Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. Pulpit theme: “The God of all comfort”

a. To look at the matter of afflictions in life

b. To understand principles of how we may cope with such afflictions

2. But even as we undergo afflictions

a. Not everyone will receive our testimony well

b. There may be detractors who see this as an opportunity to attack

c. How should we defend against these things?

THE EXISTENCE OF DETRACTORS IN THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH

1. Paul gave a testimony   (2 Corinthians 1:3-11)

a. He spoke of the trouble which came to them in Asia

b. He spoke of God as the God of all comfort

c. He spoke of lessons which he was learning

i. Lessons of trust

ii. Lessons on deliverance

iii. Lessons on prayer

2. But there were detractors in the Corinthian church

a. There was a group who was against Paul and his team

b. They would not receive this testimony from Paul well

c. They would use this occasion to speak against Paul

d. They would say that he was “boasting” (embellishing his afflictions)

PAUL’S DEFENCE AGAINST HIS DETRACTORS

12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. 2 Corinthians 1:12

(A) The testimony of their conscience

14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.   Romans 2:14-16

1. The conscience exists in every man

a. It is a moral law written on the heart

b. It is a moral compass / guide as to what is right and wrong

c. Their conscience will bear witness

i. To accuse

ii. Or excuse

2. The testimony of Paul’s conscience

a. He had a good and strong conscience

b. He had a clear conscience

c. He did not embellish his sufferings in any way!

(B) Their conduct

1. How Paul and his team conducted themselves

a. In the world

b. And more abundantly towards the Corinthian church

2. The traits of their conduct

a. Simplicity

i. Single-minded, straightforward

ii. Without ulterior motive / intent

b. Godly sincerity

i. Pure, unmixed by wickedness or evil intent

ii. Reflects the person of God Himself

c. By the grace of God

Not with fleshly wisdom

3. Paul’s testimony would reflect the same qualities

a. Simplicity

b. Godly sincerity

c. Living by the grace of God

PAUL’S CONFIDENCE IN THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH

13 For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end 14 (as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.   2 Corinthians 1:13-14

1. The detractors sought to sow division by speaking against Paul and his team

2. Paul wrote to the church directly

a. He was not writing any other things than what is read or understood

b. He trusts that they will understand even to the end

3. Paul’s sense of confidence in the Corinthian church

a. They were his boast

b. As he and his team were theirs

c. He was confident that they would receive his testimony well

RELEVANT LESSONS FOR THE CHURCH

1. There will always be detractors in the church

2. What they will seek to do

a. They are opportunistic

b. They will sow division when the chance arises

3. Our defence as a church

a. Our conscience

i. An internal moral compass

ii. This must be further strengthened by our faith in the Lord

b. Our conduct

i. Marked by simplicity and godly sincerity

ii. Living by the grace of God

c. Our confidence in one another

i. This must be built up very strongly within the church

ii. Both among the leaders and the congregation