Topical Bible: Afflictions and Adversities: Saints Appointed To

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Afflictions and adversities are integral aspects of the Christian experience, as evidenced throughout Scripture. The Bible consistently affirms that saints—those set apart by God—are appointed to endure various trials and tribulations. These experiences serve multiple purposes, including the testing of faith, the development of character, and the deepening of reliance on God.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides clear teaching on the inevitability of suffering for believers. In Acts 14:22, Paul and Barnabas encourage the disciples, saying, "We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." This passage underscores the necessity of enduring adversities as part of the Christian journey.

Similarly, in 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul writes, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." This verse highlights that persecution and suffering are not merely possible but are to be expected for those who pursue a life of godliness.

Purpose of Afflictions

Afflictions serve as a means of refining and strengthening the faith of believers. James 1:2-4 exhorts Christians to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Here, trials are portrayed as opportunities for spiritual growth and maturity.

Moreover, afflictions are a means by which believers are conformed to the image of Christ. Romans 8:17 states, "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory." Sharing in Christ's sufferings is part of the transformative process that prepares believers for future glory.

God's Sovereignty and Comfort

While afflictions are appointed, they occur under the sovereign hand of God, who uses them for His purposes. 1 Peter 4:19 encourages believers, "So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." This verse reassures Christians that their suffering is not outside of God's will and that they can trust in His faithfulness.

Furthermore, God provides comfort and strength to endure adversities. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 praises God as "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 receive from God." This passage highlights the reciprocal nature of divine comfort, enabling believers to support one another.

Examples of Saints in Affliction

The Bible is replete with examples of saints who endured afflictions. Job is perhaps the quintessential example of a righteous man who faced immense suffering yet remained faithful to God. His account illustrates the mystery of suffering and the ultimate sovereignty of God.

The Apostle Paul also experienced numerous adversities, including imprisonment, beatings, and shipwrecks, as detailed in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. Despite these hardships, Paul maintained his commitment to the Gospel and found strength in Christ, as he declares in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Conclusion

Afflictions and adversities are an expected part of the Christian life, serving to refine faith, develop character, and draw believers closer to God. Through these experiences, saints are reminded of their dependence on God and the hope of future glory.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Thessalonians 3:3
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

What and Whence are These?
... Note, then, that the saints now glorified were ... glory, amid the afflictions, and
adversities, and catastrophes ... He was not without family afflictions, among the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/what and whence are these.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... to suffer all troubles, afflictions, and adversities that it ... The cause from whence
these afflictions arise is known ... it to us while we are saints, attended with ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy
... more than that, for in regard to his own afflictions he was ... 1057] Communio for All
Saints (Wisd. ... the pleasures, and the hills and rocks the adversities, of life ...
/.../sermons of st bernard on.htm

The Third Book
... man should be moved by these afflictions; for you ... are fighting for the sake of enduring
all adversities? ... tyrannous persecutors; the blood of the saints is not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the third book.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... are experiences through which the saints also pass ... the world concerning dangers,
injuries, and adversities. ... Their afflictions so sorely oppress them that they ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

part ii
... of the Lord Jesus Christ, the holy angels, and the saints are pure ... is difficult,
because it is connected with great privations and afflictions; and, therefore ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm