Message Notes

CHALLENGED GREATLY BY AN OVERWHELMING TRIAL

“For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our]trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves,…”   2 Cor. 1:8-9

1. Paul and team wanted the Corinthians to know of their predicament in Asia

a. The word “trouble” means “affliction, tribulation”

i. This was what Paul wrote about earlier   (2 Cor. 1:4)

ii. The Lord had comforted him in his tribulation

b. He wanted the people to know what he and his team went through

2. The severe predicament that they were going through

a. They were burdened beyond measure

b. They were burdened above strength

c. They despaired even of their life

d. They had the sentence of death on themselves

3. Paul and team went through tribulation in Asia

a. The cities in Asia were Ephesus, Troas, Miletus.

b. There were many adversaries at Ephesus   (1 Cor. 16:8-9)

c. Paul went through many forms of suffering   (2 Cor. 11:23-28)

THE PURPOSE OF GOING THROUGH THIS TIME OF TRIBULATION

“That we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,…”   2 Cor. 1:9

1. Purpose of overwhelming tribulation

a. Great tribulations helped Paul and team to see things better

b. There is an added instructive element

c. The purpose is to not trust in ourselves

2. Trusting solely in God and His power

a. The sole person we should have full confidence in is God and God alone

b. Placing our whole trust upon the Lord and His promises

c. Growing trust in God and His great power

LEARNING TO HAVE COMPLETE TRUST IN GOD

“Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,…”   2 Cor. 1:10

1. Trust in God based on past experiences

2. Growing faith and hope in the Lord

a. Paul and team continued to trust in God for the present

b. They trust that God will continue to deliver them

3. Fullness of hope in future deliverance

EFFECTIVELY SUPPLICATING FOR EACH OTHER

“You also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.”   2 Cor. 1:11

1. Trust and prayer go together

2. Paul recognising how effectual the supplications of the Corinthians were.

3. Supplication can make a big difference in life and ministry

4. Thanksgiving given by many people when prayers are answered