The Minister to Warn His People of Future Suffering
W. Burditt, M. A. 1 Thessalonians 3:4 For truly, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and you know. I. MINISTERS SHOULD WARN YOUNG CONVERTS OF THE DIFFICULTIES OF THE CHRISTIAN. They must be taught that a suffering hour will come, and they must expect it. Otherwise there will be inevitable disappointment, and unbelief will be engendered in other matters and perhaps apostasy. II. WHEN CHRISTIANS HAVE RECEIVED THESE WARNINGS THEY SHOULD FOREARM THEMSELVES. 1. The greatest calamities may be mitigated by forethought and prudence. 2. There are promises of Divine grace of which the Christian should possess himself before they are wanted. 3. Otherwise, in spite of the strongest caution and the most efficient provision, Christians will sink under their trials. III. THE HEAVIER THE TRIAL THE GREATER THE REWARD. For our light affliction we shall have an eternal weight of glory. (W. Burditt, M. A.) Parallel Verses 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. WEB: For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know.