Topical Bible: Afflictions and Adversities: Sinners Corrected By

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Afflictions and adversities are often seen in the Bible as instruments used by God to correct and discipline sinners. These experiences serve as a means to bring individuals back to righteousness and to foster spiritual growth and dependence on God. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how God uses hardships to correct His people.

Divine Discipline

The concept of divine discipline is central to understanding afflictions and adversities. Hebrews 12:5-6 states, "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.'" This passage highlights that God's discipline is an expression of His love and a sign of our sonship.

Purpose of Correction

Afflictions are not arbitrary but serve a divine purpose. In Psalm 119:67 , the psalmist acknowledges, "Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word." This verse suggests that afflictions can lead to repentance and a renewed commitment to God's commandments. Similarly, Proverbs 3:11-12 advises, "My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not loathe His reproof; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as a father the son in whom he delights."

Examples from Scripture

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals and nations corrected through adversity. The Israelites, for instance, experienced various hardships as a result of their disobedience. In Judges 2:14-15 , it is recorded, "So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He handed them over to plunderers who raided them. He sold them to their enemies all around, and they could no longer stand against their foes. Wherever Israel went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for harm, as He had warned and sworn to them. So they were in great distress."

King David also experienced personal affliction as a result of his sin with Bathsheba. In 2 Samuel 12:10-14 , the prophet Nathan conveys God's message of judgment, which included the death of David's child. This severe consequence was a means of bringing David to repentance, as seen in Psalm 51, where David expresses deep contrition and seeks God's mercy.

Restoration and Growth

While afflictions serve as correction, they also pave the way for restoration and spiritual growth. James 1:2-4 encourages believers, "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." This passage underscores the transformative power of trials, leading to maturity and completeness in faith.

God's Sovereignty and Mercy

Ultimately, afflictions and adversities remind believers of God's sovereignty and mercy. Lamentations 3:31-33 assures, "For the Lord will not cast us off forever. Even if He causes grief, He will show compassion according to His abundant loving devotion. For He does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men." This passage emphasizes that God's intentions are rooted in compassion and a desire for His people to return to Him.

In summary, afflictions and adversities are tools used by God to correct sinners, leading them to repentance, restoration, and spiritual growth. Through these experiences, believers are reminded of God's love, sovereignty, and ultimate purpose for their lives.

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2 Samuel 12:14
However,, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.
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Psalm 89:30-32
If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;
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Isaiah 57:17
For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.
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Acts 13:10,11
And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, you child of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
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Library

Whither Goest Thou?
... Some sinners go over hedge and ditch to hell. ... God appoints the weight and number
of all our adversities. ... Since every trial comes from God, afflictions are no ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/whither goest thou.htm

The Sixth Book
... performed; as God himself said to sinners through his ... he is propitious; for our
adversities come to us ... name, however greatly chastised by afflictions sent from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the sixth book.htm

part ii
... O sinners, be taught daily by the spectacle of ... evil inclinations of the heart it
has corrected! ... connected with great privations and afflictions; and, therefore ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm