Simple fact: pain is part of the Christian life. We are not immune to it simply because we are children of God. In fact, there are several examples of devout Christians facing some of the harshest persecutions (Acts 5, 7, and 14 to name a few). Whatever accounts we might consider, the truth is, we will suffer persecution as followers of Christ (2 Tim 3:12). As we look at 2 Thessalonians, we find Paul digging deeper into the topic of persecution. We don’t often face the kind of persecution Paul faced, so how should we think about these things? This is not to say we should seek out persecution, but our tendency is often to avoid scenarios that bring hardship and difficulty. We are called to give our all to Christ, no matter the cost. So, let’s consider what our response to persecution should be, and prepare ourselves to bring God glory no matter what difficulties may come our way. You can accept persecution with peace, knowing God will use it for His glory. 

1. Suffering persecution is worthwhile (2 Thess. 1:5)

There are a few reasons which prove that suffering persecution is worthwhile. First, it demonstrates genuine faith which points to God’s justice. To paraphrase verse five, “All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right”, that is, their steadfast faith amidst suffering proves God’s actions are right and just.[i] This is not saying God is just standing by making His children suffer. Rather, it is that by their faith, they prove their destiny and that the end result of all God does will be true justice. Second, suffering for doing what is right is not a punishment but an honor. While we often think of suffering as a bad thing – or even as a punishment – Paul plainly says suffering for Christ’s name is actually a good thing – something akin to receiving a prestigious award. This reward is our citizenship in heaven (Phil. 3:20). It proves we are strangers in this world, which is an honor (1 Peter 2:11). Perhaps the most honorable thing a Christian can experience is suffering for doing what is right and godly in His sight. So, while we can understand that suffering is worthwhile, we can also be relieved to know it is temporary.

2. Suffering persecution is temporary (2 Thess. 1:6-7)

This is one of the strongest points Paul is trying to make; suffering proves you have a relationship with God. This is not to say that suffering earns you salvation – no amount of penance or pain can change that we are sinners to the core – but it proves that you have already trusted in Christ for salvation. It is by this trust you can know you will suffer, but also that suffering is restricted to this life. There is great hope here! Christ promises to return soon, and that is when things will be set right. 1 Thessalonians 4 discusses the rapture – an event where Christ will take up His children to be with Him. In that day, our suffering will come to an end, and we will be given new bodies to live in on the new earth a short time later. In that time, we will have final peace and joy. However, even though our suffering is worthwhile and temporary, that does not mean persecution will not be repaid.

3. Our suffering will be repaid (2 Thess. 1:6-9)

God’s justice is further revealed in how He promises to repay those non-believers who cause pain and suffering for His children. There are several passages of Scripture which describe – in detail – what will happen to those who reject God (e.g., Rev. 19:19-20, 20:11-15). Those who reject God will spend eternity completely separated from God’s holy and loving presence and will be cast into the lake of fire. These people are revealed (in part) when they persecute believers. Certainly, persecutors are still included in the invitation to receive the gospel (Matt. 5:44), but there are many who persecute and never turn to Him. While God will give those who’ve trusted in Christ peace and glory, eternal suffering is the destiny of those who reject Him. Thus, we have peace in suffering knowing God’s justice will win in the end. What does this mean for God? While for us, suffering is worthwhile and temporary, it ultimately brings glory to God. 

4. Suffering reveals God’s glory (2 Thess. 5:10-12)

As Christians, our greatest desire ought to be that God is glorified. To glorify God is to reveal His nature, character, and activity – that is, who He is, what He’s like, and what He’s done. Glorifying God is seen not only in worship, but also in living a life that pleases Him. We are commanded to live out our faith so that others see us and realize that God is a great God worthy of worship (Matt. 5:16). One way God is glorified in us is through our suffering in the name of Christ. By enduring through suffering, it is proven we are His, and thus, His goodness and power is revealed to those around us. 

Conclusion

In this passage, Paul addresses that you can accept persecution with peace, knowing God will use it for His glory. This peace can be found by knowing that Jesus is worth suffering for, our suffering is temporary, God’s justice will ultimately win, and His name will be up lifted. This is not a call to seek out persecution but rather understand how to walk through it when it comes. So, let’s be at peace. Let us prove, by God’s grace, that our faith is real, so that He may be glorified.  

Questions for Discussion:

1. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:5, 11. What does it mean to be worthy of the kingdom? How does suffering relate to this worthiness?
2. Read 2 Thess. 1:6-7. How do we know that suffering is temporary? How can God’s future work give us hope in persecution today?  
3. Read 2 Thess. 1:7-10. How does persecution prove the “righteous judgment of God” – that God’s actions are right and just? Why do we need to remember that God is just amidst persecution?
4. Read 2 Thess. 1:10-12. What does it mean for Christ’s name to be glorified in us? How will that goal be accomplished through our suffering (v. 11)?