This sermon focuses on the healing power of afflictions, emphasizing the importance of trusting God in times of suffering. The speaker shares personal experiences and biblical examples to illustrate how afflictions can lead to spiritual growth, restoration, and a deeper understanding of God's love and mercy.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that afflictions are a divine tool used by God to instruct His people, revealing the bitterness of sin and the sweetness of holiness. He explains that through troubles and trials, believers are taught to detach from worldly desires and prepare for eternity, recognizing the emptiness of created things compared to the richness of communion with God. Brooks highlights that even God's dearest children face significant afflictions, which serve to purify and strengthen their faith, ultimately conforming them to Christ's image.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the urgent call for holiness as expressed by the prophets, contrasting the old and new dispensations. He highlights how the early church was challenged to move beyond traditional mindsets and embrace the revolutionary work of the Holy Spirit, which requires a deep commitment to holiness. The tragic example of Ananias and Sapphira illustrates the severe consequences of unholiness, as their deceit brought spiritual death and arrested the work of the Spirit. Sparks urges believers to confront their own unholiness and recognize the broader implications of their actions on the community and God's purposes. Ultimately, he calls for a sincere pursuit of holiness, aligning with the nature of Christ, to avoid the peril of spiritual stagnation.

Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of meek submission and worshiping God in every sorrow, highlighting that impatience and fretting under trial do not increase our suffering. She emphasizes that through humble and loving acceptance of each pang and heartache, we can find peace amid anguish and sanctify our suffering. Tileston encourages believers to trust in God's judgments and faithfulness even in the midst of trials, knowing that enduring with submission and trust is a true act of adoration that carries out His gracious work in us.

Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound sympathy of Christ for believers, illustrating that their afflictions are part of God's sovereign plan to refine and discipline them. He explains that believers are often chosen in the furnace of affliction, which serves to deepen their faith and reliance on God. Winslow encourages believers to view their trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and to recognize that Christ, having shared in human suffering, intimately understands their pain. He reassures that through these experiences, believers can find comfort in the unwavering love and sympathy of Jesus, who bears their burdens alongside them. Ultimately, Winslow calls for a response of trust and submission to God's will in the midst of trials.

A.W. Pink addresses the issue of despondency through the lens of David's struggles, emphasizing that even in times of deep sorrow, one must confront their troubles and seek the root cause of their despair. He encourages self-examination and the importance of not succumbing to despair but rather preaching hope to oneself by trusting in God's promises. Pink highlights that despondency often stems from unbelief and a rebellious will, and he reassures that God is a present help in times of trouble. The sermon concludes with a call to hope in God's mercy, power, faithfulness, and love, reminding believers that joy will come after trials.

A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of being in subjection to God's chastisement, acknowledging our inherent rebellious nature inherited from our first parents. He explains that true subjection involves recognizing God's sovereign right, renouncing self-will, and acknowledging His righteousness and love in all circumstances. Pink illustrates that submission is not merely passive but requires active obedience to God's will, which leads to true happiness and fulfillment. He encourages believers to see God's discipline as a means to bring them closer to Him and to trust in His goodness and wisdom. Ultimately, Pink calls for a heartfelt acceptance of God's authority as our loving Father.

John Newton preaches about the faithfulness and compassion of the Lord in times of affliction, emphasizing the necessity of correction and chastisement due to the deeply rooted evil in human nature. He highlights the importance of trusting in God's wisdom and not mistaking His discipline for lack of love. Newton encourages believers to find solace in prayer, acknowledging the constant care and power of God, who can turn afflictions into moments of great consolation. He also warns about the dangers of worldly influences, particularly in places like London, and the need for genuine grace and spiritual maturity amidst trials and temptations.

J.R. Miller emphasizes the often-overlooked blessings that come from what God withholds from us, illustrating that many of our disappointments may actually be divine protections from harm. He shares poignant examples of individuals who, after missing trains or opportunities, later realized that their frustrations were blessings in disguise, saving them from peril. Miller argues that God's denials and delays are often for our spiritual benefit, teaching us that true blessings may lie in the things we do not receive. He encourages gratitude for both positive and negative mercies, reminding us that God's ultimate goal is our sanctification and readiness for His service. The sermon concludes with the assertion that sometimes pain and loss can lead to greater spiritual growth than immediate pleasure or gain.