Message Notes

THE CONTEXT OF THE EPISTLE OF 2 CORINTHIANS

1. The Epistle of 2 Corinthians

This was the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth

2. He wrote in part to address any misunderstandings and doubts

a. Paul had intended to see them

b. But he could not follow through with his plan

c. This led to criticism

d. Some who were opposed to Paul used this to cast aspersions about him

3. The reason why he could not visit the Corinthians

He had met with a most difficult circumstance of great pain and suffering

a. It was unexpected

b. It caught him unawares

c. It prevented him from carrying out his intended visit

4. The purpose of our study of 2 Corinthians

It is to draw lessons that Paul learned through this ordeal

a. While we may not experience the same degree of suffering

b. We can nevertheless learn principles from Paul’s example concerning how suffering may be faced

c. We can develop a deeper and more spiritual perspective concerning suffering

FOR AS THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST ABOUND IN US

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us…

2 Corinthians 1:5

1. The sufferings of Christ

a. These are sufferings connected with living for Christ

b. Not sufferings caused by our own wrongdoing

c. “As”

i. This denotes an accepted and expected reality by the Apostle Paul

ii. We must expect to face suffering when we live for Christ

2. Christ Himself suffered while on this earth

a. There were those who opposed Him, especially the scribes and Pharisees

b. His own people tried to throw him off a cliff   (Luke 4)

c. There were also attempts to stone Him   (John 8)

d. He was eventually tortured, crucified, and put to death

3. Christ warned His disciples of the sufferings they would face in His name

16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
21 “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! 26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

Matthew 10:16-26

a. The Lord warned His disciples of great suffering

b. They will be hated for the sake of the Lord’s name

c. If people would go against the Lord, then how much more against His disciples!

SO OUR CONSOLATION ALSO ABOUNDS THROUGH CHRIST

“… so our consolation also abounds through Christ”

2 Corinthians 1:5

Consolation essentially means Comfort.

How do we draw Consolation/ Comfort through Christ?

1. By remembering the Words of Christ

Some examples of the Words of the Lord Jesus:

a. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you”   (Matthew 5:11-12)

b. “I am with you always”   (Matthew 28:20)

c. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”   (John 16:33)

d. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness”   (2 Corinthians 12:9)

2. By looking to the Example of Christ in suffering

Isaiah 50:7, Isaiah 53:7-9

a. He continued to be blameless in all matters

b. He remained meek and trusted in God

c. He was committed and steadfast

d. He was courageous to the end

3. By dwelling on the Love of Christ

a. His love for the Father

John 14, 17

i. He was always conscious of the Father

ii. He was obedient to fulfil the Father’s Will in every way

iii. He communed closely with the Father

b. His love for us all

i. He suffered and died for our sake

ii. He endured all things that we might be saved

THE EFFECTIVE WORK OF SUFFERING

6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

2 Corinthians 1:6-7

1. The Apostle Paul understood the profound purpose of his suffering

a. His affliction was not in vain

b. Good could come out of it

c. The brethren would be blessed because of it

2. The effective work of suffering in the lives of the brethren

a. Consolation

i. They would be comforted as they witnessed the comfort sent from God

ii. They would learn that God is indeed “the God of all Comfort”

b. Salvation

i. Some would even be moved to heed the call of salvation

ii. As they see the reality of Christ in the life of the Apostle Paul

c. Endurance

i. They would also be encouraged to endure faithfully

ii. Because of the example that has been set before them

3. We can have every hope for the future

a. This was Paul’s hope for the Corinthians

b. Hope that rests on God who is the God of all Comfort and the Father of Mercies

c. While we will partake of the sufferings of Christ

d. We will surely also enter into the fellowship of His comfort

CONCLUSION

1. Let us Accept that there will be suffering as we live for Christ

2. But let us also find Answers in Christ

3. We can Advance

a. In faith

b. In strength

c. In hope