Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous
The righteous face many troubles, but it is a mercy that every affliction is not an execution, and every correction is not a damnation.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that the righteous are destined to face numerous afflictions, as illustrated in Job 5:7 and Psalms 34:19. He explains that troubles often come in waves, much like April showers, and that these challenges are part of God's wise and good plan. Despite the frequency and intensity of these trials, Brooks reassures Christians that each affliction is a sign of God's mercy, as not every hardship leads to condemnation. He encourages believers to recognize the purpose behind their struggles and to find hope in God's goodness amidst their trials.
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The choicest saints are "born to troubles as the sparks fly upwards", Job 5:7. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous." Psalm 34:19. God, who is infinite in wisdom and matchless in goodness, has ordered troubles, yes, many troubles to come trooping in upon us on every side. Our crosses seldom come single; they usually come treading one upon the heels of another; they are like April showers, no sooner is one over but another comes. And yet, Christians, it is mercy, it is rich mercy, that every affliction is not an execution, that every correction is not a damnation.
Sermon Outline
- The Afflictions of the Righteous
- The Multiplicity of Troubles
- The Mercy of God
- Not Every Affliction is an Execution
- Every Correction is Not a Damnation
Key Quotes
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous.” — Thomas Brooks
“Christians, it is mercy, it is rich mercy, that every affliction is not an execution, that every correction is not a damnation.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize that troubles are a part of God's order for our lives, and it is a mercy that they are not always executions.
- Be prepared for multiple troubles to come at once, like April showers.
- Trust in God's goodness and wisdom, even in the midst of affliction.