What does the Bible say about afflictions made beneficial?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that God sovereignly uses the afflictions of his people for his glory and their lasting good, though suffering itself is painful and not always explained. Jesus denied that every hardship is a direct punishment for particular sin, as in John 9:1-3, and he declared Lazarus's sickness would serve God's glory in John 11:3-4. The Psalms confess that the righteous have many afflictions, yet the Lord preserves them, and Psalm 119:71 calls affliction a means of learning God's statutes. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-11, suffering displays Christ's life in frail believers. Even costly trials can lead us to seek God more earnestly, as Isaiah 26:9 teaches.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- In promoting the glory of God John 9:1-3; John 11:3; John 11:4; John 21:18; John 21:19
- In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God Psalms 34:19; Psalms 34:20; 2 Corinthians 4:8-11
- In teaching us the will of God Psalms 119:71; Isaiah 26:9; Micah 6:9
- In turning us to God Deuteronomy 4:30; Deuteronomy 4:31; Nehemiah 1:8; Nehemiah 1:9; Psalms 78:34; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 10:21; Hosea 2:6; Hosea 2:7
- In keeping us from again departing from God Job 34:31; Job 34:32; Isaiah 10:20; Ezekiel 14:10; Ezekiel 14:11
- In leading us to seek God in prayer Judges 4:3; Jeremiah 31:18; Lamentations 2:17-19; Hosea 5:14; Hosea 5:15; Jonah 2:1
- In convincing us of sin Job 36:8; Job 36:9; Psalms 119:67; Luke 15:16-18
- In leading us to confession of sin Numbers 21:7; Psalms 32:5; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 51:5
- In testing and exhibiting our sincerity Job 23:10; Psalms 66:10; Proverbs 17:3
- In trying our faith and obedience Genesis 22:1; Genesis 22:2; Hebrews 11:17; Exodus 15:23-25; Deuteronomy 8:2; Deuteronomy 8:16; 1 Peter 1:7; Revelation 2:10
- In humbling us Deuteronomy 8:3; Deuteronomy 8:16; 2 Chronicles 7:13; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Lamentations 3:19; Lamentations 3:20; 2 Corinthians 12:7
- In purifying us Ecclesiastes 7:2; Ecclesiastes 7:3; Isaiah 1:25; Isaiah 1:26; Isaiah 48:10; Jeremiah 9:6; Jeremiah 9:7; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:2; Malachi 3:3
- In exercising our patience Psalms 40:1; Romans 5:3; James 1:3; 1 Peter 2:20
- In rendering us fruitful in good works John 15:2; Hebrews 12:10; Hebrews 12:11
- In furthering the gospel Acts 8:3; Acts 8:4; Acts 11:19-21; Philippians 1:12; 2 Timothy 2:9; 2 Timothy 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:17
- Exemplified
- Joseph’s brethren Genesis 42:21
- Joseph Genesis 45:5; Genesis 45:7; Genesis 45:8
- Israel Deuteronomy 8:3; Deuteronomy 8:5
- Josiah 2 Kings 22:19
- Hezekiah 2 Chronicles 32:25; 2 Chronicles 32:26
- Manasseh 2 Chronicles 33:12
- Jonah Jonah 2:7
- Prodigal’s son Luke 15:21
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