Tribulation (2) - Trib Normal

The New Testament teaches that tribulation is a normal part of the Christian life in every age. We are taught in the Bible that we should always expect tribulation.

In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world (John 16:33 NASB).

We must go through many tribulations to enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).

Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering (2 Thes 2:4,5).

Tribulation will be a normal experience for all Christians. When we are true to Christ, we will be a threat to the world, and this will always bring opposition. The Greek word “thlipsis”, which is translated as “tribulation, affliction, trouble”, literally means pressure. The English word “tribulation” comes from the Latin word for threshing sledge. It often refers to trouble in a spiritual sense, and describes the pressure that all Christians will experience if they live in obedience to Jesus.

Suffering is normal for Christians. To be a Christian is to follow Jesus. Anyone who follows in his footsteps and lives the same kind of life is also bound to suffer.

To this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps (1 Pet 2:21).

Suffering is not just a vague possibility, but something which Christians should be ready to meet. We should not he surprised when suffering comes upon us.

Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ (1 Pet 4:12-13).

Tribulation is just a sign that believers are doing their job. If there is no tribulation, it is most likely because we have already have compromised with the world.

Christians should not be looking for a "great tribulation", because the “greatest tribulation” has already occurred, when Jerusalem was besieged and destroyed by the Roman armies in AD 70. When prophesying this event, Jesus said,

How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers..... For there will be a great tribulation, unequalled from the beginning of the world until now - and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive (Matt 24:20-22).

Jesus said that the greatest tribulation that will ever take place on earth has already occurred. The destruction of Jerusalem was an absolutely terrible event. Anyone who does not believe this should read the account by the Jewish historian Josephus. Jesus promised that a tribulation this terrible will never happen again. Christians who believe in a greater tribulation are denying Jesus promise that this was the worst tribulation that would ever occur.