Affirmations about Afflictions A pressing pressure anything which
Affirmations about Afflictions “A pressing, pressure, anything which burdens the spirit…has reference to sufferings due to the pressures of circumstances, or the antagonism of persons” (Vine, 17)
Synonyms of Affliction • Tribulation • Distress • Trouble • Calamity • Burden • Anguish • Suffering • Arise from wars, want, persecution, illness, ailments, accidents, etc. 2
Trials & Troubles will Come • Jesus said they would – Jno. 15: 20 • Apostles taught same thing – Acts 14: 22 – Godliness leads to a certain amount of persecution, 2 Tim. 3: 10 -12 – We must prepare to face them before they come, 1 Ths. 3: 4 3
Not Proof of Sin or Guilt • Evildoers will suffer sooner or later – 2 Pet. 2: 9 (Rom. 2: 9; 1: 27) • But, present affliction is not proof one has sinned – Lk. 13: 1 -5 (Job 4: 7; 1: 8, 22; 2: 10) • Innocent & godly suffer – Jas. 1: 27 4
Not Proof of Sin or Guilt • You may appear to be an evildoer when you suffer for righteousness – 2 Tim. 1: 8 -9 • Suffering may occur because one is doing what is good – 1 Pet. 3: 13 -17 (4: 15 -16) 5
Troubles & Trials have Potential Benefit • Can teach contentment – Phil. 4: 11 -13 • Help us learn submissive obedience – Heb. 5: 8 -9 – Accept the discipline they bring, Heb. 12: 3 -11 • Occasion of strengthening our faith – Jas. 1: 2 -4; 1 Pet. 1: 6 -8; 2 Tim. 2: 3; 2 Cor. 12: 9 -10 6
Trials can be Successfully Overcome • God promises we can overcome present troubles – Jas. 1: 12; 1 Cor. 10: 13 • Can turn unjust suffering into God’s glory – 1 Pet. 4: 15 -16 – Commit your soul to God (1 Pet. 4: 19; 2: 23) 7
They are Powerless to make our Service to God in Vain Romans 8: 35 -39 • Our faith need not be disturbed – 1 Ths. 3: 3 • Can endure afflictions by keeping heaven as our goal – 2 Tim. 2: 12; 2 Cor. 4: 16 -18; Rev. 2: 10; 1 Pet. 4: 13 8
Keys to Facing Afflictions Phil. 3: 7 -11, 14 -15 • • • Be willing to sacrifice Maintain your spiritual goals Face your trials with faith, commitment, joy & the hope of future rest • The power of Christ will sustain you! 2 Cor. 12: 9 -10 9
- Slides: 9