The Unhindered Harvest Acts: The Unhindered Harvest

2nd Corinthians It is heartbreaking It is heartwarming It is irrefutable evidence It is autobiographical It is intensely intimate

2 Corinthians 2:1-6 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints who are throughout Achaia:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 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 will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort,

which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995

The Connections Visits Acts 18 Sorrowful visit (2:1) Anticipated visit (12:14)

The Connections Letters Previous letter (1 Cor. 5:9) 1st Corinthians Sorrowful letter (2 Cor. 2:4) 2nd Corinthians

The Occasion Question of motives (chapters 1-9) Question of authority (chapters 10-13) Reconciliation (2:3, 13:10)

Answers and Evidence The Charge (1:15-18) Defense -- His Heart Affliction (9 times) Glory (9 times) Sorrow (8 times) Comfort (10 times)

Answers and Evidence Defense -- His Ministry Faith (5:5-9) Fear (5:9-11) Love (5:12-15) Calling (5:18-20)

Answers and Evidence The Charge (10:7-11) Defense – Weakness (11:18-31) Defense – Humiliation (12:7-13)

Reaping the Harvest Examine yourselves! How do you view affliction and sorrow? Do you live your calling? Do you embrace God humbling you? Reaping the Harvest