Devo: "The Tribulations of This World"

The Tribulations of this World

“…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 (tribulations); 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 (tribulations); and so it came to pass, as you know.” (1 Thessalonians 3:2–4)

     The Word of God talks about at least seven different types of adversities we can encounter while living in this world. The first type of adversity is tribulation. As you can tell in our introductory passage, tribulations are a part of living in this world.

Tribulation Defined: The Greek word is Thlipsis. Thlipsis means, “to crush, press, compress, squeeze. ”

Note: In John 16:21, tribulation is compared to the process and pressure of childbirth.

Tribulation is the result or characteristic of living in this world: John 16:33

Note: The devil is the ruler of the world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). Since the devil is the ruler of the devil seeks to use the tribulations of the world to keep us walking in the course of this world (Ephesians 2:1-3).

Tribulation is a term that describes… Lack of food (Acts 7:11); Financial distress (2 Corinthians 8:3); Distresses of widows and orphans (James 1:27); Negative relational issues (Acts 11:19); Result of sin and wronging others (Romans 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:6)

Tribulations are inevitable in this world: 1 Thessalonians 3:2–4

Truth: Jesus was and is an overcomer of the tribulations of this world (John 16:33). Because Jesus was and is an overcomer of the tribulations of this world, our nature as children of God is to overcome the tribulations of this world (1 John 5:4).

We are overcomers of the Tribulations through our faith (1 John 5:4-5). Our faith releases and employs our born again, nature to overcome the tribulations of the world.

Overcoming the tribulations of the world:

*Our God comfort (stands with) us in the midst of the tribulations: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Note: We can participate with God to comfort those who are in a tribulation (1 Thessalonians 5:10).

*Overcoming tribulations develops endurance/perseverance: Romans 5:3-5 cf. Heb. 10:36

*Enduring the tribulation develops “hope”; therefore, building our faith: Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 11:1

God working to bring good out of an adversity (tribulation): “The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him, and rescued him from all his afflictions (tribulations), and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household.” (Acts 7:9–10)