The believer who recognizes the molding hand of God in affliction, becomes open to the will of God, rather than bitter, resentful and morose. So, the point of our passage is simple enough. At this very moment we find ourselves struggling against sin and the infernal interference of dark powers. Circumstances from without are constantly pressing in on us. Our suffering cannot be compared to Christ's.
Troubles progress our sanctification.
Affliction in the Christian life serves to train and discipline the believer. Discuss the notion that such disciplining is the chastisement of God toward the eradication of sin in the life of a believer. The book of Hebrews was written to a church of Hellenistic Christians who were strongly influenced by the Old Testament, but who had little first-hand experience of the Jewish faith. It is quite probable that the group was a House Church congregation, attached to a larger church. The book was probably written around the early 60's by a second generation Christian.