Upgraded View of Suffering

2 Corinthians 1:3–7 CSB

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings that we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that as you share in the sufferings, so you will also share in the comfort.

Introduction

2 Corinthians 1:8–9 CSB

We don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction that took place in Asia. We were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength—so that we even despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.

I. Praise Upward

2 Corinthians 1:3 CSB

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.

A. God- Transcendent

B. Father- Immanent

C. Comforts us

mercies: οἰκτιρμός (oiktirmos). n. masc. compassion, care, concern. Indicates mercy or compassion toward people from the perspective of God or other human beings.

John Frederick, “Mercy and Compassion,” ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).II. Pain Inward

BDAG

display of concern over another’s misfortune, pity, mercy, compassion

Sense: a deep awareness of & sympathy for another’s suffering

Lamentations 3:22–24 CSB

Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! I say, “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in him.”

Ephesians 2:4–5 CSB

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!

Comfort: to cause someone to be encouraged or consoled, either by verbal or non-verbal means—‘to encourage, to console, encouragement.’

Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 305.

II. Pain Inward

2 Corinthians 1:4 CSB

He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

A. God is the Source of Comfort

B. All Afflictions

Affliction: θλῖψις (thlipsis). n. trouble, tribulation, oppression. Trouble or affliction that causes pressure.

Craig Allen Hill, “Suffering,” ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

Paul prefers to use the term thlipsis to denote the general difficulty associated with the troubles of life (Rom 5:3; 8:35; 2 Cor 1:4; 4:17).

John 16:33 CSB

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

Types of Afflictions

Spiritual

Economic (Job Loss, pay cut or more bills than money)

Relational (Husband & wife, Parent Child or Sibling rivalry)

Health

Emotional

Romans 12:12 CSB

Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

III. Purpose Outward

A. Comfort others

B. Conduit of God’s grace

2 Corinthians 1:4–5 CSB

He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

Philippians 3:10 CSB

My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death,

C. Produces patient endurance

2 Corinthians 1:6–7 CSB

If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings that we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that as you share in the sufferings, so you will also share in the comfort.

IV. Closing Petition

Psalm 86:11 CSB

Teach me your way, Lord, and I will live by your truth. Give me an undivided mind to fear your name.