Since the beginning, the Church has faced afflictions and persecutions. The Thessalonian church was enduring persecutions and Paul wrote to encourage them in their faith, instruct them for their faith, and pray for their faith. He taught them that persecution in the present points to the future judgement of the world, the reliability of God’s word (He can be trusted), and the genuineness of their faith in Christ. All of that would work together to help them and help us – when we face rejection and criticism for our faith – to respond by rejoicing that we were counted worthy to suffer for His name, and to rest that no matter what happens, our God gets the last word.

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; 1 Peter 4:17; Philippians 1:27-28; Acts 5:41; John 15:18-20; Matthew 5:10-12; Luke 19