INTRODUCTION

1. Sometimes, we focus too much on ourselves:

a) Our suffering

b) Our sorrow

c) Our misfortune etc.

2. The Challenge: To look at others who have suffered far worse

a) Paul offers glimpses of his personal suffering

b) This was not meant for self-glorification

c) This was meant for edification and instruction

 

THE SUFFERING OF THE APOSTLE PAUL

1. Ignorance is not bliss

“I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren” 2 Corinthians 1:8

a) Ignorance is never encouraged

i) We have a smaller view of faith and life

ii) We will not grow stronger/ wiser

b) Believers in the Church of Christ

i) Inter-connected

ii) We ought to know that we may be further edified

2. The “trouble” that Paul experienced

a) The word “trouble” 2 Corinthians 1:8a

b) Same word as “tribulation” 2 Corinthians 1:4

c) Specific context: In Asia Minor Acts 19 (The uproar in Ephesus)

 

A TESTIMONY WORTH SHARING

1. A candid recall

a) Mental

“Burdened beyond measure”  2 Corinthians 1:8b

b) Physical

“Above strength” 2 Corinthians 1:8c

c) Emotional

“We despaired even of life” 2 Corinthians 1:8d

 

2. Lessons Learned when one has “the sentence of death” 2 Corinthians 1:9a

a) No trust in self

“That we should not trust in ourselves” 2 Corinthians 1:9b

b) Greater trust in God

“But (trust) in God who raises the dead” 2 Corinthians 1:9c

c) Continuing lessons of trust in God

i) Past

He delivered us from so great a death  2 Corinthians 1:10a

ii) Present

And does deliver us (continuing) 2 Corinthians 1:10b

iii) Future

We trust that He will still deliver us  2 Corinthians 2:10c

3. Grateful acknowledgment

a) Prayer support from the brethren 2 Corinthians 1:11a

b) Thanksgiving is appropriate 2 Corinthians 1:11b

c) The gift granted 2 Corinthians 1:11c

i) The Gift of Life

ii) Practical support

 

OUR CHALLENGE

1. To be further encouraged to hold fast to our faith amidst tribulation

2. To edify others so that all may be further strengthened