You will remember that last Sunday we began our look at Hebrews 12:3-11 and the subject of affliction, and how it is connected so mysteriously, yet beautifully, to our Father’s love for us. We’ve called this connection the ‘Beautiful Paradox of Affliction.’ And we do so because what is set forth in chapter 12 is nothing short of amazing and mysterious!

The author of this inspired letter is making the case that all of our experiences of suffering, affliction, pain of both soul and body, whatever their immediate cause (be it those sufferings that we know because we belong to Jesus, or those due to our sins and transgressions, or the sins of others against us) are tools in the Father’s hands to demonstrate His great love for us!

We also learned that afflictions come to us under the mighty and sovereign hand of our all-wise God, Who through them is actually confirming that we are His sons through faith in Christ Jesus!

All of our troubles, then, are instruments for the loving discipline of our Father!

Our sermon for this Sunday will be taken from verses 7-11, and we will organize our thoughts under three headings:

One: Affliction Is Essential for All Sons (vv. 7-8)

Two: Affliction Must Be Received by All Sons in the Right Way (v. 9)

Three: Affliction Yields Many Spiritual Benefits for All Sons (vv. 10-11)

I can’t wait to open the Word of our Father with you this Sunday!