[:en]SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 1
“Praise be to the God and Father of our God Jesus Christ, the Father of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
INTRODUCTION:
“When Titus brought Paul good news that the Corinthian believers were willing to change and obey God’s word, Paul wrote this letter expressing his comfort and sufferings. He poured his feelings and commanded the church to discipline the offender. He also asserted his apostolic authority and aired out his motives. He encouraged the church to share in the offering for the Jerusalem saints.
THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT (vs. 3-11)
Paul explained why God permits believers to suffer:
- To be able to comfort others (v. 4)
- To produce patient endurance (v. 6)
- To rely on God (v. 9)
- To have confidence in God of his deliverance (v. 10a)
- To set our hope that our prayers will be answered (v. 10b)
- To give thanks for His gracious promises that have been fulfilled (v. 11)
PAUL’S CHANGE OF PLAN (vs. 12-24)
Paul explained that his change of plan to visit them was sincere and with pure motive. He affirmed that the Word of God is trustworthy and all His promises are “Yes” not “No” in Jesus Christ. In other words, all promises of God are true and He will fulfill them if we have faith in claiming them.
In closing, he urged the believers “to stand firm in Christ”. For He had anointed us, set his seal of ownership in us and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (vs. 21-22)
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