Why This Affliction?
Christians can suffer due to various reasons, and it is essential to investigate and identify the cause of affliction to overcome it.
E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of understanding the source of afflictions Christians face, distinguishing between trials permitted by God for testing, afflictions caused by personal sins that require confession and repentance, and attacks from the devil that need to be resisted through prayer and standing on God's Word. He encourages believers to hold on to God in times of trial, remain patient, and not be discouraged, highlighting the need for self-examination and taking necessary steps to overcome afflictions.
Text
MEMORISE: 'Jesus answered and said unto them, " Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." (Matt 22:29)
READ: James 5:9-11
Every Christian has been called into suffering of some sort. The scriptures rightly says: 'Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.' Yes, but when one goes into some kind of suffering, it is proper to investigate and find out why. Not all afflictions that come to a child of God have God's approval. Many people today are carrying yokes and problems they ignorantly received from Satan. They have had to argue that after all, Jesus asked those who would follow him to carry their cross. This is theirs, they conclude.
Some problems are allowed by God to try you as a child of God. In these circumstances, God and the Devil are the examiners. One way you can identify such a situation is that in spite of your confession of sins, binding the devil and fervent prayers for a change, the situation remains the same. And when God speaks to you concerning your situation, either directory or through his Word, or even through other people, He will give you messages such as, 'You are going through a trial but be patient, it will soon be over.' In such a position, hold on to God. Do not allow the affliction to discourage you. Keep on standing in faith: persistent, dogged faith.
In another situation, you may cause the affliction you are going through. Scripture says: 'Fools, because of their sins are afflicted.' Someone who fornicates may be afflicted with a venereal disease. If you trace your problem to sin, then confess, turn from it and make the necessary restitution. Thereafter, pray for healing. The problem will to away.
The third case is affliction from the devil without God's permission. This could be due to negligence, ignorance or lack of prayer. When you have checked yourself and found that sin is not the cause, then pray against this, standing on the Word of God. Pray persistently. It must change. If it persists, resist until it goes. Henceforth, resolve not to receive extra burdens that God has not allowed.
ACTION POINT
Trace the causes of the afflictions you are going through.
Take the necessary steps to overcome them.
Sermon Outline
- Why This Affliction?
- Affliction for trial
- Affliction due to sin
- Affliction from the devil without God's permission
- Not all afflictions have God's approval
- Identifying the cause of affliction
- God is the examiner
- Patience and persistence in faith
- Confession, restitution, and healing
- Negligence, ignorance, or lack of prayer
- Prayer and resistance against affliction
Key Quotes
“Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” — E.A. Adeboye
“Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” — E.A. Adeboye
“Fools, because of their sins are afflicted.” — E.A. Adeboye
Application Points
- You should investigate and find out why you are going through a particular affliction.
- If your affliction is due to sin, you should confess, make restitution, and pray for healing.
- You should pray persistently and resist affliction from the devil without God's permission.