Topical Bible: The Gospel: Profession of, Attended by Afflictions

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The profession of the Gospel, while a source of eternal hope and salvation, is often accompanied by afflictions and trials. This theme is recurrent throughout the New Testament, where believers are reminded that following Christ may lead to suffering, persecution, and hardship. The Berean Standard Bible provides several passages that illuminate this aspect of the Christian journey.

Biblical Foundation

Jesus Himself warned His followers of the challenges they would face. In John 16:33, He states, "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world." This assurance from Christ acknowledges the reality of tribulation while offering the promise of His victory and peace.

The Apostle Paul, a central figure in the early Church, frequently addressed the afflictions associated with the Gospel. In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul writes, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." This verse underscores the inevitability of persecution for those who commit to a life in Christ.

Examples of Afflictions

The early Church provides numerous examples of believers who faced afflictions due to their profession of the Gospel. The Book of Acts records the trials of the apostles, including imprisonment, beatings, and even martyrdom. Acts 5:41 recounts the apostles' response to persecution: "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name."

Paul's own life is a testament to enduring afflictions for the sake of the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, he details his sufferings: "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea; in my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea, and in danger from false brothers; in labor and toil and often without sleep, in hunger and thirst and often without food, in cold and exposure."

Purpose and Perspective

The afflictions faced by believers serve a greater purpose in the divine plan. James 1:2-4 encourages 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." Trials are seen as a means of spiritual growth and maturity.

Moreover, afflictions for the Gospel are a participation in the sufferings of Christ. In Philippians 1:29, Paul writes, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him." This participation is viewed as a privilege and a testament to one's faithfulness to Christ.

Encouragement and Hope

Despite the afflictions that accompany the profession of the Gospel, believers are encouraged to remain steadfast. Romans 8:18 offers hope: "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." The promise of future glory provides strength and encouragement to endure present trials.

The New Testament consistently affirms that while afflictions are a part of the Christian experience, they are temporary and serve a greater purpose in God's redemptive plan. Believers are called to persevere, holding fast to the hope and assurance found in Christ Jesus.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 3:12
Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Trials of the Christian
... a token of his love; for suffering for the gospel and for the sincere profession
of it ... all persons above sixteen years of age, who attended divine service ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xiv trials of the christian.htm

In Rome
... this delay resulted in the furtherance of the gospel. ... Luke, "the beloved physician,"
who had attended him on ... Since the earlier years of his profession of faith ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

The Introduction to the Work with Some General Account of Its ...
... under the various forms of religious profession, who are ... are prevailed upon to receive
the Gospel, live for ... these exhortations and cautions be attended to with ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter i the introduction to.htm

Of the Nature of Regeneration, with Respect to the Change it ...
... those solemn engagements, with which such determinations may be attended, he fixes ...
is found when he is called into the profession of the Gospel, he should ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse iii of the nature.htm

The Life of Mr. George Wishart.
... of his after-life witnessed that his profession was without ... called upon Mr. Knox,
who then attended him, and ... charge, but that of preaching the gospel of Jesus ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr george.htm

St. Peter of Alcantara Comforts the Saint. Great Temptations and ...
... and really felt,"yet true humility is not attended with trouble ... is hardly more than
an outward profession of the ... That Gospel [17] has a great attraction for me ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxx st peter of.htm

The Christian Honoring God by his Dying Behavior.
... that, for the credit of your profession, the comfort ... need all the relief which the
Gospel itself can ... every mixture of imperfection which has attended the best ...
/.../chapter xxx the christian honoring.htm

The Lord is Risen Indeed
... His appearance to others was attended with peculiar striking ... was uniformly consistent
with their profession, and their ... They who have found the Gospel to be the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xl the lord is.htm

The Strait Gate;
... into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached the gospel to others ...
(Proverbs 23:21, 24:30-32) Profession that is not attended with spiritual ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the strait gate.htm

A Faithful Undershepherd
... on their remaining true to the high calling of their profession. ... The work of the
gospel minister is "to make all ... In this work the minister is attended by the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 51 a faithful undershepherd.htm