Topical Bible: Afflictions: God Dispenses, As he Will

◄ Afflictions: God Dispenses, As he Will ►

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Afflictions, as understood within the biblical context, are trials, sufferings, or hardships that individuals or communities may experience. These can manifest in various forms, including physical illness, emotional distress, persecution, or other adversities. The Bible presents afflictions as part of the human experience, often serving a divine purpose or revealing deeper spiritual truths.

Divine Sovereignty in Afflictions

The Bible affirms that God, in His sovereignty, dispenses afflictions according to His will and purpose. This is not to suggest that God is the author of evil, but rather that He permits or orchestrates circumstances for His greater plan. In Isaiah 45:7 , God declares, "I form light and create darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity; I, the LORD, do all these things." This verse underscores the comprehensive nature of God's control over all aspects of existence, including afflictions.

Purpose and Refinement

Afflictions are often portrayed as a means of refining and purifying believers. In the book of Job, we see a righteous man subjected to severe trials, yet these serve to deepen his understanding of God and his own faith. Job 23:10 states, "Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold." This imagery of refinement through fire is echoed in the New Testament, where 1 Peter 1:6-7 explains that trials test the genuineness of faith, "more precious than gold that perishes, even though refined by fire."

Discipline and Correction

Afflictions can also function as a form of divine discipline. Hebrews 12:5-6 reminds believers, "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 the loving nature of God's discipline, intended for correction and growth rather than punishment.

Dependence and Trust

Through afflictions, believers are often drawn into a deeper reliance on God. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 , speaks of a "thorn in the flesh" given to him to prevent pride and to teach him reliance on God's grace. He concludes, "For when I am weak, then I am strong," illustrating how afflictions can lead to a greater experience of God's power and presence.

Mystery and Faith

While the reasons for specific afflictions may remain mysterious, the Bible encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom and goodness. Romans 8:28 assures, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This promise provides comfort and hope, affirming that even in suffering, God's ultimate plan is for the good of His people.

Examples in Scripture

Numerous biblical figures experienced afflictions as part of their journey with God. Joseph endured betrayal and imprisonment before rising to a position of power in Egypt (Genesis 37-50). David faced persecution from Saul, yet these trials prepared him for kingship (1 Samuel 18-31). The early church faced persecution, which served to spread the gospel and strengthen the faith of believers (Acts 8:1-4).

Conclusion

Afflictions, while challenging, are an integral part of the Christian life, serving various divine purposes. They refine, discipline, and draw believers closer to God, ultimately working for their good and His glory. Through faith and trust in God's sovereign will, believers can endure afflictions with hope and perseverance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 11:10
If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 10:15
Shall the ax boast itself against him that hews therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shakes it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 45:7
I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... Afflictions arrest the attention"lead to consideration, and ... comforts and corrections
which he dispenses, most fit ... be concerned to follow where God leads, and ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

2 Timothy iii. 4-Jan
... he passed all his life in afflictions, in tears ... Know this, however, that God dispenses
all things, that He ... and some things He permits; that He wills nothing ...
/.../homily viii 2 timothy iii.htm

Fifteenth Letter
... The sorest afflictions never appear intolerable, but when we see them in the wrong
light. When we see them in the hand of GOD, who dispenses them: when ...
/.../lawrence/the practice of the presence of god/fifteenth letter.htm

Our Miseries, Messengers of Mercy
... this is not the place where God dispenses providence according ... of punishment, and
your having more afflictions than others, may be because God loves you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/our miseries messengers of mercy.htm

The Arguments Usually Alleged in Support of Free Will Refuted.
... in proportion to the measure in which he dispenses them ... I answer, just the same as
if God were to say ... himself, tries them for a season with various afflictions. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the arguments usually.htm

Matt. xxiv. 33, 34
... that we are supine, but in afflictions we are ... possessions, not less than he who
dispenses the alms ... dispensed, and thinkest thou not that God will require His ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxvii matt xxiv 33.htm

The First Book
... everything in this present life, if he dispenses all fortunes ... it was for God that
they bore these afflictions. ... while yet maintaining that now also God rules and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book ii.
... Again, the afflictions of sheep are manifest, whether it ... reason with himself and
say, "Peradventure God will give them ... And one who dispenses money to the needy ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 2.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... They dispense with the seventh commandment, wherein God forbids adultery; for the
Pope dispenses with the sin of ... God can sweeten our afflictions, and candy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Petilianus Said: "But that the Truth of this May be Made Manifest ...
... conciliatory voices, or by the scourgings of temporal afflictions, save only Him
who dispenses that mercy ... And would to God that we might seek you in such ...
/.../chapter 37 85 petilianus.htm