2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

How to revive the suffering

Why is suffering important?

Discover the unanswered question between vv4-5

How is their suffering evidence that they will be considered worthy of the kingdom?

The answer to this question is going to give you a surprising perspective on suffering.

• It's going to tell you why it's essential in your life.
• I propose to lead you to the answer with a series of two additional questions.

Q1: On what basis will they be judged worthy of the kingdom?

• Rom 2:6
• 2 Cor. 5:10
• Rev 20:12; 22:12
• Matt 7:24-29; 25:31-46
• James 2:14-26

A1: Based on their works

You will be judged based on your works because your works vindicate your confession

Q2a: What is the relationship between the judgment based on works and present sufferings?

• 1^st relationship: One of necessity – Rom 8:17 = Only path to glory
• 2^nd relationship: One of Preservation – 2 Cor. 4:17 = Preserves us for glory
• 3^rd relationship: One of Conformity – Rom 8: 28 – 29 = Means of conformity

A2: Sufferings conform them and thereby prepares and preserves them for the judgment

Your response to suffering will be the grounds upon which your confession is vindicated in the judgment.

Q2b: What if my responses have been fleshly, ie. Fearful, unfaithful, faithless, selfish, immoral, ungrateful, discontent, etc.?

• Work on your theology of suffering
• God will repay those that cause suffering
• 2 Thess. 1:6-9; Is. 10:10-27; Jam. 5:1-8
• Suffering is a means of discipline
• Ps 119: 67; Heb. 12:4-11
• Suffering produces evidence of God's election
• Rom 5:3; Jam. 1:2-3; 1 Pet. 1:6-9
• Suffering is the ordained path to glory
• Rom 8:17; 1 Pet. 2:18-25, 3:8-9, 4:1-2
• Suffering is an honour
• Acts 5:4; Phil. 3:8-11
• Rom 8:13     Learn to walk by the Spirit
• Gal 5:16           Practical steps for this = Communion & Cross
• 1 Cor. 6:9-11
• 2 Pet. 1:9-11
• There will be hell to pay for those who are asleep
• Matt 25:1-13
• Matt 10:32-33
• 2 Tim. 2:11-12

Suffering is the fire that refines the gold

If there is no suffering, there will be no glory