September 8, 2024
Evening Service

Since Paul’s first letter, the church at Corinth, has been swayed by false teachers, teaching against the Apostle, and his authority.  Paul sent Titus to Corinth to deal with these problems.  Paul is writing this letter to thank the ones who have repented, and to encourage those who have not, to accept his authority.  The first letter was sent by Timothy, and he returned with the events that were going on in Corinth.  This is what prompted the Apostle to write the letter from Ephesus, to encourage the leadership of the church to discipline the leader of the opposition.  Titus carried this letter to the church at Corinth.  Upon Titus’s return, he reported that steps were being made to correct the problems.  Paul was much relieved.  This took place around 56AD.  Then the Apostle made a trip to Corinth, and this is when he wrote his letter to the Romans.  It appears Paul thought this church needed two letters, as did Thessalonica.  Both of these churches are located in the land of Macedonia, where when Paul was in Asia Minor, he received a vision saying “come over to us.”  This is when he started his work in Macedonia.   You can read all about this in the book of Acts.  Let’s jump right into chapter one with Paul’s signature greeting.

2Co 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia: (2) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

            Most of Pau’s letters begin with this style of introduction as he clearly states the writer and who the letter is addressed to.  In this case he emphasizes the fact of his apostleship and that he was called to that position, not by men, but “”by the will of God.”  This is done in response to those wrongfully questioning his status within this church which he addresses often in this letter.  He then adds in his blessing of “grace and peace” to be given from the Lord; a blessing for the best things God has to offer them.

 

2Co 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, (4) who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

            Paul praises the Lord that He is “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.”  Paul led a life full of affliction, conflict and persecution, he first-hand knows the mercy God bestows and blesses Him for it.  He also blesses God for the comfort given to him through these many tribulations.

            Notice also that he shows us the result the comfort from God is to bring upon us.  “That we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”  God comforts us, so we can comfort others who are enduring similar troubles.  Our affliction being comforted by God creates a ministry for us to comfort others.  Just another way God takes something ugly and makes it beautiful.  He goes deeper into this point.

 

2Co 1:5-7 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.  (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.

            Paul is saying here that his sufferings and God’s comfort is a two headed coin.  When he is able to endure affliction, that creates for us an example for us encouraging us that we can endure it also.  When he is comforted by God, that also creates consolation for us that God will do the same for us.  Our suffering and comfort from God become our testimony.  A cancer survivor has to endure many hardships from the symptoms of the cancer, to the diagnosis, and through the treatment given them.  That experience becomes part of their story.  They can explain how God comforted them through the process, but also how they were able to physically and mentally endure the pain of that journey as well.  That person’s testimony is a consolation to the another one as they begin a similar journey.  Our experiences through difficult times, becomes the basis for our ministry as we said before; ugly to beautiful.

            When going through a trial like that, try to mindful of what God is showing you in the pain.  Have your eyes upon Him and your heart open to receive what He is showing you through the trial.  “All things work together for the good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28)  He has purpose for the pain, look for it.

            Paul now begins to explain what troubles he has endured that brought him to this point of sharing this with the church at Corinth at this time.

 

2Co 1:8-11For 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.  (9)  Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, (10) who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, (11) 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.

            The struggles he faced were so great that at times they even wondered if this was the end for them.  It is difficult to determine what specific events Paul is speaking of here.  It could have been the riot he experienced in Ephesus, a sickness, or perhaps he is referring to the disturbing news he had received about the church here in Corinth.  Whatever it was it led Paul to trust solely in God for deliverance not year to year, not week to week, but moment to moment even breath to breath. 

            Can you relate to that?  You are not concerned with your retirement years, or vacation next year, or even issues that may occur next week.  Trouble, tribulation and trials have you pinned down so tight that you don’t even know if you will be able to survive the day!  You have nowhere to turn but to God, and He is there to deliver you.  Paul trusted God as should we.

            Paul then thanks the church for their support for him through their prayers that played a key part in his delivery.  Prayers are so powerful for those who are struggling.  You feel those prayers knowing you are not alone.  Never underestimate their impact. 

 

 Jas 5:16 The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

            Paul now explains why he had confidence that the church was praying for him despite those there who spoke against him and questioned his authority.

 

2Co 1:12-14 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.  (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.

            Paul trusted them to cover him in prayer because they knew him and had been ministered to by him.  He says he conducted himself in “simplicity, godly sincerity, and through the eyes of God’s grace.”  He did not come to them with a “holier than thou” attitude or with hidden agenda but came in a transparent way being open and honest with them at all times in his teachings and dealing with them.  He goes deeper explaining his plans and how they worked out.

 

2Co 1:15-20 And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit— (16) to pass by way of you to Macedonia, to come again from Macedonia to you, and be helped by you on my way to Judea.  (17)  Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No?  (18)  But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No.  (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.

            Paul had plans for a trip into Macedonia that would allow him to stop at Corinth on his way in and out, giving them a double blessing, but it must not have worked out just as he planned. He must have received some criticism for this perhaps saying his words were not reliable.  He reminds them that God is the One in control as our plans may not come to fruition, but God’s plan always come through.  Our words may fail, but Paul emphasizes that “all the promises of God in Him (Jesus) are Yes and Amen to the glory of God through us.”  Paul always yielded to God’s will not his own as we should do as well.

            Paul now closes the chapter with some powerful encouragement.

 

2Co 1:21-24 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.  (23)  Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth.  (24)  Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.

            Paul here speaks of the unity he, the Corinthians and we share together.  God establishes us, anoints us, and seals us with the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.  We all have our own unique story of our journey with Jesus, but we have many things in common.  We are all called by God and established in the faith through Him.  Our blessings and comforts all come from Him as He anoints us.  We are all sealed with the same Spirit which is our guarantee of our hope of eternal life.  We also all stand together in faith as fellow workers rejoicing together God moving among us.