The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Corinth 1:3-7 – “Christ's Life & Ministry Allows Suffering but Provides Comfort - Part 1" 2 Corinth 1:3 - “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,” How’s this for an uplifting beginning! Is this the manner in which you approach the Lord? To some extent this reflects one major or several intervening trials that Paul experienced between composing his 2 epistles to the church at Corinth. How does the Father of mercies relate to all comfort? John 1:16 - And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. James 1:17 - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with 1 January 15, 2016 Bob Eckel 1

The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Corinth 1:3-7 – “Christ's Life & Ministry Allows Suffering but Provides Comfort - Part 1" whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 2 Thess 2:16 - Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 2 Corinth 1:4 – “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.” Let’s first compare the comforts of (from, in) God to those of the world system. comfort, parakaleō – to console, encourage, strengthen by consolation. may be able to – present passive infinitive, basically He will. tribulation and trouble are the same Greek word - affliction. 2 January 15, 2016 Bob Eckel 2

The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Corinth 1:3-7 – “Christ's Life & Ministry Allows Suffering but Provides Comfort - Part 1" How can we comfort others with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God? Gal 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Have any of you had this opportunity? 2 Corinth 1:5 - “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.” Remember always Heb 4:15 - For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. But we need to put this on my faith, we are new creations in Christ Jesus and we have been crucified with Christ. 3 January 15, 2016 Bob Eckel 3

The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Corinth 1:3-7 – “Christ's Life & Ministry Allows Suffering but Provides Comfort - Part 1" 1 Peter 4:13 - but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. Rom 8:17 - and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Phil 3:10 - that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, Our triumph here is a matter of citizenship. Could our sufferings here begin because of our ‘business address’? consolation is not a 2nd best but relates to our comfort that He only provides. abounds – to exist in abundance, present active indicative 2 Corinth 1:6 - “Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which 4 January 15, 2016 Bob Eckel 4

The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Corinth 1:3-7 – “Christ's Life & Ministry Allows Suffering but Provides Comfort - Part 1" we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.” First, all verbs in this verse are in the present tense, and all but is effective (infinitive) are indicative. How do my and your sufferings effect (work to benefit) your consolation and salvation? And forgive me, but this is a good place to tell you of a section of this epistle that historically and still has been very special to me! 2 Corinth 4:17,18 - For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 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. Corinth 1:7 - “And our hope for you is steadfast, 5 January 15, 2016 Bob Eckel 5

The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Corinth 1:3-7 – “Christ's Life & Ministry Allows Suffering but Provides Comfort - Part 1" because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.” What does it mean to have steadfast hope, and this is based on knowing others’ consolation to follow? knowing is eido, factual Phil 1:7 - just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. Rom 8:18 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. KEEP LOOKING DOWN, THAT’S WHERE HE HAS US! 6 January 15, 2016 Bob Eckel 6