Topical Bible: Afflictions: Saints Appointed To

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Afflictions are a significant theme throughout the Bible, particularly concerning the lives of the saints. The Scriptures reveal that afflictions are not random or purposeless but are appointed by God for His people. This entry explores the biblical understanding of afflictions as they pertain to the saints, drawing from various passages and theological insights.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently teaches that afflictions are part of the Christian experience. In Acts 14:22, Paul and Barnabas encourage the disciples, saying, "We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." This passage underscores the inevitability of suffering in the life of a believer. Similarly, 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 states, "so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this. Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution, and as you know, it has come to pass."

Purpose of Afflictions

Afflictions serve several divine purposes. They are a means of sanctification, refining the character of believers and drawing them closer to God. James 1:2-4 exhorts believers to "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."

Moreover, afflictions are a tool for God's discipline, as described in Hebrews 12:6-7: "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives. Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" This passage highlights that afflictions are an expression of God's fatherly love and care, intended to correct and guide His children.

Identification with Christ

The afflictions of the saints also serve to identify them with Christ, who Himself suffered. Philippians 1:29 states, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him." This identification with Christ's sufferings is a profound aspect of the Christian life, as believers are called to take up their cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24).

Comfort and Hope

Despite the reality of afflictions, the Bible offers comfort and hope to the saints. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 assures believers of God's comfort: "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, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." This divine comfort enables believers to endure and to minister to others who are suffering.

Furthermore, afflictions are temporary and are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed. Romans 8:18 declares, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." This future hope provides strength and perspective, encouraging believers to persevere through trials.

Conclusion

While afflictions are an appointed part of the Christian journey, they are imbued with purpose and promise. Through them, God works to sanctify, discipline, and comfort His people, ultimately leading them to share in the glory of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 3:3
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth.
... Have your afflictions wrought kindly with you, and fitted ... to enter an untrodden path,
nor appointed first to ... Enoch and Elijah, which of the saints have escaped ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter x the saints rest.htm

From the Supplement to the Summa --Question Lxxii of the Prayers ...
... therefore to suppose that they are filled with grief at the knowledge of the
afflictions of those ... Thirdly, because certain Saints are appointed the patrons ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/from the supplement to the.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... while they neglect the kingly dignity of the saints! ... they that do most, meet also
with afflictions; yet surely ... that striving is the divinely appointed way of ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ...
... passed, he was told that bonds and afflictions awaited him in ... "The poor saints" that
were ... individuals chosen by the contributors had been appointed to travel ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ix pauls epistles his.htm

How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... How comfortably mayest thou then undergo all afflictions! ... and hast no title to the
saints' rest ... to thy duties and works than as means appointed in subordination ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter viii how to discern.htm

The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... in its season, and reserveth the appointed weeks of ... O happy day of the saints' rest
in glory ... shall rest from all these troublesome afflictions which necessarily ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... throne or mercy-seat, the high priest; for there it was that God appointed that
the ... he is there to offer his incense with the prayers of all saints that are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

A Babe in Christ.
... in thy faith, and make me one of thy saints in heaven ... O Lord, if thou hast appointed
me to die by it, fit ... give me a good heart to bear up under my afflictions. ...
/.../wesley/stories of boys and girls who loved the saviour/a babe in christ.htm

Epistle Lxxx. Cyprian to Sergius, Rogatianus, and the Other ...
... of the Lord is the death of His saints;" [3033] and ... whom the Lord also in Himself
has appointed an example ... it behoves us to bear all afflictions and persecutions ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxxx cyprian to sergius.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... WHY AFFLICTIONS ARE SENT. ... and blessing God imparts through the Gospel"these honorably
may be called the saints, destined, even appointed, to eternal ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm