READ: 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
KEY THOUGHT:
When you endure a trial or persecution from others, you demonstrate your belief that God is in control. You have faith that He will not only get you through the trial, but that He also will judge those who oppose you. You must take care not to take things into your own hands and seek revenge against those who try to harm you. When you leave judgment to God, your testimony of belief becomes apparent to all you encounter. Some may ask, “How can let them get away with that?” When your response is, “I trust God to deal with it,” you show that you recognize His control, His providence and His sovereignty as judge of all things. You also leave opportunity to be an instrument of God’s grace. You have security by faith in Jesus Christ. Those who oppose Christ and His church are in jeopardy of God’s judgment. When you demonstrate grace instead of judgment, perhaps God can use your testimony of belief to lead even those in opposition to the cross of Christ.
CONSIDER:
- Why is it important for you to allow God to handle judgment of others?
- How does your trust in God’s sovereignty demonstrate grace to others?
APPLICATION:
Have a testimony of faith and belief as you anticipate Christ’s return.
