On the other hand, promises fill the pages of the Bible. Some estimate the number of promises in Scripture at more than 5-thousand. Honestly, that number doesn't matter. The more important number is 100...as in God keeps 100 percent of His promises. God is not only a promise maker, but a promise keeper.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13, Paul proclaims three promises. Each of them flowing from the main idea: Life is hard, God is good.
The first is the Promise of Pain. That's one promise in the Bible that we don't talk about very much. I don't hear too many folks "claiming" this promise! Paul sent Timothy to encourage the Thessalonians as they endured tremendous persecution. The apostles writes, "you know that such troubles are going to happen" (3:3). The word "trouble" is the Greek word "thlipsis," which carries a sense of suffering through external oppression. Let's call it "crushing pressure."
Paul say that this crushing pressure is "going to happen." The NASB says "we have been destined for this." The Amplified reads that this is "our appointed lot." The Message renders "It's part of our calling." This crushing pressure is our destiny. It's our divine appointment. It's part of our calling. In other words, it's unavoidable.
Suffering is a mega-theme throughout the Bible. Everywhere you look, people are in pain. A couple of quick examples. Paul and Barnabas tell the new churches that "they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations" (Acts 14:22). Jesus Himself told His disciples, "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows" (John 16:33). In both cases, it's that same word "thlipsis." Crushing pressure.
Here's the bad news. Life is hard. We will ALL suffer. Every last one of us. Believer and unbeliever. It's doesn't matter. The good news. God is good.
Next, Paul proclaims the Promise of Perseverance. He worries that the Tempter (Satan) has "gotten the best of you and that all our work had been useless." The Tempter is CONSTANTLY tempting each one of us. Oh, he's good. He knows the best bait to lure and tempt us. But you don't have to give in. He used his best bait on Jesus Himself. But Christ never caved. Ever. And because stood strong, He's right there helping us when we're tempted (Heb 2:18).
This is all part of the process known as sanctification. That's the process each Christ-follower is undergoing. God is molding us into the image of Jesus. And it's a life-long process. It started when God got a hold of your life. It won't end until this life is over. The problem is sanctification is hard. But it's worth it.
Life is hard. God is good.
Finally, Paul proclaims the Promise of His Presence. He refers to "that day when our Lord Jesus comes" (3:13). Jesus IS coming back! It's not a fairy tale. It's no pipe dream. It's not wishful thinking. It's not something Christians made up to get themselves through hard times. A quick survey of the New Testament reveals 23 specific references to Jesus' return. Christ Himself explicity spoke His Second Coming at least 14 times! We dont' know how, when or where...but Jesus is coming back. Paul is telling the Thessalonians to stand strong, hang in there, it's worth.
Life is hard. God is good.
So what do we do with all this? As we said before, will ALL suffer. But we do have a choice. We can suffer alone. Or we can suffer with Jesus at our side, giving us the strength to persevere. As we look forward to His return, should we sell everything, move to Montana and wait on some mountain? Absolutley not! We stay right here and share the love and grace of Jesus with a lost and dying world. And we encourage our brothers and sisters in the family of God to hang in there.
Life is hard. God is good.
From sermon at Freedom River CC on April 27, 2008.
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