2 Corinthians, 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. What two things will be ours in abundance as we serve the Lord Jesus Christ? vs. 5 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 What was Paul's comfort through all of this suffering and affliction? vs. 10-11 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. Rather than lord over their faith, what was Paul's example to the Corinthians? vs. 24 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, 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.