2 Corinthians 1:1-2:2
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A Proper Perspective
A Proper Perspective
Good morning church! It is so good to be back home with our church family, yet it was with some sadness that we left the state of Florida, to return to Maine, because we have family there too, brothers and sisters in the Lord. For those of you that don’t know, we didn’t just sneak off to stick our toes in the water and feet in the sand, not that there is anything wrong with that, but the majority of this trip was spent attending a pastor’s conference, designed specifically for husbands and wives called to ministry together. It was both challenging and refreshing as it should be.
For those of you that knew that and prayed for us, we want to thank you! If you didn’t know it, you either haven’t been to prayer meeting on Sunday mornings, or we didn’t tell you because we thought you might break into out house if you knew we were gone.
I was blessed by the teaching that you received while we were gone, I expected a few more complaints about Nick ending early, but then realized he made up for it in the length of his Growth Group questions, so you all wouldn’t feel cheated. Thank you to both Sean and Nick for loving this church and being faithful to the Word of God.
This morning we are going to begin the book of 2 Corinthians, one of my favorite books of the Bible, and no I don’t say that about every book, but I do about this one as it is true for a number of reasons. I also think it is one of the most overlooked books in the New Testament. One of the things that I love about this book is that of all the New Testament books Paul wrote, I think 2 Corinthians most reveals his heart to us as a pastor. His love for the church, his love for the lost, and his love for his countrymen. Before we begin, I want to pray for our study, but also for the people and events that are going on this morning in Europe.
Let’s begin with Paul’s greeting to the church...
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I don’t want to spend a ton of time on background you guys know this church was located in the middle of two sea ports, it was the center of commerce in both goods and vice. Known as a metropolis of culture as well as a sin city, if you desired it, it was there to be found. This was a church that the Apostle had personally planted and spent 18 months with them, loving them, teaching and instructing them, and then moved on to other missionary journeys. False teachers moved in, they began to question and challenge, not just the teaching of Paul, but even his Apostolic authority. Portions of the Corinthian church, along with those in Ephesus, began to claim that Paul wasn’t even a legitimate Apostle, that he was self appointed, or self declared. Similar to what happens today, when someone gets a little education, or attends seminary and then declares themselves to be a Pastor, when the Lord never called them to that ministry. Well that was one of the accusations being made against Paul, and it was hurtful to him.
Many of you have been wrongfully accused, in your lives. All of us have been accused, and when an accusation is earned and rightful, it may be embarrassing, or shameful, but it is owned. When you are serving the Lord righteously, sacrificially, and someone makes a false accusation out of jealousy, or perhaps a desire to elevate themselves, and discount what the Lord is doing in you, that can be hurtful.
In some of Paul’s letters, he writes, Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, I believe Romans begins that way, as well as Titus. But here he starts with reaffirming that he is an apostle, not by his own doing, but by the will of God, and he is writing with Timothy, writing to this church in Corinth, with all the saints in uh·chai·uh, and I believe he is writing to us here in Old Town as well. I say that because Paul wrote other letters to the church in Corinth that we don’t have. We know there was a letter written before 1 Corinthians that has been lost, then we have 1st Corinthians which I said a number of times when we went through it that it was a corrective letter.
History shows us that it wasn’t well received, there was a sorrowful visit that we read about in chapter 13 of this book, followed by a severe letter that chapter 2 tells us was difficult for Paul to write, it was written with tears, but they responded to it, and now Paul writes this letter, and the Lord thought it would be a benefit to us to read the mail sent to the church in Corinth, so it has been preserved in the Scriptures for us to learn from and apply to our lives.
If I had to pick a theme for this book, I would pull it from the next couple of verses in chapter one, and say it is God’s Comfort in the Middle of Our Suffering
It rhymes with Buffering, but has nothing to do with slow internet speeds....God’s comfort in the Middle of Our Suffering! And there is no secret as to why Paul wrote the letter because he tells us in the last chapter of the letter…2 Cor 13:10
10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.
To build you up, not to destroy you, he wishes them grace and peace as Paul does in every one of his New Testament letters. 2 Cor 1:2
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
In every letter, and always in this order as you can’t experience the peace of God, until you’ve experienced the grace of God. Charis or Grace was the common Greek
greeting of the day, and Peace of course comes from Shalom or the Hebrew or Jewish greeting in Paul’s day. So grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. For the sake of clarity, that is not the First, middle and last name of Jesus. Jesus is His name. Lord is His title, He is Lord, and Paul wants Jesus to be our Lord, I often say that means He’s the boss of our life, He’s in charge. Many of us want Salvation, Jesus you can save me from Hell and torment, but I’m the boss thank you. Unfortunately, that’s just not how it works. In the book of Romans Paul writes, Romans 10:9
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
He is the Master and I am His servant, and finally, Christ is His mission, He was sent by God as the Savior, the prophesied Messiah, He is the fulfillment of God’s promise of Salvation, He is the Christ.
I want to point something else out here again in verse 2, 2 Cor 1:2
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
That in this letter that Paul is his most vulnerable, His desire over everything else is that we would experience grace and peace that comes from allowing Jesus to be Lord of all, Lord above all. Last week Nick shared about hindering the Holy Spirit and holding back, well that describes the bulk of the Christian church today gang!
I want to show you one thing from the first letter for a couple of reasons. The biggest is just to show you that this book is living and powerful. That all the time I see things that are brand new, but they’ve always been there. 1st Corinthians 9 is where I’m going with this. Just a few weeks ago I taught this passage from this stage, about Paul’s willingness to lay down his wants, his desires, his preferences to reach the nations, to win them to Christ and I talked about it, simply in the context of getting them saved, but I think there’s more to it than that…look at it with me. 1 Cor 9:19-21
19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;
20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;
21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;
Now check out verse 22 with me…1 Cor 9:22
22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
He doesn’t say to win the sick, or to win the lost, Paul says that I might win the weak, the weak Christian, the just barely, the one still drinking milk. Paul says that’s not good enough, he wants to win them completely! To disciple them and grow them into full maturity and full surrender in Jesus, that they wouldn’t resist all that God has for them and settle for less than His very best. That’s the heart of Paul the pastor, and that’s the heart of this pastor. Look at verse 3 with me. 2 Cor 1:3-5
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
Who does He comfort? It rhythms with Bus. Who comforts US in all our tribulation, US means us Brothers and Sisters, Christians. If you want to find the comfort of God, it starts with a personal relationship with Jesus. Does God love everybody? Yes, For God so loved the World that He sent His Son Jesus, But…to who does He promise to comfort here? Those that are saved, His comfort is for those that follow Him. Can you ask God for comfort in a time of trial if you are not one who follows Him? Of course you can, you can ask, but be aware of this…Proverbs 28:9
9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.
The New Living Translation that is supposed to be easier to understand, makes it plan, but no less harsh. Prov 28:9
9 God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.
So if you are looking for the comfort of God, begin by asking, have I entered into a personal relationship with Jesus? That’s the place to start. Notice it doesn’t say He’ll take all your problems away. He will provide you comfort that can be found nowhere else. SO am I part of the US that Paul is talking about? Do I just believe there might be a God in Heaven or do I have a personal relationship with Jesus and I am following Him, obeying Him? And look what he says again in verse 4, why does He comfort us? Is is just so we won’t feel yucky anymore? No, we find out it’s not about us. In fact if life is all about you, it’s going to be yucky, most of the time! The world and the people around you won’t live up to your expectations. 2 Cor 1:4
4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Remember I titled our message today
A Proper Perspective...
A Proper Perspective...
I want you to see that Paul was a man that suffered, and he’s real about it. He didn’t pretend that life was a rose garden, but he had a proper perspective. A proper perspective and expectations. He knew that as a Christian there would be suffering, and not just consequences for doing stupid stuff that we bring on ourselves, everyone gets that, but as a Christian, one of the promises that we get, it there will be suffering. But we have to have a proper perspective to know what that is.
There are some that think they are suffering, and I’m not just talking about Yankee fans here, some that think they are suffering when their team gets knocked out of the playoffs, or their vehicle breaks down again, or things don’t go their way. That is not suffering, and again, Paul is not telling us to bury our heads in the sand and see everything through rose colored glasses, bad new is really bad news. A diagnoses can be bad news, can be tribulation. In fact the word that he uses here if far greater than bad news, but it speaks of pressure, anguish, a crushing, some Bible scholars relate it to a form of ancient common law punishment, where an offender would have a board put across his chest as he laid on his back and had stones or weights added, until they would have to expel breath, and the crushing of the weight wouldn’t allow them to take in any new air.
Sometimes a heart attack is described as feeling like an elephant is sitting on your chest, that kind of pressure where that is the only thing you can think about, pressure that is all consuming, Paul says when you’ve got nothing left but God, that’s right where He’ll comfort you, so you know it could only be Him.
Perspective matters. Paul’s perspective was about two things, the Kingdom of God, and getting as many people in as possible. When our perspective is all about the trial and how it effects us, we begin to assume the worst can scenario is right around the corner. When our perspective is messed up, or our focus is on us, it can turn our greatest fears into our present reality, with no actual change in circumstances.
Paul is talking about crushing tribulation and in the same sentence says God comforts us for the sake of others, so we can serve others. When our perspective is messed up all we see is us and how yucky everything is. We stop seeing the blessings in life, the blessings that are everywhere, because we fear what’s next as our focus is on the negative.
Did Paul know what he was talking about? This was a guy that had rocks thrown at him, until he was dead, or they thought he was dead. Acts 14:19-20
19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.
20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
Paul knew suffering, later in this letter, I don’t want to cover it all today, but he gives a whole list of real tribulations that he endured for the sake of the Gospel. Besides being stoned, he was beaten with rods, shipwrecked three times, he talks about perils or grave dangers at sea, in the wilderness, from the gentiles, from his own countrymen, and then he shows he can even relate to us...
27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—
Paul even knew the tribulation of being a Mainer in the cold. That God will comfort us in that tribulation..
2 Corinthians 1:4–5 (NKJV)
4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
Just as sure as we can be of sufferings, Paul says our consolation or our comfort will abound. I will move on, but I also want you to notice that you don’t have to have experienced the exact same tribulation to comfort someone in trouble, you just need to have experienced comfort from God, so that you can comfort them with that same comfort. Verse 6 further reveals Paul’s heart…2 Cor :1:6
6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
Do you guys understand what Paul is saying? If we are suffering its for your comfort and salvation, which is effective or real help, not some false promise or gimmick, but if we suffer, you’re going to get to see Jesus comfort us in a way that doesn’t otherwise make sense and that is going to help you to be able to endure when you’re feeling crushed under the pressure of tribulation.
7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
Paul says if we suffer its for your good and salvation, if we don’t suffer, or are comforted, that’s good for you guys as well. Talk about having your eyeballs looking in the right direction! Paul life is no longer his own, but is just a tool for the Lord to use to save others. But just so you don’t think he’s fake or phony or doesn’t feel stuff or suffer emotionally, lets read on…2 Cor 1:8-11
8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.
9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,
10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,
11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
The guy who wrote part of the Bible, an Apostle, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gets real with us and says he was burdened beyond measure, past what he had strength for, had the sentence of death in himself, meaning he thought he would die in the trial, and I don’t think its too much of a stretch when he writes despaired even of life that dying seemed easier than living. But then in verse 9 2 Cor 1:9
2 Corinthians 1:9 (NKJV)
9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,
who delivered us, does deliver us, and will still deliver us, and your that prayed for us…2 Cor 1:11
11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
Your prayer made a difference, and was an incredible gift given to us. Paul transitions here in defense of the accusations made against him that we wasn’t a real Apostle, that he couldn’t be counted on. That he wasn’t a reed blowing in the wind, making fickle decisions…he speaks with sincerity here....verse 12 2 Cor 1:12-15
12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.
13 For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end
14 (as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.
15 And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit—
No hidden agenda, no fancy marketing, no bait and switch, what you see is what you get. And just so you know, I really did intend to come to you before, and here’s the truth of why I didn’t…I intended to come and to .....2 Cor 1:16-19
16 to pass by way of you to Macedonia, to come again from Macedonia to you, and be helped by you on my way to Judea.
17 Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No?
18 But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No.
19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes.
We shared Jesus with you, who is truth, and that should mean something…2 Cor 1:20-22
20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,
22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
No remember how seriously the Bible speaks about taking oaths…Paul doesn’t have to here, but it appears that he does…2 Cor 1:23-24
23 Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth.
24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.
IT wasn’t out of selfish reasons or lack of desire that I didn’t come, but it was to spare you. This may have been due to the persecution Paul was facing, but more likely it was the bad report he got back concerning their reception of his first letter. Had I come, it would have been bad, a harsh rebuke, Not that we have dominion over your faith, Paul says I’m not your Lord, Jesus is, I’m a co-laborer with you to serve you and help you for your joy for by faith you stand, I think this is a bad chapter break, so two more verses…2 Cor 2:1-2
1 But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow.
2 For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?
Paul is saying it’s no good if every time I see you guys its all bad new, all a big rebuke. I love you guys, you bring me joy, it’s no good if all I do is make you sorrowful, so I waited and sent another letter and is overjoyed it was received. One more thing on our perspective. We are aware of Paul’s list of suffering, and that he, like us experienced cold. That he suffered at least at one point so badly, that the crushing tribulation made him think he was going to die and if he didn’t die, he didn’t know if he had it in him to keep living, despaired even of life…let’s end with Paul putting that crushing affliction into a proper perspective for us…in the forth chapter of this letter Paul writes....2 Cor 4:17-18
2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (NKJV)
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
rhythms with Bemporary......rhythms with forever and ever....eternal.