2 CORINTHIANS 1:8-11 – FACING REALITY!

  • How real was the persecution of Christians in the days of the apostle Paul?
  • How real is the persecution of Christians in the world right now?
  • Let’s review last week’s verses, Comfort in Uncomfortable Situations:
  • Who God Is – 1 Corinthians 1:3
  • What God Does – 1 Corinthians 1:4a, 5
  • Why God Does It – 1 Corinthians 1:4b, 6-7
  • Paul reinforces his words with the reality of his own suffering, and the comfort that God gives.

AFFLICTION IS REAL! – 2 Corinthians 1:8

  • Although there has been much speculation as to what Paul’s affliction was, nobody knows for sure. Perhaps it was physical persecution or illness.
  • This had him “burdened beyond measure”, like a beast of burden whose load is much too heavy.
  • It is likely that this event is not recorded in the Scriptures.
  • It was so severe Paul despaired for his life. Depression might also have been a factor.

TRUST IS REAL! – 2 Corinthians 1:9-10

  • Perhaps Paul was relying on himself to some degree.
  • God placed him where he had nothing to hope for in this situation.
  • He had to trust God who raises the dead. Proverbs 3:5-6
  • Not only does God literally raise the dead if we should die, but He also delivers from death-like situations when we come to the end of ourselves.
  • When a situation is so bad that we’re dead to any hope of it being corrected, God can bring “beauty out of ashes.”

DELIVERANCE IS REAL! – 2 Corinthians 1:9-10

  • God delivered Paul from this great trouble.
  • God could and would deliver him again.
  • Ultimate deliverance is in the resurrection. Job 19:25-27

INTERCESSORY PRAYER IS REAL! – 2 Corinthians 1:11

  • God has granted us the privilege of “helping” in our prayers, so that when prayer is answered, many are praising God!
  • Intercessory prayer is our responsibility as Christians. Ephesians 6:18, 1 Timothy 2:1-8, Hebrews 13:3
  • Christians who are being persecuted especially need our prayers.