Watching Patiently in Tribulation

Watching Patiently

in Tribulation

 

Introduction

Watching Patiently In Tribulation is a correlation study in understanding tribulation and redemption. This study specifically focuses on what scripture says about enduring tribulation and being watchful until the Lord's return.

We Shall Have Tribulation

Tribulation of Christians has been witnessed throughout the centuries and has been declared in scripture that it will continue for those striving to live a godly life.

Matthew 13:20-21 KJV - "20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended." (See also Mark 4:17)

John 16:33 KJV - "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Acts 14:22 KJV - "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."

1 Thessalonians 3:4 KJV - "For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know."

2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 KJV - "4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:”

2 Timothy 3:12 KJV - "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

Revelation 2:9-11 KJV - "9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." 

He who overcomes by the power of the Spirit and the blood of the lamb will get to take part in the first resurrection.

Revelation 2:11 KJV - "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." 

John 4:4 KJV - "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."

Revelation 12:11 KJV - "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

Purpose of Tribulation

Tribulation occurs at the hand of man with God’s permission; either as a testimony for the glory of God, or as chastisement for sin. Tribulation is not the same as God’s wrath; which is carried out directly by God the father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and or his angels. The purpose of tribulation is to purge sin, to prepare something for use, to separate the good from the bad, and to test whether a thing is genuine or not.

Romans 5:3 KJV - "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;"

In Daniel 11:35, the word "try" is defined as:

• Strong's Hebrew 6884 - צָרַף tsâraph; a primitive root; to fuse (metal), i.e. refine (literally or figuratively)

In Daniel 11:35, the word "purge" is defined as:

• Strong's Hebrew 1305 - בָּרַר bârar; a primitive root; to clarify (i.e. brighten), examine, select

Daniel 11:35 KJV - "And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed."

(try: H6884; purge: H1305)

In Revelation 3:10, "temptation" is defined as:

• Strong's Greek 3986 - πειρασμός pĕirasmŏs; from 3985; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity

• Thayer’s Greek Lexicon (pĕirasmŏs) - "an experiment, attempt, trial, proving… b. specially, the trial of man’s fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy, etc.… [1 Peter 4:12]”

Revelation 3:10 KJV - "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." 

(temptation G3986)

In Revelation 3:10, "try" is defined as:

• Strong's Greek 3985 - πειράζω pĕirazō; from 3984; to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline

• Thayer’s Greek Lexicon (pĕirazō) - "α. of God; to inflict evils upon one in order to prove his character and the steadfastness of his faith"

Revelation 3:10 KJV - "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." 

(try G3985)

1 Peter 4:12-16 KJV - "12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” (try G3985)

Comfort and Patience in Tribulation

God wants his faithful to have comfort and patience in tribulation and provides reminders in scripture.

Romans 8:35 KJV - "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?"

Romans 12:12 KJV - "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"

2 Corinthians 1:4 KJV - "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

2 Corinthians 7:4 KJV - "Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation."

Ephesians 3:13 KJV - "Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory."

2 Thessalonians 1:4 KJV - "So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:"

2 Thessalonians 3:5 KJV - "And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ."

James 5:7-8 KJV - "7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."

1 Peter 4:19 KJV - "Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator."

Revelation 1:9 KJV - "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."

Revelation 13:10 KJV - “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."

Revelation 14:12 KJV – "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."

Revelation 2:7 KJV – "To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:"

The Lord Delivers the Suffering

God has previously delivered his people out of tribulation and promises that there is coming a day when he will deliver his people again out their tribulation.

1 Samuel 10:19 KJV - "And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands."

1 Samuel 26:24 KJV - "And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation."

Deuteronomy 4:30-31 KJV - "30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; 31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them."

Revelation 7:13-14 KJV - "13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

Sealed Until Redeemed

Believers are sealed until the day they are redeemed; the day of the redemption of the body.

In Ephesians 1:13, 4:30, and Revelation 7:4, "sealed" is defined as:

• Strong's Greek 4972 - σφραγίζω sphragizō; from 4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest

Ephesians 1:13-14 KJV - “13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

Ephesians 4:30 KJV - “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” 

(sealed G4972)

Revelation 7:2-4 KJV - “2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel." (sealed G4972)

In Luke 21, Jesus outlines the events said to be the times of sorrow, tribulation, and days of vengeance that lead up to Christ’s coming, then tells his disciples that their redemption would then be drawing nigh.

Luke 21:28 KJV - “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

View in context Like 21:7-28.

Luke 21:7-28 KJV - "7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? 8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. 9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. 10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. 12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. 13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. 16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. 18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19 In your patience possess ye your souls. 20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. 24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

Romans 8:23 KJV - “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”

Guarded from the Snare of Evil

Those who are watchful and prayerful will be guarded from temptation and be able to flee from the snare of evil: the Wicked which draws people with lies and delusions into its planned path of destruction. (As defined in The Hindering Works of Satan)

John 17:15 KJV - "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil."

Revelation 3:10 KJV - “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."

Luke 21:34-36 KJV - "34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."

Be Watching

Scripture warns repeatedly to watch faithfully in obedience to the will of God, with endurance, and in prayer.

Matthew 26:41 KJV - "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Mark 14:38 KJV - “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak."

Luke 21:36 KJV - "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."

1 Corinthians 16:13 KJV - "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."

Colossians 4:2 KJV - "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;"

1 Thessalonians 5:6 KJV - "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."

2 Timothy 4:5 KJV -"But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."

1 Peter 4:7 KJV - "But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer."

Warning to Watch

Not only are God's people instructed to watch, they are warned to watch; that they may be found faithful upon the Lord's return.

Matthew 24:42-43 KJV - "42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up."

Matthew 25:13 KJV - "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."

Mark 13:33-35, 37 KJV - "33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. 34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. 35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: ... 37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch."

Luke 12:35-36, 39-40 KJV - "35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. ... 39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."

Consequences of Not Watching

There are consequences for not watching; either by tribulation and or wrath.

Revelation 2:22 KJV - "Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds."

Revelation 3:3 KJV - “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."

Revelation 16:15 KJV - "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."

Matthew 24:48-51 KJV - "48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Luke 12:45-46 KJV - "45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.”

Luke 12:47 KJV – “And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes."

Proverbs 6:9-11 KJV - "9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man."

Proverbs 24:32-34 KJV - "32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. 33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man."

Luke 12:48 KJV – “But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."

Blessings for Watching

Those who are found faithfully watching will be blessed with rewards.

Matthew 24:46-47 KJV - "46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods."

Luke 12:37-38 KJV - "37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants."

Luke 12:42-44 KJV - "42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath."

Romans 2:6-7, 10-11 KJV - "6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: … 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God."

Romans 8:1 KJV - "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

1 Corinthians 3:14 KJV - "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward."

1 Thessalonians 2:19 KJV - "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?"

2 Timothy 4:8 KJV - "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

James 1:12 KJV - "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."

1 Peter 4:13 KJV - "But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

1 Peter 5:4 KJV - "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."

1 John 2:28 KJV - "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming."

Revelation 2:10 KJV - "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

Revelation 2:26 KJV - "And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:"

Revelation 3:10-11 KJV - "10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."

Revelation 22:7 KJV - "Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book."

Deliverance from Wrath

When Jesus returns from heaven, all those in Christ will be raised and delivered from the wrath that follows the last tribulation.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 KJV - "And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come."

1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 KJV - “1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him."

2 Thessalonians 1:6-11 KJV - "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. 11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:"