Topical Encyclopedia The theme of Christ supporting afflicted saints is a profound and comforting truth found throughout the Scriptures. Affliction, in its various forms, is a common experience for believers, yet the Bible consistently reveals that Christ is present with His people in their suffering, offering support, strength, and hope.Biblical Foundation The Bible acknowledges the reality of affliction in the lives of the saints. In John 16:33, Jesus Himself assures His followers, "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world." This verse highlights the dual reality of tribulation in the world and the peace found in Christ, who has overcome the world. Christ's Presence in Affliction One of the most comforting aspects of Christ's support is His promise to be with His people in their trials. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus promises, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This assurance of His continual presence is a source of strength for believers facing affliction. The Apostle Paul, in his own experiences of suffering, testifies to the sustaining power of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul recounts the Lord's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Here, Christ's grace is depicted as sufficient and His power as being made perfect in the believer's weakness, offering a profound source of support. Christ's Empathy and Intercession Christ's support for afflicted saints is also rooted in His empathy and intercession. Hebrews 4:15-16 speaks of Jesus as our High Priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet without sin. This passage encourages believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Furthermore, Romans 8:34 assures us that Christ is at the right hand of God, interceding for us. His intercession is a continual source of support, as He advocates on behalf of His people before the Father. Christ's Strength in Weakness The paradox of strength in weakness is a recurring theme in the support Christ provides to afflicted saints. In Philippians 4:13, Paul declares, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This verse underscores the empowerment that comes from Christ, enabling believers to endure and overcome afflictions. Hope and Future Glory The support of Christ for afflicted saints is not limited to the present but extends to the hope of future glory. Romans 8:18 offers a perspective on suffering: "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." This future hope provides comfort and encouragement, reminding believers that their afflictions are temporary and will be eclipsed by the glory to come. Conclusion The support of Christ for afflicted saints is a multifaceted truth that encompasses His presence, empathy, intercession, and the promise of future glory. Through His sustaining grace and strength, believers are empowered to endure trials, confident in the hope of eternal glory. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Timothy 4:17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 2:18 Library The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed. A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... The Life of Mr. Hugh M'kail. The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion The Duty of Remembering the Poor Of the Modes of Supplementing Satisfaction --viz. Indulgences and ... Homilies on the Statues. Lama Sabachthani? Life of Bunyan Resources Why did Jesus have to die? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the passion of Christ? | GotQuestions.org Where does the Old Testament predict the coming of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org Afflicted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Afflicted Saints: Christ Comforts Afflicted Saints: Christ Delivers Afflicted Saints: Christ is With Afflicted Saints: Christ Preserves Afflicted Saints: Christ Supports Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Apostles Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: David Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Eli Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Job Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Joseph Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Moses Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Nehemiah Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Paul Afflicted Saints: God Comforts Afflicted Saints: God Delivers Afflicted Saints: God is a Refuge and Strength To Afflicted Saints: God Preserves Afflicted Saints: should Acknowledge the Justice of Their Chastisements Afflicted Saints: should Avoid Sin Afflicted Saints: should be Frequent in Prayer Afflicted Saints: should be Patient Afflicted Saints: should be Resigned Afflicted Saints: should Imitate Christ Afflicted Saints: should Imitate the Prophets Afflicted Saints: should Keep the Pious Resolutions Made During Afflictions Afflicted Saints: should not Despise Chastening Afflicted Saints: should Praise God Afflicted Saints: should Take Encouragement from Former Mercies Afflicted Saints: should Trust in the Goodness of God Afflicted Saints: should Turn and Devote Themselves to God Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Bear Them in Mind Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Comfort Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Pity Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Pray for Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Protect Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Relieve Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Sympathise With Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Visit Them Related Terms |
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