Affliction(deliverance, sickness)
Summary
Suffering, trouble, and trials that God sovereignly allows in the lives of His people for discipline, spiritual growth, and the production of godly character.
☩Divine Purpose in Affliction
God does not willingly afflict His children but uses trials for their spiritual benefit. He regulates both the measure and continuance of afflictions, ensuring they accomplish His purposes. Affliction entered human experience as a consequence of the fall, and though sin often produces suffering, God transforms these trials into instruments of grace for believers.
☩Benefits of Affliction
Scripture presents numerous benefits that flow from sanctified afflictions: they humble the proud, wean believers from the world, lead to prayer and confession, conform them to Christ's image, produce patience and hope, and prepare them for glory. The psalmist testified, 'Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.' Even severe trials work for good when submitted to God.
☩Response to Affliction
Believers are called to respond to affliction with patience, prayer, and trust rather than murmuring. They should acknowledge God's sovereignty, examine themselves for any sin that may have occasioned the trial, and look for the spiritual profit intended. Christians are also called to minister to others in affliction, following Christ's example of compassion.
☩Comfort in Affliction
God promises special comfort to His afflicted people. Present sufferings are light and temporary compared to eternal glory. God tempers every trial with mercy, never allowing believers to be tested beyond what they can bear. The experience of affliction equips believers to comfort others with the same comfort they have received from God.
Related Verses779 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Affliction," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Affliction," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).