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"Afflictions..."

Text: 2 Timothy 3:11

BUT YOU HAVE CAREFULLY FOLLOWED IX

Afflictions may be distinguished from persecutions. The word “afflictions” may be simply translated as “sufferings”. Over time Paul developed a theological perspective of suffering.

1. The root idea

a) There is a verbal idea (Greek “pascho”).

b) There is also a noun idea (Greek “pathema”).

c) The concept of “suffering” is to be found in both the verbal and noun forms.

i) Physical pain

ii) Mental and emotional pain

2. Forewarning concerning suffering

a) God forewarned that Paul would have to endure much suffering.

b) The Lord would personally show Paul just how much he would be called upon to suffer for His name’s sake (Acts 9:16).

c) The sufferings could come in more than one form.

i) It could result from persecutions.

ii) It could arise from being spiritually buffeted by Satan.

iii) Paul suffered from what he called his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7).

3. Here are some glimpses of how Paul bore with his sufferings

a) Paul saw suffering as part and parcel of faith in the Lord (Philippians 1:29).

i) He was not terrified of suffering for it was proof of salvation.

ii) It was also proof of perdition to those who caused suffering (Philippians 1:28).

b) He never lost focus of the Gospel.

i) His main concern was that the gospel should continue to spread (Philippians 1:12).

ii) He never lost his sense of rejoicing in the Lord (Philippians 1:18).

c) His hope was in the reality of the resurrection.

i) The physical form may perish but death was only a gateway to heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1-8).

ii) He wrote extensively concerning his faith in the doctrine of the resurrection.

d) Paul lived by faith and not by sight.

To endure all things for the sake of the Lord would result in reigning with Christ (2 Timothy 2:12a).