The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians. Message Two

I. The Explanation of his actions. 1:3-2:13

Paul was not one that sought trouble and had no desire to be a martyr. Trouble faced him and followed him everywhere because of his testimony for the Lord and the preaching of the truth. This trouble was not unique to Paul. We are told about the threats and the beatings that Peter and John endured. The death of the deacon Stephen, even with the approval of Saul, and later the murder of the Apostle James, brother to John.
We also read of the danger faced by the believers in the the churches of Thessalonica –

1 Thessalonians 3:2-4 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

– and individuals such as Aquila and Priscilla who it is said that they laid their lives on the line for the ministry – “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks…”

The Comforter of Paul was the Comforter of all these and they were blessed together by God.
He continues his letter to them by reminding them that it is of God that they are all in this facing danger in the world and receiving blessings from God. Here Paul is –

A. Rejoicing in the blessings of God. 1 Corinthians 1:3-7

1. The comfort is of God. 1 Corinthians 1:3 He is “The Comforter”!

John 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Ephesians 2:14 “For he is our peace…” –

2. The comfort is sufficient. 1 Corinthians 1:4a “…all our tribulation…”

As believers we share many blessings that come only through the relationship with God –

a. We share in salvation.
Hearing the Word of God – the only means of salvation.

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

b. Conviction: The work of the Holy Spirit –

John 16:7-11 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

c. Repentance and confession of sin –

1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

d. Calling upon the Lord for salvation –

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

We are all the same in this.
We share the blessings of God, not because of who we are, but because of who he is!

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

We share the service –

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

We share in provision –

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

We share protection. This does not mean that we are not going to be hurt, injured, or die, but that God is with us through all of these things, His grace being sufficient and we will reach our promised destination – eternal life in His presence, serving Him in Heaven.

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

3. The comfort is shared. 1 Corinthians 1:4b-7

Derivatives of the word ‘consolation’ are used eleven times in five verses. We have the privilege of being blessed together. Paul has been sharing that he, along with all of the other beleivers, has been blessed above measure by the Lord. We have this blessing ourselves To receive these blessings of God, you must be saved – be a child of God. Have you trusted Him?