Timothy was sent to check on their spiritual welfare. The Thessalonian church was experiencing persecution at the hands of unbelieving Jews and Gentiles. So great was the persecution that the church mistakenly thought they were enduring the Day of the Lord (2 Thess. 2:1-2). The saints in Thessalonica are not that different from us. They needed a reminder that affliction is a normal part of the Christian life. They were not experiencing something strange, unforeseen, or out of the ordinary for believers in Christ. The apostle is shepherding these brothers and sisters through this confusing and difficult season of life. As believers, we find it difficult to understand and accept suffering as a normal part of the Christian life. We reason that if we are “good” Christians, the Lord will bless us with prosperity. Our underlying definition of prosperity usually involves good health, financial prosperity, and a generally happy life. Sadly, this definition is shaped more by the ungodly world system than by Scripture. D.A. Carson wrote, “One of the major causes of devastating grief and confusion among Christians is that our expectations are false. We do not give the subject of evil and suffering the thought it deserves until we ourselves are confronted with tragedy.”[1]
The Lord does cause us to prosper. The prosperity he has in view focuses more on the biblical virtues of Christlikeness, holiness, and the fruit of the Spirit. The passages I quoted earlier had a spiritual focus as well. The prosperity discussed is heavenly minded. Scripture exhorts us to trust God’s righteous character. Scripture teaches us to obey God’s commands. We are not to focus on the Lord and the Word of the Lord. J.C. Ryle once said, “Trials are intended to make us think: to wean us from the world, to send us to the Bible, and to drive us to our knees.”
So, brothers and sisters, when you experience affliction it has come to you as a part of God’s sovereign plan for you. It is not extraordinary or unforeseen. The same Lord who created and saved you has a purpose for the affliction you experience. He will cause it to work for your spiritual good and also use it to glorify his matchless name.
[1] Carson, D. A.. How Long, O Lord? Reflections on Suffering and Evil. United States: Baker Publishing Group, 2006, 11..