2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

A friend related the story of his struggle of faith as a child. He, with his mother, attended a church that emphasized emotional experience and “that inner feeling.” As a preteen he frequently went to the altar, wanting some confidence of his salvation. Once he asked his mom, “How can I be sure that I am saved?” His mom's misguided reply was, “If you're not sure, then you're probably not.” Paul offers a better test than our emotions or feelings. In verses 4 & 5, Paul tells us to look for two character traits expressed in two circumstances. Those traits are “perseverance” and “faith.” Perseverance literally means “remain under the pressure.” It is staying under the pressure or remaining where the trouble comes down without trying to get away. Faith, in this instance, is not about the doctrine or the belief but the “loyalty” or “fidelity.” These believers kept the faith, staying loyal without attempting to get out, even in the midst of persecution. This word ‘persecution’ means to chase down; think of a wolf chasing a sheep. They remained in the midst of ‘affliction’, which literally means constant rubbing. The picture here is of overt aggressive spikes in attacks in the midst of constant daily low-grade harassment.

How do I know that my faith is real? Do I remain faithful in the hard times? In verse 5, Paul says this kind of loyalty is an indication of God's judgment that we are worthy of the Kingdom. Ironically, this is almost 180 degrees opposite of what we are taught as the markers of faith in the American Church. In fact, some churches teach that the presence of wealth and prosperity is the evidence of a strong faith. 

What would we do if we were to face a severe and harsh persecution? We would do, most likely, what we do when we face the light and inconsequential hardships we now have. What we have in the easy time is all we will have in the difficult ones. The little struggles we now endure are the training ground for hardships ahead. Rather than run from them, we need to run to them and embrace the opportunity.

“Lord, help me be in training for the difficult times ahead by reinforcing my faith now. AMEN”