Topical Encyclopedia Afflicted saints, those who endure trials and tribulations, are called to maintain their faithfulness and avoid sin, even amidst suffering. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the importance of holiness and righteousness, regardless of one's circumstances.Biblical Exhortations to Avoid Sin The Scriptures consistently urge believers to pursue holiness and shun sin. In 1 Peter 1:15-16 , it is written, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness is not conditional upon one's situation but is a constant expectation for all believers, including those who are afflicted. The Example of Job Job stands as a quintessential example of an afflicted saint who avoided sin. Despite losing his wealth, health, and family, Job remained steadfast in his integrity. Job 1:22 states, "In all this, Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing." His account illustrates that even in the depths of suffering, it is possible to remain faithful and avoid sin. The Apostle Paul’s Teachings The Apostle Paul, who faced numerous afflictions, also taught the importance of avoiding sin. In Romans 6:12-13 , Paul instructs, "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires. Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness." Paul’s teachings underscore the necessity of resisting sin, even when enduring hardships. The Role of Suffering in Sanctification Suffering can serve as a means of sanctification, refining believers and drawing them closer to God. Hebrews 12:10-11 explains, "Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but 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." This passage highlights that afflictions, though painful, can produce righteousness and holiness in the lives of believers. The Promise of Divine Assistance Afflicted saints are not left to battle sin alone. God promises His presence and assistance. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 , Paul assures believers, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it." This promise offers hope and strength to afflicted saints, encouraging them to rely on God’s faithfulness to overcome sin. The Call to Perseverance James 1:12 offers encouragement to those who persevere under trial: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This verse serves as a reminder that enduring afflictions without succumbing to sin leads to eternal reward. In summary, afflicted saints are called to avoid sin and pursue holiness, drawing strength from biblical teachings, the examples of faithful individuals, and the promise of divine assistance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 34:31,32Surely it is meet to be said to God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more: Torrey's Topical Textbook John 5:14 1 Peter 2:12 Library Spiritual Desolation. Concerning the Martyrs. Thy Rod and Thy Staff they Comfort Me. The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest. Letter Lxxix. To Salvina. Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. Counsels and Reminiscences of Soeur Therese, the Little Flower of ... The Monk Nilus. On Helping the Poor. Describes an Effect which Proves the Prayer Spoken of in the Last ... 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 |