| THEME: | THE CHURCH LIFE IN TIMES OF TROUBLE/TRIBULATIONS |
| LESSON: | Seven |
| TEXT: | Matthew 10:22, 24:3-24; John 15:18-24, 16:1-3 |
MEMORY TRACK
By the grace of God, in our last lesson, we investigated the times of tribulation after the Biblical times. We saw how the church went through over a century-long persecution period with many of God’s people being called to pay the ultimate price. We also saw how their sacrifice paved the way for the truth of the gospel to be preserved, and in some cases restored, so that we would have light to walk in the ways of God in our generation.
In this final lesson of this series, we shall be looking at the essence of studying this sobering topic. Why should a believer be taught about tribulation, persecution, and trouble?
WHY SHOULD A BELIEVER BE TAUGHT ABOUT TRIBULATION? (Matt 24:3-24)
- Jesus taught it (John 16:33; John 15:18-24):
Our Lord Jesus did not mince words when intimating His disciples on matters concerning tribulation and persecution. If Jesus deemed it important enough to teach His followers, then it would be remiss of us to ignore the topic. In truth, this would be dangerous. This is because of the unavoidable connection that exists between tribulation and entrance into the Kingdom (Acts 14:22; Rev 1:9), which was (and still very much is) the core of the message that Jesus preached.
- It is part and parcel of the program of the end (Matt 24:8-14):
We see that the final appearance of Jesus will be preceded by a season of tribulation. The two seasons are inseparable and consecutive. It therefore makes sense that a generation unable to endure the tribulation will not be made ready for His appearance. It is those who endure to the end that will be saved (Matt 24:13; Matt 10:22; Heb 6:15).
- The church needs to be prepared for it (Luke 21:34):
It is not in our interest as end-time saints, to be unaware of seasons and times (1Thess 5:1-2). We ought not to be bogged down by an overwhelming desire for relevance on this side of eternity as against status in the world to come. The surfeiting of this present life, if not punctuated by tribulation, will tie every soul to this present, decaying world. Hence the salvation program has in it a curriculum of separation from the present as it were, for every saint. Thus, there is a need for the saint to be made aware and adequately prepared for the seasons of separation that will come as we journey to glory (John 16:1-4).
- The church needs to have the right disposition towards it (James 1:2-4; 1Pet 4:12-14; 1 John 3:13):
The enemy has done a whole lot to erode the consciousness of suffering, trials, and tribulation amidst the church. This has led to a generation of believers who see any inconvenience at all as an attack of the enemy or a bear in spiritual transmission. This is a sneak attack against salvation, in that the untrained soul will not know to glory in tribulation or count it an honor to suffer for his sake. While it is true that not every trouble is a “dealing” of the spirit, we must be alert not to allow the enemy to bully us on our way to glory. It is also good to know that we will be subjected to trials (at times fiery) to purify our relationship with Jesus, so we can come to the fullness of salvation.
Conclusion
Tribulation is a part of the salvation program. No saint finished his or her course without partaking of certain sufferings and inconveniences that made faith precious enough to withstand the accusation of the enemy and the Face of God. May we all endure to the end and thus he saved in Jesus’ name. AMEN!