Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

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

a. How we may find comfort from God in times of tribulation

b. How we may learn lessons of faith to face difficult times

2. Today’s focus – the promises of God

a. Context

i. Paul had planned to visit the Corinthian church twice, but he changed his plans   (2 Corinthians 1:15)

ii. His detractors used this to accuse him of being fickle and worldly   (2 Corinthians 1:16-17)

iii. They sought to undermine his character and integrity as a servant of God!

b. Paul’s response to the Corinthian church

i. He explained his reasons for not visiting them

ii. He also used this opportunity to teach them vital truths concerning the promises of God

c. Questions we want to consider

i. How did Paul understand the promises of God?

ii. How did his understanding of God’s promises impact his life and ministry?

CERTAINTY OF GOD’S PROMISES BEING FULFILLED

18 But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No.

20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

2 Corinthians 1:18, 20

1. God is a faithful God

a. He always keeps His promises

i. His promises to Abraham

ii. His promises to Moses

iii. His promises to David

iv. His promises to all His children

b. He will never let a word that goes forth from His mouth return to Him void – it shall accomplish what He pleased!   (Isaiah 55:11)

2. Paul had come to appreciate the certainty of God’s promises

a. God made some promises to Paul

b. Paul had experienced them being fulfilled in his own life

c. He could now speak of God’s promises with great confidence

i. It is “Yes” and “Amen”!

ii. What God promises, He will certainly fulfil!

d. He drew much comfort in the certainty of God’s promises

e. He sought to be faithful to his word, just as God is faithful

GOD’S PROMISES ARE CENTRED IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. 20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

2 Corinthians 1:19-20

1. The Lord Jesus Christ

a. He is the Son of God

b. He did not come to destroy, but to fulfil the Word of God   (Matthew 5:17)

c. All that He said will by no means pass away   (Matthew 24:35)

2. All the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen

a. All of God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ

i. Promise of salvation

ii. Promise to be children of God

iii. Promise of God’s presence with us

iv. Promise of divine power

v. Promise of every spiritual blessing

b. It is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that we become partakers of God’s promises!

3. Paul was deeply committed to preaching the Lord Jesus for this reason!

CONFIRMATION BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22

1. God is the One who

a. Establishes us in Christ

b. Anointed us

i. For salvation

ii. For service

2. He does this by giving us the Holy Spirit

a. He is our Seal

b. He is our Guarantee

3. Paul’s experience of the Holy Spirit anointing and establishing him

a. Great power to preach

b. Deep spiritual wisdom

c. Spiritual gifts

d. Signs and wonders and mighty deeds

e. Leading and guidance in ministry

CHALLENGE FOR US ALL

1. Let us be committed to building our life and ministry upon the promises of God

a. To know His great and precious promises for us

b. To trust that God will certainly fulfil all that He says to us

c. To cultivate our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ

d. To seek the Holy Spirit’s leading and guidance in our life

2. May we discover the blessings that come from building our lives on His promises!

a. Comfort in tribulations

b. Confidence in life and ministry