1. Paul’s Struggle

2. Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord, I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia. 2 Corinthians 2:12-13 Paul’s struggle in 2 Corinthians 2-4 Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). –2:12 The Troas story  Begins in 1:8,9 “Despaired of life…”  Continues in 2:4 “Affliction, anxiety, tears…” For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves… 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears… 2 Corinthians 2:4

3. Paul’s struggle in 2 Corinthians 2-4 Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). –2:12 The Troas story –2:13 “I had no rest for my spirit”  “Great Distress!”  Psychological, Spiritual intense struggle!  Leaves behind an “Opportunity for Ministry…” !?! If you Let Yourself Care about People… Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. Matthew 16:24

4. Paul’s struggle in 2 Corinthians 2-4 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5 This brings suffering… The Heart of Ministry…

5. Paul’s struggle in 2 Corinthians 2-4 Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s answer to suffering (2:14-17). Paul’s answer to suffering (2:14-17). –God leads us into Triumph! (2:14). But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ… 2 Corinthians 2:14

6. Paul’s struggle in 2 Corinthians 2-4 Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s answer to suffering (2:14-17). Paul’s answer to suffering (2:14-17). –God leads us in Triumph! (2:14). –The ‘aroma of JESUS CHRIST’ (2:15). Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 (NLT) "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.“ John 13:35

7. Paul’s struggle in 2 Corinthians 2-4 Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s answer to suffering (2:14-17). Paul’s answer to suffering (2:14-17). –God leads us in Triumph! (2:14). –The ‘aroma of JESUS CHRIST’ (2:15). –Our adequacy comes from God (2:16) And who is adequate for these things? 2 Corinthians 2:16 Ministry is glorious only when God is involved…

8. Paul’s struggle in 2 Corinthians 2-4 Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s answer to suffering (2:14-17). Paul’s answer to suffering (2:14-17). –God leads us in Triumph! (2:14). –The ‘aroma of JESUS CHRIST’ (2:15). –Our adequacy comes from God (2:16) –Working before God (2:17). “We speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God. 2:17 “Clear + Direct” “You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit …”

9. Paul’s struggle in 2 Corinthians 2-4 Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s answer to suffering (2:14-17). Paul’s answer to suffering (2:14-17). Paul’s confidence in ministry (3:1-4) Paul’s confidence in ministry (3:1-4) –Not desperate self-affirmation (3:2) 3:1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 3:2 the only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves! Your lives are a letter written in our hearts, and everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you.

10. Paul’s struggle in 2 Corinthians 2-4 Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s answer to suffering (2:14-17). Paul’s answer to suffering (2:14-17). Paul’s confidence in ministry (3:1-4) Paul’s confidence in ministry (3:1-4) –Not desperate self-affirmation (3:2) –A deep, personal, unwavering conviction. –Real lives, real people affected! (3:2) Your lives are a letter written in our hearts! First, are they enthusiastic about their faith as Christians? Are they enthusiastic about this congregation? Are they enthusiastic about their pastor? Are they enthusiastic about what is happening in this congregation today? Such contagious enthusiasm is the most distinctive mark of the rapidly growing church… Lyle E. Schaller, “Evaluating the Potential for Growth” The Christian Ministry

11. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts! Paul’s struggle in 2 Corinthians 2-4 Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s intense period of suffering (2:12-13). Paul’s answer to suffering (2:14-17). Paul’s answer to suffering (2:14-17). Paul’s confidence in ministry (3:1-4) Paul’s confidence in ministry (3:1-4) –Not desperate self-affirmation (3:2) –A deep, personal, unwavering conviction. –Real lives, real people affected! (3:2)

12. The Glory of Ministry Carved Deep Inside! (3:3) Carved Deep Inside! (3:3) –Not “Doctor Appointment Ministry” –Willing to enter “Servanthood Suffering” 3:3 Clearly, you are a letter from Christ, cared for by us. It is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on stone, but on human hearts.

13. The Glory of Ministry Carved Deep Inside! (3:3) Carved Deep Inside! (3:3) –Not “Doctor Appointment Ministry” –Willing to enter “Servanthood Suffering” Carved by the Hand of God (3:3,4) Carved by the Hand of God (3:3,4) 3:3-4 …a letter from Christ…written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God… Such confidence we have through Christ toward God

14. The Glory of Ministry Carved Deep Inside! (3:3) Carved Deep Inside! (3:3) –Not “Doctor Appointment Ministry” –Willing to enter “Servanthood Suffering” Carved by the Hand of God (3:3,4) Carved by the Hand of God (3:3,4) –Such confidence in God! –Bold, fearless, unshaken confidence! 3:3-4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God

15. The Glory of Ministry: the Point Let God Carve Deep in Your Heart! 1.Open your heart to real Servanthood Suffering. 2.Behold the hand of God! –Look at the great people! –God has covered us! –God has validated us!