This morning we are going on in our look at 1 Thessalonians.  This morning our focus is on living Victorious in Suffering.

Someone here recently shared with me the April newsletter coming from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.  Reading through the letter and thinking about today’s focus on living victorious in suffering I’d like to share some of what Franklin Graham writes in that letter.

“As events unfold in Libya, we are reminded that Christians under Moammar Gadhafi’s ruthless regime have been persecuted and imprisoned for converting from Islam.  It is illegal to encourage a Libyan citizen to turn to Christ…

“In Iran just a few days ago, five Christians were sentenced to a year’s imprisonment by the Iranian Revolutionary Court on charges of ‘crimes against the Islamic order’ because of their participation in house churches.  Recently Iranian authorities confiscated and burned hundreds of Bibles, and an Iranian pastor is now on death row for ‘apostasy’ because he once was a Muslim.

“Last month, the only Christian in the Pakistani government cabinet died in a hail of bullets while on his way to work.  His assassins scattered leaflets at the scene with this warning to Christians:  ‘With the blessing of Allah, the mujahedeen will send each of you to hell.

“This past New Year’s Day, a suicide bomber attacked a packed church in Egypt’s port city of Alexandria, killing 21 worshipers and wounding 80 more.”  (1)

That’s a snapshot of the middle east.  The worst perpetrator of persecution against Christians today is where?  North Korea - where Christians are hunted down - and most likely executed.  In North Korea the largest gathering of Christians is in concentration camps.

The suffering of our Christian siblings under repressive regimes is crucially important for us to be - not only aware of - but in prayer for them and supportive of them in whatever ways God opens up to us.

Of course the reality is that God has placed us here not over there.  Here we don’t experience the same kind of persecution and suffering that our siblings over there do… yet.  Our time may come.

But - in the meantime it is important for us to realize that we are engaged in the same spiritual battle that they are.  The same enemy hates us with the same passion he hates them.  Right?

Satan is just as committed to our destruction - our walking away from our faith - our turning against God.  Our common adversary is just as committed to keeping us from having a deep and valuable relationship with God - to destroying our love for each other and our witness for God.

Are we together on that?

Sometimes we think that somehow we have it easier because we’re not in jail.  And to some extent that’s true.  Or, that somehow we can’t talk about persecution or suffering - we don’t have the right - because we’re not suffering like they are.  But the reality is that we are just as much engaged in the battle - our adversary’s goal is the same - but in his wisdom - Satan uses different tactics here - our suffering - and it is suffering - our suffering is different.

Shortly after the fall of communism we were in Bulgaria.  I was sharing with a congregation there that on Sunday mornings the major freeway interchange between us - where we live in the US - the major freeway interchange between us and a good portion of the congregation - and the church building - that interchange was regularly closed on Sunday mornings.

I was asked, “How can you equate that with what these people have gone through?”  I can’t.  But isn’t it interesting  that it happens.  And way too many Christians in this country will choose to succumb to what Satan throws at us and turn back rather than working past a simple road block to get to church.  Same battle.  Different tactics.

Have you ever wondered why there always seems to be a family crises -  or a home repair project - a repair of something is urgently needed - or a phone call - or a significant event that always seems to precisely coincide with the times we could be together with our Christian brothers and sisters?  At the times when important fellowship or study or worship or ministry is happening something inevitably comes up and gets in the way.   

Or a great opportunity comes along - a sports event or a family gathering.  It may not even be a bad thing.  Its just “a thing” that gets in the way.

Or, when we’re at a point of weakness we get one of those stupid emails or some other temptation to do something stupid?

Isn’t it interesting that when we have great opportunity to pour out God’s love on someone or to financially provide for a need - isn’t it interesting that those are the times when we’re just empty of energy and lacking resources?  Or relationships fall apart because something is misunderstood - or a conversation is overheard and becomes a rumor.  Some simple stupid thing can do so much damage.

One more thought and we’ll come to 1 Thessalonians.  Have you ever asked, “Why?”  That’s a different type of suffering.  But still very real.  Insurmountable problems, trials, anxieties?  Just getting hammered with the stuff of life is suffering.  Isn’t it?  “God why me?  God why don’t you do something?”  Its amazing how Satan tries to use those struggles to turn us away from God.

We could go.  But, here’s the point.  Same adversary.  Same battle.  Different tactics.  Let’s be honest - suffering.

Would you join me at 1 Thessalonians 2 - starting at verse 17.  If you need a Bible there’s one someplace under a chair in front of you.  Look with me at what Paul writes about living victorious in suffering.

1 Thessalonians 2 - starting at verse 17:  But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short while - in person, not in spirit - were all the more eager with great desire to see your face.  For we wanted to come to you - I Paul, more than once - yet Satan hindered us.  For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation?  Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?  For you are our glory and joy.

Let’s stop there.  Verses 17-20 describe Paul’s Desire.  Let’s say that together.  “Paul’s desire.”

Paul, Silas, and Timothy arrived in Thessalonica - which is located where?  Northern Greece - Macedonia.  They arrived - went to the local synagogues - spent several weeks meeting with the Jews and then preaching other places - sharing the gospel with the Greeks.  There were a number of converts.  A new gathering of the church was born.

Almost immediately there was great persecution against them that came from the Jews who didn’t accept Jesus - who were angry that Paul and his friends had come to lead people into what they thought was some crazy new sect - a cult.

The Jews recruited some of the local thugs from the market place to instigate a riot.  The whole city is in an uproar - chaos - as this mob runs amok.  False accusations are made.  Jason and some other Christians get arrested.

Paul and company - the dynamic trio - eventually get run out of town.  They escape into the night and head out to town of Berea - which is west of Thessalonica.  Where Paul and company start their ministry all over again.  A number of Jews and Greeks come to Christ. 

When the Jews in Thessalonica heard that Jews were coming to Christ in Berea they went over to Berea and caused another riot.  Which led to Paul and company getting run out of town and ending up in Athens - which is south of Berea.

Point being that the Jews of Thessalonica really really hated Paul.  Paul was persona non grata in Thessalonica.  Dead meat if he showed up in town.  Paul had opposition from the government - the people - and behind all Satan pulling the strings.

In verse 17 Paul describes all that by saying what?  “we brethren, having been taken away from you.”  We need to grab the emotion of that statement.

“having been taken away” is one Greek word made up of two Greek words stuck together.  “apo” which means “separation” and “orphanos” which means what?  “orphan” - literally:  fatherless - friendless - desolate.  Separation that leads to desolation.

That’s how Paul describes being ripped away from - being orphaned - from the Thessalonians.  Imagine the scene - a child being ripped away from his parents - pulled from their arms never to see them again.  There is a ton of emotion in that.  A tearing away that hurts deeply.

In verse 17 - Paul says that his eager great desire is to see the Thessalonians - face to face - once again.    The word “desire” translates a Greek word that means “to be extremely angry - passionately angry - impulsively angry.”  Desire is another deeply emotional word.  Ripped away Paul’s passion desire is to get back.

In verse 18 - Paul says that Satan hindered them.  If you’ve done any driving around Merced you understand what Paul means.  G Street just south of here.  “Hindered” literally means to break up the road - to tear up the pavement so that even a Hummer on steroids couldn’t get through.

In this case the road wrecking crew was a bunch of angry Jews and their stirred up mobs - manipulated by Satan.  We need to hear Paul’s frustration with the very real spiritual battle - the same spiritual battle that hinders us.  “I’ve tried to get back.  But you can’t get there from here.  Every way I’ve tried has been prevented.”

In verses 19 and 20 Paul describes the Thessalonians as his hope, joy, and crown of exaltation when Jesus returns.  Crown literally is the wreath that they put on the head of a champion - the victors.  You are our glory - the testimony of what God did through us.  You are our joy.  Watching you we rejoice - we’re glad.

The point of what Paul is saying in all that - is that Paul considered the spiritual maturity of the Thessalonian believers - and other believers - their victorious life with Jesus now and forever - to be his most important work.

Like a parent watching their children succeed in life.  “I’ve invested my life in you and your growth and maturing in Christ.  When Jesus comes back I am going to be so proud seeing you before Him - seeing all of what you have allowed Him to do in you and through you.”

Paul’s desire.  Paul has been yanked away from the Thessalonians and he is one bundle of pent up emotions passionately desiring to get back to them - but hindered by the work of Satan - suffering.

Chapter 3 - verses 1 to 5 focus on Paul’s Destiny.  Let’s say that together, “Paul’s destiny.”

Chapter 3 - verse 1:   Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this.  For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know.  For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.

Acts chapter 17 describes Paul’s ministry in Athens.  When Paul arrived in Athens he started out in the synagogue and then in the market place -  sharing the Gospel with the Jews and the Gentiles.

Along the way he ended up in philosophical discussions with great Epicurean and Stoic philosophers of the city.  They took him to the Areopagus - which is this hill just north west of the Acropolis.  You can see the Acropolis is on another one of the hills in Athens off in the distance there. 

The Areopagus was a place in Athens where the Athenians hung out listening to new ideas.  Getting their ears tickled with interesting ideas about things.  Not that they ever went anywhere with those ideas.  But it was an interesting intellectual diversion.

It was at the Areopagus that Paul gives his famous speech about “An Unknown God.”  Remember that?  “The God you worship in ignorance I proclaim to you.” (Acts 17:23).  Great sermon.  Great apologetics.  Fell  flat on deaf ears.

Reading through Acts 17 there’s a realization that Paul’s ministry in Athens was one of the most difficult - one of the most demanding - and in many ways one of the darkest experiences of his whole ministry.  Reading through the chapter - Paul’s heart is broken because he sees the idolatry of the Athenians and he comes face to face with their stubborn - almost apathetic - refusal to accept the Gospel.

People listened and debated what he shared.  Often they ridiculed him for his ridiculous ideas.  The physical resurrection of Jesus was way out of the box for them.  Ultimately they saw the dialogue only as an intellectual exercise - nothing more.  A few believed.

There’s a suffering in that.  To pour yourself into ministry and people and see very little - if any - fruit.

Paul was often alone in Athens.  Silas and Timothy had been sent back up to Macedonia.  Timothy to Thessalonica.  Silas probably traveled through there to Philippi.  Paul is alone in a strange city dominated by a idolatrous philosophy and an apathy towards the Gospel.

One of the most difficult experiences I’ve had in ministry is being alone - without a pastoral partner.  Solo pastorates - where you’re the only pastor - that’s hard.  I deeply appreciate having Steve here.  Logan has been a huge bonus.  Paul didn’t have a wife.  God has given me Karen.

Paul was often alone.  There’s a kind of suffering in that.  Alone - daily banging your head against a wall - seeing very little if any progress.   

Acts tells us, “Paul went out of there midst.”  He left and went to Corinth.  Which is west of Athens.  Which is where Timothy and Silas eventually joined him again and the place where he wrote this letter to the Thessalonians.  Those words.  He “went out of their midst” are so empty - so lonely.  He just moved on. 

Paul writes - in verse 1 - when he couldn’t endure it any longer they sent Timothy north - probably followed by Silas.  Couldn't take what any longer?  What was so miserable that even the loneliness of Athens was  preferable?

Answer:  Paul needed to know that the Thessalonians hadn’t caved in spiritually.

Paul writes in verse 3 that “we have been destined for this.”  Destined for what?  Suffering.  Getting kicked out of cities and kicked down the road - even the suffering of loneliness.

Destined has the idea of being appointed.  This is Paul’s job.  Its his calling.  His ministry.  God appointed Paul as an Apostle.  Suffering comes with that appointment - with the destiny that God has appointed us to.

In verse 4 Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he told them that he was going to suffer.  Why?  So when Paul suffered the Thessalonians would know that that was what was suppose to be happening - destiny - appointment.

Have you ever tried going against the flow of a crowd?  Like at a stadium or a train station - maybe an airport?  Walking against the direction the crowd is moving?  The whole world - following Satan - the whole world is going that way.  God’s people are going God’s way.  Sooner or later there’s going to be a collision.  But like salmon swimming up stream - which is tough - there’s a purpose and a victory to be won.

Jesus said that he was sending His disciples out as sheep in the midst of wolves.  Not a pretty outcome.  Is it?  Jesus said if we follow Him we’re going to be hated because of Him.  Our families - our friends - our communities and government will be against us.  His disciples will be persecuted - imprisoned - tortured - put to death horribly.

Jesus following Him in terms of taking up our cross - an instrument of torture and death.  Of giving up our lives to follow Him.  (Matthew 10:16-42; Mark 13:9-13) 

Peter - the apostle who was imprisoned with Paul - who was crucified upside  - who was no stranger to suffering - who Jesus prophesied would suffer - Peter wrote, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.”  (1 Peter 4:12)

That’s a great advertisement for becoming a follower of Jesus.  Isn’t it?  Serve Jesus and suffer.  Follow Jesus and die.  But, its what we’re appointed to - as Paul was.

Let’s be careful.  God is not capricious - maniacal - cruel - in His appointment.

Suffering for the follower of Jesus comes with purpose - growth - maturing - the opportunity to witness - to glorify God.  That’s why James can write, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.”  (James 1:2-8).  That’s why Jesus told us, “You’re blessed when you’re persecuted.” (Matthew 5:11,12; Luke 6:22,23; 1 Peter 1:6-9; 4:13,14).    

God’s purpose may be clouded by how we’re looking at our circumstances - or something we’ll understand later down the road.  But there’s always purpose and loving hand of God moving even in the times when we’re suffering.

Paul’s concern is that while he was suffering down in Berea and then Athens and then Corinth - that the Thessalonians wouldn’t loose heart.  Concerned that the Tempter - Satan - verse 5 - that the Tempter wouldn’t use Paul’s suffering to discourage the Thessalonians - who themselves were being persecuted.  To tempt them away from trusting God.

If we were a Thessalonian Christian the thought process might go something like this.  “Maybe we got it wrong.  Why should we be suffering like this if we were doing what God wanted?  Why would Paul and the rest of them be suffering if they were doing what God wanted?  Maybe what those guys told us really wasn’t the truth.  Maybe the reason Paul hasn’t come back is because he doesn’t really care about us anyway.  Maybe they were just scamming us.  We are so out of here.”

Grab this:  Paul - as a follower of Jesus destined for suffering - Paul is deeply concerned for the Thessalonians - that they will remain faithful - following Jesus in the midst of suffering.

Verses 6 to 8 focus on Paul’s Comfort.  Let’s say that together.  “Paul’s comfort.”

How many of you got a school yearbook this past week?  Or looked at one?  Or, just have one at home?  With signatures in them?  Little notes:  “Have a great summer.”  “I’m glad I met you.”  “We survived English..”

On Facebook I recently joined the group San Carlos High School Class of ‘78 Reunion.  August 3rd 2013 we’re planning our 35th anniversary reunion. 

Do you ever look at those yearbooks and wonder what ever happened to those people?

It was interesting watching Fred and Suzanne’s daughter Michelle fall in love and marry Ben.  Ben who’s the son of Vince - who I knew as “Country” - his nick name back when we worked together at Mount Hermon - back in 1980.  After a couple decades of not seeing each other it was pretty cool meeting Vince again..

What’s most cool is seeing how Vince has remained faithful to God - becoming a godly man - a godly husband and father - raising a godly family.  Have you had that experience.  Maybe not with Vince.  But, with someone else?

As God weaves His children in and out of our lives - maybe decades between contact - maybe serving Him scattered all over the world - we learn who’s staying faithful and who hasn’t.  Isn’t it true that those that remain faithful encourage us in our faith?  And that those who have caved in bring a sadness to our hearts? 

Grab this - there’s two things going on here.  First is Paul’s concern that the Thessalonians would remain strong in their faith.  Second is Paul’s need to know that they have.

What a huge boost for Paul spiritually - mentally - emotionally - even physically - to know that these siblings in Jesus - his children in the faith - that he cares so passionately about - has poured his life into - that he’s willing to endure suffering - isolation - loneliness for - that they haven’t caved in  -that they still stand with him - still stand for Jesus.

Chapter 3 - verse 6:  But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you

Within 20 years after this letter was written - the ancient East would come apart in massive social and political upheaval - widespread persecution against Christians.  The seeds of that turmoil we’re already developing in Thessalonica.  These believers were hounded, pressured, afflicted, arrested, imprisoned, brutalized for their faith.

The Thessalonians were going through tremendous trials because of their belief in Jesus Christ.  But they didn’t give up.  They didn’t cave in.  They kept on keeping on for Jesus.  Trusting Him - following Him - living righteously - faithfully - sharing His gospel with others.

In fact, their desire was to encourage Paul.  They were concerned for Paul to stay strong in his following Jesus.  They longed for him with the same passionate desire that he longed for them.

That’s the report that Timothy comes back with - the good news of their faith and love - that they still think kindly of Paul - even that the Thessalonians longed to see Paul.

Verse 7:  for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 

Comforted is an interesting Greek word that has the idea of coming alongside someone to console them - reassure them - strengthen them.  Put another way - because you all stand firm in your faith - what you’ve learned from us - and actually desire to be with us - its like you are right here with us even in whatever we’re suffering with - we’re together. 

Because you stand firm - we live - really live - victoriously live. 

Putting all that together - one reality for us to take out of here this morning.

Here it is:  In suffering - We need each other!  Let’s say that together.  “We need each other!”

How many of you saw the movie Gladiator?  In one dramatic scene a little band of gladiators is thrown into the great Coliseum in Rome - woefully under-manned and under-armed - their great expectation is to die - horribly - but well.  Do you remember this?

Maximus gets them together in a circle in the middle of the area and says, “Whatever comes out of these gates, we’ve got a better chance of survival if we work together.”  They organize themselves and are able to conquer foes that are superior in every way.  Why?  Because of their cohesiveness as a unit.  It’s a great scene.

That’s the way God has designed us to be - as individual followers of Jesus - as the Body of Christ - His Church.  God has given us each other.  Victory comes as we stand with each other.

Who are the people that you have a significant relationship with?  That provide you with encouragement, spiritual sustenance, and joy?  Who can you  share with and who’ll pray for you and keep you accountable?  Who are the people that will stand with you in the battle day after day?

It is so vitally crucial that we do everything God enables us to do to develop the strength of unity and relationship together - developing that depth of passionate relationship that existed between Paul and the Thessalonians - working intentionally to develop that now so that when our times of suffering come - and they will - when suffering comes no work of Satan will tempt us away from our faith and we will experience God’s victory.

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1. Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Newsletter, April 2011

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE ®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation.  Used by permission.