Our Daily Scripture – 6/22/22

SCRIPTURE:  2 CORINTHIANS 1

INTRODUCTION:

After Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthian church because of their divisions and problems.  However, emembers in the church refused to change because they did not believe that Paul was an apostle of God.

When Paul received news from Titus that the believers in Corinth had realized their problems and willing to change, this good news made Paul wrtoe this second letter.

BIBLE VERSES:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.  Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (2 Corinthians 1:20-21)

THE GOD OF COMFORT (vs. 3-11)

Paul praised God for being the Father of compassion and God of all comfort.  Paul experienced interior suffering but Christ gave him grace he needed to withstand his suffering.  Paul explained that sufferings are not accidents.  They are divine appointments to make us rely more on Him and set our hope in Him.

PAUL’S CHANGE OF PLANS (vs. 12-24)

Originally, Paul planned to visit the Corinthian church to bring joy.   But he changed his plan not to make another painful visit.  He explained that it was not indecision but concerns for their feelings that forced him to change his plans.  Instead, he wrote letter with great distress and anguish heart to let him know his love for them.

THOUGHTS: 

  • Since God is the Father of compassion and God of all comfort, believers must also comfort those in trouble.  We find comfort in praying, in claiming the promise of the Word and in having deeper fellowship with the Lord.

 

  • PAUL GAVE US REASONS WHY GOD PERMITS HIS PEOPLE TO SUFFER:
  1. To comfort others (v. 4) – As we endure trials, idt brings spiritual benefit to us.  It also bless others as we show God’s comfort with them.
  2. To have confidence in God alone (v. 9) – Suffering teaches us to trust God and acknowledge his deliverance and enjoys peace and confidence.
  3. To claim the promises of God (v.20) – The promises of God are true in Christ.  He fulfills them and gives us the faith to claim them.  His promises is “Yes” and we say :Amen” for His glory.
  • Suffering makes us realize on our powerlessness without Him and our need for His constant help.  It makes us keep in touch with Him to draw the source of power in dealing with our problems.