Topical Bible: Afflictions and Adversities: Results of, Good

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Afflictions and adversities, while often perceived as negative experiences, are frequently depicted in the Bible as instruments through which God accomplishes His divine purposes. These challenging circumstances can lead to spiritual growth, character development, and a deeper reliance on God. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the beneficial outcomes of enduring trials with faith and perseverance.

1. Spiritual Growth and Maturity: Afflictions serve as a means to refine and mature believers in their faith. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Through trials, believers are strengthened and equipped for greater spiritual maturity.

2. Dependence on God: Adversities often lead individuals to a deeper reliance on God, recognizing their own limitations and the sufficiency of His grace. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , shares his experience of a "thorn in the flesh" and God's response: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Paul concludes, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me."

3. Character Development: Trials are instrumental in developing virtues such as patience, endurance, and hope. Romans 5:3-5 states, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." The process of enduring hardships cultivates a resilient and hopeful character.

4. Purification and Holiness: Afflictions can act as a purifying fire, removing impurities and leading to holiness. Hebrews 12:10-11 explains that God disciplines us "for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it." Through divine discipline, believers are refined and made more like Christ.

5. Preparation for Ministry and Service: Experiencing adversity equips believers to empathize with and minister to others who face similar challenges. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 , Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." Personal trials enable believers to offer genuine comfort and support to others.

6. Demonstration of God’s Power and Glory: Through enduring afflictions, believers can become vessels through which God's power and glory are displayed. In John 9:1-3 , Jesus encounters a man born blind and declares, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." Adversities can serve as opportunities for God to manifest His power and bring glory to His name.

In summary, while afflictions and adversities may be challenging, they are often used by God to produce good results in the lives of believers. Through these experiences, individuals grow spiritually, develop character, and become more reliant on God, ultimately bringing glory to Him and preparing them for greater service in His kingdom.

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Genesis 50:20
But as for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it to good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
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Exodus 1:11,12
Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
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Deuteronomy 8:15,16
Who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought you forth water out of the rock of flint;
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Jeremiah 24:5,6
Thus said the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good.
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Ezekiel 20:37
And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:
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Library

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... as possess the world concerning dangers, injuries, and adversities. ... The same thing
results when men begin to ... Their afflictions so sorely oppress them that they ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light...
... by to-day's sorrows and adversities,"awful, agonizing ... thorny shrubs of endurance,
afflictions, necessities, distresses ... nowhere; and all this results from that ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter vii but whilst the.htm

The Treatise
... them, these see in their sufferings and afflictions nothing but ... to praise and bless
Him in His good deeds and ... to call upon Him in all adversities, these are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

part ii
... Forgive them that trespass against you with joy, as a good son rejoices ... difficult,
because it is connected with great privations and afflictions; and, therefore ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm