Topical Bible: Afflictions: Man is Born To

◄ Afflictions: Man is Born To ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of afflictions as an inherent part of human existence is a recurring theme in the Bible. From a biblical perspective, afflictions are seen as trials and sufferings that are part of the human condition due to the fallen nature of the world. These afflictions serve various purposes, including testing faith, building character, and drawing individuals closer to God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible acknowledges that afflictions are an inevitable part of life. In the book of Job, a man who experienced profound suffering, we find a clear statement about the nature of human existence: "Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward" (Job 5:7). This verse highlights the inevitability of trouble and affliction in human life, comparing it to the natural and predictable rise of sparks.

Similarly, in Job 14:1, it is stated, "Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble" . This verse underscores the brevity of life and the prevalence of difficulties that accompany it. The acknowledgment of afflictions is not limited to Job; it is a theme that runs throughout Scripture.

Purpose and Response

Afflictions are not without purpose. The Bible teaches that God uses these trials to refine and strengthen His people. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes, "We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). This passage illustrates the transformative power of afflictions, suggesting that they can lead to spiritual growth and maturity.

Moreover, afflictions can serve as a means of discipline and correction. Hebrews 12:6 states, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives" . This verse indicates that God uses afflictions as a form of loving discipline, akin to a father correcting his child.

Divine Comfort and Deliverance

While afflictions are a part of life, the Bible assures believers of God's presence and comfort during times of suffering. Psalm 34:19 declares, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all" . This promise of deliverance provides hope and reassurance that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, even amidst their trials.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of God's comfort in affliction, writing, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). This passage emphasizes God's role as a source of comfort and strength, enabling believers to endure and overcome their afflictions.

Conclusion

The Bible presents afflictions as an integral aspect of human life, serving various divine purposes. While they are inevitable, believers are encouraged to view them as opportunities for growth and to rely on God's comfort and deliverance. Through afflictions, individuals are drawn closer to God, refined in character, and strengthened in faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 5:6,7
Although affliction comes not forth of the dust, neither does trouble spring out of the ground;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 14:1
Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning the Afflictions that Befell the Hebrews in Egypt ...
... hundred years did they spend under these afflictions; for they ... the king, that, according
to this man's opinion, he ... cast every male child, which was born to the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the afflictions.htm

Man's Misery by the Fall
... This wrath is very dismal; it is this wrath of God that embitters afflictions in
this life, for when sickness comes attended with ... Man is born to trouble ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 mans misery by the.htm

The Christian Struggling under Great and Heavy Affliction.
... 1. SINCE "man is born unto trouble ... death, it will certainly be prudent and necessary
that we should all expect to meet with trials and afflictions; and that ...
/.../chapter xxv the christian struggling.htm

Argument: Fate is Nothing, Except So Far as Fate is God. Man's ...
... are fed; and yet these creatures are born for us ... as an example have flourished
illustriously by their afflictions. ... He investigates the will of man, certain that ...
/.../felix/the octavius of minucius felix/chapter xxxvi argument fate is nothing.htm

"There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in ...
... Every one may observe that "man is born unto trouble ... many meditations of the misery
of man's life, and ... amongst our miseries, only some afflictions and troubles ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i there is therefore.htm

The Heavenly Treasure in Earthen Vessels
... is here speaking are those that are born of God ... be a means of "hiding pride from
man;" of laying ... if pain, sickness, and numberless other afflictions beside, to ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 124 the heavenly treasure.htm

Love and Law.
... Edith, though born and bred a lady, her father observed ... to receive the addresses
of a young man who came ... the paralyzing effects of the severe afflictions he had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/love and law.htm

Letter Lxviii. To Castrutius.
... or his parents, that he was born blind?" they ... second time." [2007] If Job, a man
holy and ... righteous in his generation, suffered terrible afflictions, his own ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxviii to castrutius.htm

Young Man! a Prayer for You
... we were thus illuminated we endured a great fight of afflictions. ... began was it not
heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind." What ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/young man a prayer for.htm

John Chapter xvii. 14-19.
... 1737] and His Son sent those who, born themselves in ... the Mediator between God and
men, the man Christ Jesus ... that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cviii john chapter xvii.htm