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"That no one should be shaken by these afflictions..."

Text: 1 Thessalonians 3:3

AFFLICTIONS

Many of us today have never really experienced afflictions. However in the first century, afflictions were so frequent they were seen as part and parcel of the Christian faith and life. Paul wrote to explain to the Thessalonians how they may view afflictions.

“That no one should be shaken by these afflictions;
For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.”

1 Thessalonians 3:3

1. “That no one should be shaken by these afflictions”

a) Those who have never faced afflictions may be intimidated.

b) Those who are young in the faith may not be prepared to suffer afflictions.

c) Those who are weak may be shaken by afflictions.

2. Timothy’s ministry to the Thessalonians

a) To instruct

b) To encourage

c) To strengthen

d) To prepare the Thessalonians for possible greater afflictions

3. Some of the afflictions suffered

a) Stoning

b) Imprisonment

c) Threatening harassment

4. “For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this”

a) Paul had this perspective that he was appointed to suffer afflictions.

b) He must have taught this to the Thessalonians in his brief sojourn in Thessalonica.

c) He reminds them that they must be fully prepared for afflictions.

ENDURING AFFLICTIONS

This teaching of enduring afflictions must be traced to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

1. He personally suffered great affliction.

2. He was put to death.

3. He was able to endure because He saw beyond physical afflictions (Mark 9:31; 10:33-34).

4. He taught all disciples to be prepared for suffering (Mark 13:9-13).