Tribulations We Must Endure
for the Church’s Glory

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim

Tribulation

(Ephesians 3:12-13)

“He calls himself a servant of the Lord, yet he’s in prison? Things aren’t going well, huh? Is he just going to waste away? What basis does he have to talk to us about glory or about heaven when he is in prison? Does he know what he’s talking about?”

1. Paul’s Tribulation
Whatever Paul might have said while in prison, it would not have resonated with those who saw worldly success as the outcome of remarkable faith. Thinking of them, Paul reminded them that he was someone who understood the mystery of God that was concealed from eternity, and reminded that he was imprisoned for preaching it to the Gentiles. He emphasized this not as a failure, but as the accomplishment of a cosmic mission.

2. Tribulation of the Lord’s Servant
Paul’s tribulation led to the blessings of salvation being spread around the world, and it has reached us today. Though these blessings come through Christ, there is a necessary procedure for it to come on each person. This is the tribulation which the Lord’s servant must endure for the Gospel’s mediation. It is the same today. If a church is developing well according to God’s will, it rests on the assumption that the servant – called by God for the church – endures the tribulation allotted to him.

3. Tribulation of the Saints
God shares the burden of tribulation not only with His servants, but also with ordinary believers. The tribulation we face serve as a foundation for the blessings of many. Therefore, let’s not despair in times of tribulation, but rejoice in the glory we will enjoy with the Lord. Tribulation gives us the sense to understand the Lord’s heart, and it cleanses our souls by helping us let go of our persistent greed. Let’s cherish the tribulation we endure for the sake of the church. Since we have experienced the value of the Lord’s suffering for ourselves, let’s bear what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim