March 19, 2014
WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG
2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Amanda Guillot
Central Truth
God is our Father. He IS love. He IS compassion. He is reliable, and we are not!
Key Verse | 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God of All Comfort
3 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 affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 1 1:5 Or For as the sufferings of Christ abound for us, so also our comfort abounds through Christ 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, 2 1:8 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.
Footnotes
[1] 1:5 Or For as the sufferings of Christ abound for us, so also our comfort abounds through Christ[2] 1:8 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters
Dive Deeper | 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
I have spent a majority of my life constructing a "together" outward appearance. My face would reflect joy, but my heart ached on the inside. Early adulthood was marked by divorce, depression, suicide, and materialism. I found myself lost in a sea of anxiety and fear over my future. I was isolated, joyless, depressed, in debt, anxious, and exhausted. I sought comfort in the fleeting things of this world as I attempted to control my life. How thankful am I that God revealed Himself to me during this time! I was truly saved in the midst of a storm by a most compassionate God.
I love this section of Scripture. Paul, with Timothy by his side, recognizes human frailty. The Word tells us we will have trouble (John 16:33). Paul authentically spoke of his own difficulties. He and Timothy knew struggle and extreme pain from their travels, but they also knew that our God could raise the dead. What joy it is to believe that not even death can separate us from His love and comfort!
While my desire is often to seek comfort in the world, Paul reminds us of the true source of comfort and compassion. Our circumstances will always change, but God does not (Malachi 3:6). When we allow our Father to comfort us, His comfort will flow out of us to others who are suffering alongside you. When we receive His comfort and love, we are able to provide that same hope to others. While God doesn't always deliver us from our trouble, He does encourage us through it. He will work all for our good (Romans 8:28). Our suffering, when we rely on the Lord, equips us for the future. He strengthens and upholds us (Isaiah 41:10); His love is unfailing (Psalm 13:5); He consistently proves He is faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9); and our hope is secure. To comfort someone means to give strength and hope to that person and to ease his or her grief or trouble. I have never known a greater truth!
Discussion Questions
1. How do you define your life? Do you define it by your past possessions, achievements, or struggles or by your life in Christ?
2. When faced with a trial, what is your go-to response? What Scripture(s) can you memorize for encouragement in those moments?
3. Consider the times when you have experienced God's faithfulness. Keep a gratitude list of the things He has done for you, great and small!