Lesson 9: God's Sovereignty and Christian Suffering, Part 2

1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 - “Therefore … we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know…”

Our verses make it very clear. We Christians are not only destined to suffer, we will be persecuted and hated. Bad things are going to happen! It is just part of living in a messed-up world full of evil and suffering. In fact, notice that Paul was saying he was actually afraid that the evil one, the tempter, was going to twist things around about trials like those false teachers had and somehow get these new Christians to think this is not right. This was why he sent Timothy to encourage them to not listen to such lies and instead deal with reality! Yes, Christian, we will suffer in this world! We are destined for it! In fact, that is just the beginning. Both the Old and New Testament warn us that we will experience hard times. Let me give you a few other examples.

Psalms 34:19 - “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all."

Isaiah 48:10 - “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction."

Matthew 5:10-12 - "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."


Matthew 24:9 - “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake."

2 Timothy 3:10-12 - "You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

Acts 14:21-22 - "When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

Philippians 1:29 - “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake."

Philippians 3:10 - “…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in his death."

1 Peter 5:9 - “Resist [the devil], firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."

1 Peter 4:12,13 - "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."

We continue in our next lesson.
* How has suffering or persecution brought you closer to Jesus?