Topical Bible: Afflictions: Tempered With Mercy

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Afflictions, as experienced by believers, are often understood within the framework of divine sovereignty and mercy. The Bible presents afflictions not merely as punitive measures but as instruments of growth, refinement, and deeper reliance on God. Throughout Scripture, afflictions are depicted as being tempered with God's mercy, ensuring that they serve a purpose in the believer's life.

Divine Purpose in Afflictions

The Bible frequently illustrates that afflictions are used by God to achieve His purposes. In the book of Job, we see a righteous man subjected to severe trials, yet these afflictions are not without divine oversight. Job's account reveals that God permits suffering but also sets limits on it, demonstrating His control and ultimate purpose (Job 1:12). Job's endurance and eventual restoration highlight that afflictions can lead to a deeper understanding of God's character and a more profound faith.

Refinement and Growth

Afflictions are often likened to a refining process. In Isaiah 48:10 , God declares, "See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." This metaphor suggests that through trials, believers are purified and strengthened in their faith. The New Testament echoes this sentiment in James 1:2-4 , where believers are encouraged to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

God's Mercy in Afflictions

Even in the midst of suffering, God's mercy is evident. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" This passage underscores that God's mercy is a constant presence, renewing daily, even when afflictions are at their peak.

Discipline and Correction

Afflictions can also serve as a form of divine discipline, intended to correct and guide believers back to righteousness. Hebrews 12:5-6 states, "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 discipline is an expression of God's love and mercy, aimed at fostering spiritual growth and maturity.

Comfort and Hope

In the midst of afflictions, God provides comfort and hope. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 describes God as "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 receive from God." This passage highlights the reciprocal nature of divine comfort, as believers are equipped to extend the same mercy and comfort to others.

Eternal Perspective

Afflictions are also to be viewed in light of eternity. Romans 8:18 offers perspective: "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." This eternal outlook provides hope and assurance that current afflictions are temporary and serve a greater purpose in God's redemptive plan.

Conclusion

Afflictions, while challenging, are an integral part of the Christian journey. They are tempered with God's mercy, serving as tools for refinement, discipline, and growth. Through afflictions, believers are drawn closer to God, experiencing His comfort and hope, and are reminded of the eternal glory that awaits.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 78:38,39
But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yes, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
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Psalm 106:43-46
Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.
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Isaiah 30:18-21
And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious to you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy on you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
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Lamentations 3:32
But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.
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Micah 7:7-9
Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.
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Nahum 1:12
Thus said the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.
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Library

The Wisdom of God
... Every providence has a mercy or a wonder wrapt ... As several poisonable ingredients,
wisely tempered by the skill ... God makes the most deadly afflictions co-operate ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 the wisdom of god.htm

"And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up ...
... so much experience of the unprofitableness of former afflictions, that we ... because
his anger is still tempered and mixed with clemency and mercy; and that ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii and there is.htm

Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
... his sinfulness to extol God's mercy, [3642]420 ... Persecutions, afflictions, sorrows,
called, [3676]506; the godly ... for, [3766]450; to be tempered with exhortation ...
/.../homilies on the epistles to.htm

Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
... and you must expect the same afflictions from the ... he has been discussing: gentleness,
mercy, friendliness"citing ... If the Christian be quick-tempered and fail ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/fifth sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... of contrary qualities, yet God has so tempered them, that ... Afflictions are as needful
as ordinances (I Peter i.6 ... "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

Suffering with Christ, a Condition of Glory with Christ
... evil world"there Christ is with us in our afflictions. ... you are fit for heaven"yet
in His mercy He is ... is to be passed before it becomes tempered steel, a ...
/.../suffering with christ a condition.htm

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... Afflictions employed as the cure.2. To lead us to aspire to ... 4. Weariness of the present
life how to be tempered. ... life is a gift of the divine mercy, of which ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 of meditating on.htm

Joy
... it cries out, as Asaph, Is his mercy clean gone ... joys are more pure, they are not
tempered with any ... can bear up a Christian's heart in trials and afflictions. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 joy.htm

Christian Sympathy
... In all our afflictions he is afflicted ... Still the Sister of Mercy, with her basket
on her arm ... but he knows that you are crotchety, short-tempered, illiberal, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

The Unrivalled Friend
... Our Lord when he came in mercy to us, found ... We are but short-tempered, but our Lord
is longsuffering ... effect of sorrow, but because their afflictions have acted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the unrivalled friend.htm