2 Corinthians Answers - Chapter 1

2 Corinthians 1 List the characteristics of God the Father and Jesus our Lord that Paul said He was worthy to be blessed for in verses 3-4. Name 4 reasons given. Father of mercies God of all comfort He comforts us in our affliction So we can comfort others. What two things will be ours in abundance as we serve the Lord Jesus Christ? vs. 5 Sufferings and Comfort Although Paul's suffering of affliction in Asia was beyond his own strength and he despaired of living, what did he realize was the purpose in it? vs. 8-9 That they would not trust in themselves, but in God. What was Paul's comfort through all of this suffering and affliction? vs. 10-11 Hope in God.  Deliverance.  Prayers of many. What things did Paul have proud confidence in? vs. 12-14 Paul knew He was established with these believers in Christ and anointed by God for this work among them. He said they were 'sealed' and given the Spirit in their hearts as a pledge. This was how he continued to serve despite the trials and suffering. the testimony of their conscience in holiness and godly sincerity in the grace of God we are your reason to be proud as you also are ours Rather than lord over their faith, what was Paul's example to the Corinthians? vs. 24 We are workers WITH you for your joy. Application How have you suffered for serving Christ? How has He comforted you in those times? Will you choose to have confidence today in a clear conscience in Christlike conduct and bless the Lord for the comfort and suffering you have experienced? Your personal thoughts and prayers for today: Father God, I pray for your forgiveness because I haven't been obediant to Your Word.  Forgive me for not allowing you to comfort me in my present affliction so that I would be able to comfort others.  Forgive me for being angry at You and not wanting to spend time with You.  Forgive me for wanting to give up, having lost hope.  I thank You for prompting me to get back into Your Word.  I take comfort that Your Word is life and health to me and thank You that I have found hope in You once again. Extra Notes Praise Him because He is the God of all comfort! We must not think of comfort in terms of “sympathy,” because sympathy can weaken us instead of strengthen us. God does not pat us on the head and give us a piece of candy or a toy to distract our attention from our troubles. No, He puts strength into our hearts so we can face our trials and triumph over them. Our English word comfort comes from two Latin words meaning “with strength.” The Greek word means “to come alongside and help.” It is the same word used for the Holy Spirit (the Comforter) in John 14–16. God can encourage us by His Word and through His Spirit, but sometimes He uses other believers to give us the encouragement we need (2 Cor. 2:7–8; 7:6–7). How wonderful it would be if all of us had the nickname “Barnabas—son of encouragement”! (Acts 4:36) When you find yourself discouraged because of difficult circumstances, it is easy to look at yourself and your feelings, or to focus on the problems around you. But the first step we must take is to look by faith to the Lord and realize all that God is to us. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:1–2). There is a “companionship” to suffering: it can draw us closer to Christ and to His people. But if we start to wallow in self-pity, suffering will create isolation instead of involvement. We will build walls and not bridges. The important thing is to fix your attention on God and not on yourself. Remember what God is to you—“the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). Remember what God does for you—that He is able to handle your trials and make them work out for your good and His glory. Finally, remember what God does through you—and let Him use you to be an encouragement to others. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996, c1989). The Bible exposition commentary. "An exposition of the New Testament comprising the entire 'BE' series"--Jkt. (2 Co 1:3). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.