The Epistles: Letters of Life
2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians 1:1-11: Comforted to Comfort
Partners in Comfort
“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 may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (verses 3-4)
παράκλησις (par-ak'-lay-sis): properly, a call (urging), done by someone "close beside," i.e. a personal exhortation that delivers the "evidence that stands up in God's court." Legal advocate. ("holy urging") is used of the Lord directly motivating and inspiring believers to carry out His plan, delivering His particular message to someone else.
“If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
1 Corinthians 12:26, ESV
Partners in Affliction
“For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 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. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” (verses 5-7)
Don’t see Eternity in light of the temporary; see the temporary in light of eternity!
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33, NLT
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4, ESV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT
Partners in Prayer
“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.” (verse 11)
“Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:19-20, ESV
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