The Purpose of Afflictions

In 1981, Rabbi Harold Kushner wrote a book that would go on to be a "Best-Seller". It was called, "When Bad Things Happen to Good People." In his book, Rabbi Kushner debilitates God by reasoning that God does not cause bad things - afflictions - but is, as well, powerless to prevent them. Regardless of the theology of the book, it sparked a debate and conversation regarding the role of affliction in the life of the "righteous." Sadly, the terms "righteous" and "good people" are often defined from one's own perspective and not from God's. Yet, the premise of the question remains, why do afflictions arise "to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose"? (Romans 8:28) In Paul's second epistle to the believers in Corinth, he specifically addresses this topic citing examples from his own life and that of the church of Corinth. Today, as we begin our study of Paul's second epistle, we consider Paul's thesis statement regarding the purpose of affliction, and the subsequent encouragement from God, to the Corinthian believers. This message was presented on January 12, 2020 by Bob Corbin.