Comfort in Suffering
July 24, 2022
Commentary
The apostle Paul and Timothy write this letter to the church in Corinth and the saints scattered throughout Achaia (v. 1). He states he is praying that God and the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to them and bless them with peace (v. 2). Have you ever wondered, why do the righteous suffer? Suffering is the result of Adam’s original sin which plunged humanity into misery. Paul teaches why it is necessary for the Christian to pass through fiery trials and how Christ is always merciful to us (vv. 3-4). There are some sufferings that we endure simply because we are human; but there are other sufferings that come because we are God’s children and are serving Him (vv. 5-6). The Corinthians were exposed to testing, not because they were especially wicked, but because tribulation is the portion of all believers, and he knew they would be comforted by the Lord (v.7).
Paul goes on to state that their sufferings were so horrible and so unbearable that death seemed certain, but it made them trust more in God as He saved them from death (vv. 8-10). He asks the Corinthians to pray for him (v. 11). God must work in us before He can work through us. In times of suffering, most of us are prone to think only of ourselves and to forget others. However, suffering can help us minister to others.
Application
When have I, because of God’s comfort in a previous struggle, been able to comfort someone else in a similar situation? I need to look for opportunities!
2 Corinthians 1:1– 11 (NET)
1 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia. 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
3 Blessed is 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 troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow toward us, so also our comfort through Christ overflows to you. 6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort that you experience in your patient endurance of the same sufferings that we also suffer. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast because we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort. 8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, regarding the affliction that happened to us in the province of Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of living. 9 Indeed we felt as if the sentence of death had been passed against us, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from so great a risk of death, and he will deliver us. We have set our hope on him that he will deliver us yet again, 11 as you also join in helping us by prayer, so that many people may give thanks to God on our behalf for the gracious gift given to us through the help of many.
Illustration: Stephen Olford Rebel Healed by God
Stephen Olford is without question one of the great Preachers of the World: Son of a missionary to Africa. Did not want to go through the trials and tribulations of a missionary. Was mistreated by Christians in England and rebelled against God. Studied to become an engineer. Developed a new carburetor and got into racing motorcycles. Remembers his mother praying and weeping for him. Injured in a motorcycle accident and was given two weeks to live. Refused to see the pastors who visited him – still rebellious. Received a letter from his dad sent three months earlier with the following message: “Only one life ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” Stephen’s response: “Lord, if You will heal my body, I will serve You anywhere, any time, and at any cost!” God healed Stephen! (legacychurch.com)