Topical Bible: Glory: Eternal: Afflictions of Ministers Are, to Saints

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In the Christian faith, the concept of eternal glory is intricately connected to the trials and afflictions faced by ministers of the Gospel. These afflictions are not merely burdens to be borne but are seen as pathways to eternal glory, both for the ministers themselves and for the saints they serve. This understanding is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul frequently addresses the relationship between suffering and glory.

The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, provides profound insight into this dynamic. He writes, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17). Here, Paul emphasizes that the sufferings endured in the present are transient and insignificant when compared to the eternal glory they produce. This perspective encourages ministers and saints alike to view their trials through the lens of eternity, recognizing that their struggles have a divine purpose and yield a glorious outcome.

Paul further elaborates on this theme in his letter to the Romans, stating, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). This passage underscores the transformative power of afflictions, suggesting that the glory to be revealed is not only future but also intimately connected to the present experiences of suffering. The afflictions of ministers, therefore, serve as a testament to the hope of glory that awaits all believers.

The afflictions faced by ministers are also a source of encouragement and edification for the saints. In Colossians 1:24, Paul writes, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church" . This passage highlights the vicarious nature of ministerial suffering, where the trials of ministers contribute to the spiritual growth and strengthening of the church. The afflictions are not in vain but serve a greater purpose in the divine economy, fostering unity and resilience among the saints.

Moreover, the afflictions of ministers are a reflection of their identification with Christ. In Philippians 3:10, Paul expresses his desire "to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death" . This identification with Christ's sufferings is a mark of true discipleship and a precursor to sharing in His glory. Ministers, by enduring afflictions, participate in the sufferings of Christ, thereby aligning themselves with His redemptive mission and anticipating the glory that follows.

In summary, the afflictions of ministers are integral to the Christian understanding of eternal glory. They are not only a means of personal sanctification and transformation but also serve to edify and encourage the saints. Through their trials, ministers exemplify the hope of glory that is promised to all believers, reinforcing the truth that present sufferings are but a prelude to the eternal glory that awaits.

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Ephesians 3:13
Why I desire that you faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
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Library

The Great Preparatives for the Saints' Rest.
... a house not made with hands, eternal in the ... great dishonor, thou shalt receive it
in glory. ... of time, health, abilities, mercies, afflictions, means, warnings ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ii the great preparatives.htm

The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ...
... Are all my afflictions, Satan's temptations, the world's scorns and jeers ... heart,
thou hadst almost betrayed me to eternal flames, and lost me this glory! ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter i the introduction to.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... talents, mercies, relations to God, and our afflictions; 3. What ... but once hear of
such unspeakable glory to be ... for a thing of nought, while eternal rest lies ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

A Consecrated Ministry
... come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 ... is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
whom we ... ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 34 a consecrated ministry.htm

In the Second Place, Repentance and Grace are Obscured. ...
... Therefore afflictions are not always punishments for certain past ... for the sake of
God's glory and command ... But that eternal punishments are not remitted except ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 17 in the second.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... mind, hath been a deep sharer in the afflictions that we ... yet Christ is their life,
by the eternal purpose of God ... do live both in their spirits in glory, by open ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... Afflictions lead men to faith full often by preventing sin ... Glory be to God for the
trials and troubles some of us ... that the one thing needful for eternal life is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

General Service to the Unmercenaries and Wonder-Workers.
... prayers that He may deliver us from temptations and many afflictions and from ... they
were servants of Christ and have entered into the life eternal. [Glory ... ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxvi general service to.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... He speaks thus because of afflictions and persecutions. ... But from what is it? From
hell only, and eternal death only? ... Is it to happiness and glory only? ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii but seek ye.htm

Satan Considering the Saints
... God knows what is for his own glory, and that ... much mischief will he do, unless eternal
mercy shall ... To conclude, Job's afflictions and Job's patience have been ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/satan considering the saints.htm