Topical Bible: Man: Able to Sustain Bodily Affliction

◄ Man: Able to Sustain Bodily Affliction ►

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The capacity of human beings to endure physical suffering is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating both the resilience of the human spirit and the sustaining power of faith. Scripture provides numerous examples of individuals who, through divine assistance and personal fortitude, were able to withstand significant bodily afflictions.

Job's Endurance

One of the most profound examples of enduring physical suffering is found in the account of Job. Job, a man described as "blameless and upright" (Job 1:1), faced severe trials, including the loss of his health. Despite his afflictions, Job maintained his faith in God, declaring, "Though He slays me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). Job's perseverance under extreme physical and emotional distress serves as a testament to the human ability to endure suffering with faith.

Paul's Sufferings

The Apostle Paul is another significant figure who exemplifies the endurance of bodily affliction. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, Paul recounts the numerous hardships he faced, including beatings, imprisonments, and shipwrecks. Despite these trials, Paul remained steadfast in his mission, famously stating, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). Paul's experiences highlight the role of divine strength in sustaining believers through physical trials.

Jesus' Passion

The ultimate example of enduring bodily affliction is found in the passion of Jesus Christ. Jesus willingly suffered physical torment and crucifixion, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:5, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed" . Jesus' endurance of suffering is central to Christian theology, demonstrating both His humanity and His divine purpose.

Faith and Healing

The Bible also emphasizes the relationship between faith and healing. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently heals those who are suffering, often attributing their healing to their faith. For instance, in Mark 5:34, Jesus tells a woman who had been suffering for twelve years, "Daughter, your faith has healed you; go in peace and be free of your affliction" . This connection underscores the belief that faith can play a crucial role in enduring and overcoming physical afflictions.

The Role of Community

Scripture also highlights the importance of community support in sustaining individuals through physical suffering. In Galatians 6:2, believers are encouraged to "carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" . The early Christian community often provided care and support for those in need, reflecting the biblical principle of mutual aid and compassion.

Hope in Eternal Life

For Christians, the ability to endure bodily affliction is often linked to the hope of eternal life. Romans 8:18 offers encouragement, stating, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us" . This perspective provides believers with the strength to endure present hardships, looking forward to the promise of future glory with God.

Through these examples and teachings, the Bible presents a comprehensive view of human resilience in the face of physical suffering, emphasizing the sustaining power of faith, the support of community, and the hope of eternal life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 18:14
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Cause and Cure of a Wounded Spirit
... not that divinely-given spirit which will sustain thine infirmity ... not trouble you,
and you will be able to bear ... Still, every Christian man should cry to God for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the cause and cure of.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... proposed, shewing that those who are insulted not only sustain no harm ... the occasion
of greater confidence: what shall be able to harm the temperate man? ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

Satan Considering the Saints
... than we can through longer experience, and being able to see ... be a more severe trial
for a man in the ... the Lord also consider how he should sustain his servant ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/satan considering the saints.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered on the Occasion of the Prefect Entering ...
... towards heaven, and the good things that are in the heavens, whatever evils come
on us, sustain them all with ... Whatever advantages each man is able to confer ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvi this homily was.htm

The Former Subject of the Sedition Continued; Also of Fasting...
... when exhorted by us, and counselled to sustain these adverse ... in heaven." [1740] But
suppose a man hath fallen into ... thing of that nature, will be able to grieve ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xviii the former subject.htm

Letter x. The Preservation of Health.
... think of employing a weak and sickly man in his ... the daily supplies of food, designed
to sustain, refresh, and ... and observation, you will no doubt be able to add ...
/.../letter x the preservation of.htm

The Duty of Remembering the Poor
... him most, are those who have grace to sustain them amidst ... worse than that"see a chair
whereon a man has been for the last five years, not able to sit ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the duty of remembering the.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... the might of his glory." Here is preparation to sustain the conflict ... This no creature
was able to do. ... to step into our distress and himself become man, to take ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

Morality and Doctrine
... But he has not been able to sustain so great glory ... to her children what men have
only been able to discover ... of pride, and of ambition, has made a man free from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section vii morality and doctrine.htm

Ephesians iv. 17-19
... If we shall be able to show that we have been ... suitable for a woman to adorn herself,
than for a man. ... David said to Barzillai, "Come and I will sustain thee in ...
/.../homily xiii ephesians iv 17-19.htm