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  AFFLICTION'S EFFECT
  by Miles J. Stanford
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the purpose and response to affliction,
highlighting the importance of trusting in the Lord and His promises.

Topics: "Suffering And Trials", "Spiritual Transformation"
Scripture References: Philippians 3:8

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DESCRIPTION
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Miles J. Stanford preaches about the transformative power of trials in a
Christian's life, emphasizing the shift from valuing worldly gains to
considering them as loss for the sake of Christ. He highlights how
trials reveal the emptiness of the old life and the faithfulness of
Jesus in guiding us towards a new life filled with peace, joy, and the
nearness of God. Stanford encourages believers to embrace afflictions
over worldly pleasures, recognizing that through trials, God draws us
closer to Him and heals our wounds, just as Jesus willingly accepted the
cup of suffering from the Father's hand.

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CONTENT
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"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ "
(Philippians 3:7).

Our Father has many reasons for administering trial-- all good. Trial
teaches us the futility of the old life, and the faithfulness of the
Lord Jesus-our new life.

"The Christian suffers the same calamities as others, perhaps even
worse; he faces difficulties and losses in the things of this life; he
has to be prepared to meet death itself. In all these circumstances he
is calm and trustful; he is not only sure of ultimately going to heaven,
but already abides there and enjoys something of it in his own heart.

"God is real to him and ever near. He knows a peace which passes all
understanding, and he experiences a joy which no man can take from him.
This, surely, should be our testimony in the world, but it can only be
as the Lord Jesus Himself lives out this life in us." -H.F.

"The world is divided into two things-pleasures and afflictions; I am
more afraid of the pleasures than the afflictions. In afflictions you
turn to the Lord. The danger is of being carried away by the very favors
God has given to man. "

"Those who suffer from chastening ought to be before the Father, owning
His hand; and He who has wounded will heal. The Lord Jesus did not take
the cup which He had to drink from us, from man, nor from Satan; but
from His Father's hand."

"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of
the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord" (Philippians 3:8).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/miles-j-stanford/afflictions-effect/
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