Tag: 2nd Corinthians 1
Learning to rely on God!
Scripture reading for July 28th: 2nd Corinthians 1
Key scriptures for over-comers: 2nd Corinthians 1:8-11 “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”
Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand some of the hardships that he and his missions team endured as they ministered and preached the gospel in Asia. It was not easy! In fact, they had despaired even of life–expecting that they would die! They were in over their heads and their ability to endure, but as they learned to lean on God, He delivered them. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to pray for them because by prayer and faith of God’s people, God would continue to deliver them and His work would move forward!
Observations for over-comers: Living a life fully consecrated to God doesn’t mean we won’t face trouble or hardship. Persecution and hardship are part of the package! But God calls us to rely on Him and the prayers of God’s people for deliverance and victory! “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees. The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.” (Psalm 119:71-72)
God is faithful!
Scripture reading for July 29th: 2nd Corinthians 1
As Paul wrote this second letter to the Corinthians, he was being attacked by some in Corinth and others in Asia. His troubles were so severe that he said ‘we despaired even of life.’ (2nd Corinthians 1:8) But Paul assured the Corinthians of God’s faithfulness to him and also to them!
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God 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. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” (2nd Corinthians 1:3-5)
God had sustained Paul through his troubles. Paul understood that those that live a godly life following Christ will suffer. The sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives as well as we live a holy life, separated to God. But God also gives His people comfort! The word for comfort is “paraklesis” and has the meaning of a person who stands along side of someone and encourages them in their trouble. What a comfort to know that God is faithful to us in our time of need!
“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (2nd Corinthians 1:21) We have God on our side and He has given us a special gift–the Holy Spirit! The Spirit lives in our hearts, anointing us with God’s grace and comfort. We are assured that we belong to God and eternal life in Him is certain! God is faithful!