Affliction's Effect
The sermon emphasizes the purpose and response to affliction, highlighting the importance of trusting in the Lord and His promises.
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.
Text
"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).
Sermon Outline
- The Purpose of Affliction
- The Christian's Response to Affliction
- The Dangers of Affliction
- The danger of being carried away by God's favors
- The importance of owning God's hand in our lives
Key Quotes
“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ” — Miles J. Stanford
“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.” — Miles J. Stanford
“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord” — Miles J. Stanford
Application Points
- We should trust in the Lord and His promises, even in the midst of affliction.
- We should focus on the Lord and His faithfulness, rather than being carried away by God's favors.
- We should own God's hand in our lives and trust in His goodness.