03 Christian Comfort and Encouragement

2 Corinthians 1v8-11

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 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. 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. 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. (ESV)

Background:

Encouragement in Greek means ‘Called to one’s side to help’. In spite of Paul’s personal challenges and suffering, this Epistle is brim-full with comfort and encouragement. Paul’s goal was for the Corinthians to trust in God and not rely on themselves.  Relying on God brings mercy, redemption and deliverance.

  1. Despair of the Saints
    Hopelessness – looking at the world, knowing that you are weaker than they are.
    Paul and his companions despaired of life itself – seeing no way out. It affected them so that they despaired of life itself. In spite of this he testified to the sustaining power of God.
    In Acts Paul embarked on many missionary travels (e.g. Acts 19 – confronted by the copper smiths). The world knows that Christianity has everything that they want, but they want to grab it without Christ.

  2. Dependence of the Saints
    a. Denial of self – brought about by God to teach them not to rely on themselves. Prov. 3:5 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.” Also see Jer. 17:5, Prov. 28:26, Prov. 14:12, Psalm 20:7.
    b. Dependence on the Saviour. In Romans 4 from verse 17 Paul speaks of Abraham’s faith and dependence on God’s promise for a son. Anything that we do that is not the design of God is “Hagar-ism” – it’s self-reliance. I’ll speak about this tonight.

  3. Deliverance of the Saints
    a. Help in the Past – See Psalm 34:4.
    b. Hope for the Future – He will deliver us (2 Tim. 4:18). God’s Grace and Hope remain. Christian hope is like the wings of an eagle. It lifts us up to the heights where God wants us as believers.

  4. Devotion and Collective Prayer
    The power of prayer in battle.
    Important to truly pray for one another.

In the midst of our despair Paul emphasises the importance of dependence on God – to look for the deliverance that will come and to devote ourselves to God and one another in prayer and love. That is how Christians live the life that is found in Christ alone.