2 Corinthians 1:8-11 Learning from Trials

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed… —1 Corinthians 15:51 In this morning's sermon text, Paul continues his theme of comfort by recounting some of his trials, trials so burdensome that he "despaired of life itself." But he urges the Corinthians to set their hope on "God who raises the dead." We face affliction, just as Paul did, but we have his same hope. Though we live in a world where the reality of death often seems to veil our Savior's face, He abides with us still. Jesus hears our sighs and counts our tears, just as He wept with Mary and Martha—and He calls us up from the tomb along with Lazarus. He has conquered death, it reigns no more, and its sting is lost forever. Because He presides over the death of deaths and hell's destruction, our anxious fears are transformed into songs of praises. Christ's comfort swallows up death in victory. For all who grieve, the greatest comfort is relying on the God who, as Psalm 68 puts it, brings "deliverance from death." —Henry C. Haffner & Emma Marsh 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, 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. Bulletin Key Words: Affliction, Burden, Despair, Death, Deliver, Hope, Help, Thanks Keystone Verse: 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. (2 Corinthians 1:9)