A living faith will have a daily impact in our lives. n Paul had a great love for the Corinthians and wanted them to learn how to build a strong faith.

A living faith will have a daily impact in our lives. n Paul had a great love for the Corinthians and wanted them to learn how to build a strong faith. n In the earlier epistle the great problems in the church were addressed.

A living faith will have a daily impact in our lives. n Without question there would be hurt brought on by this necessary teaching. How will they respond? (2 Cor 2:12-13; 7:5-9).

A living faith will have a daily impact in our lives. n 2 Corinthians 2:12-13 (NKJV) - Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.

A living faith will have a daily impact in our lives. n 2 Corinthians 7:5-9 (NKJV) - For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,

A living faith will have a daily impact in our lives. n 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more. 8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while.

A living faith will have a daily impact in our lives. n 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.

A living faith will have a daily impact in our lives. n The work of an apostle was to deliver God’s word which brings grace and peace! In other words – a right relationship with God. (2 Cor 1:1-2)

A living faith will have a daily impact in our lives. n 2 Corinthians 1:1-2 (NKJV) - Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

A living faith will have a daily impact in our lives. n When you look at God’s promises you will see an amazing power --- only when it is received by faith. (2 Pt 1:3, Heb 4:2)

A living faith will have a daily impact in our lives. n 2 Peter 1:3 (NKJV) - as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

A living faith will have a daily impact in our lives. n Hebrews 4:2 (NKJV) - For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NKJV) - Blessed be 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 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. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n When God describes Himself you should listen. (1:3, Rom 15:5, Ex 34:6-7)

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n 2 Corinthians 1:3 (NKJV) - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n Romans 15:5 (NKJV) - Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n Exodus 34:6-7 (NKJV) - And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n 7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n God tells us about His certain nature – He will always provide comfort.

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n God tells us about His certain nature – He will always provide comfort. n We may not, however, always receive it.

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n As a child I knew to ask for “mama!”

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n As a child I knew to ask for “mama!” n What does faith do?

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n Comfort - paraklesis - 1) a calling near, summons, (esp. for help) 2) importation, supplication, entreaty 3) exhortation, admonition, encouragement 4) consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords comfort or refreshment … 5) persuasive discourse, stirring address 5a) instructive, admonitory, conciliatory, powerful hortatory discourse. -- Barclay-Newman

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n Why does God reveal His nature to us and give us such promises? He wants us to become like Him! (2 Pt 1:3-4)

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV) - as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n This involves who we are, where we live.

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n This involves who we are, where we live. n “Why did this happen to me?” One certain answer is that God’s comfort that He will always give might be used by me to comfort someone else in the future.

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n This involves who we are, where we live. n “Why did this happen to me?” One certain answer is that God’s comfort that He will always give might be used by me to comfort someone else in the future. n Two certainties in the life of a faithful Christian – suffering and comfort.

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n The bulk of our suffering will be a gift from God. (Phil 1:29-30; 1 Tim 3:13)

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n Philippians 1:29-30 (NKJV) - n Philippians 1:29-30 (NKJV) - For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n 2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV) - n 2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV) - Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

God’s Certain Comfort (1:3-7) n “the sufferings of Christ abound in us” (1:5) – Why? “so our consolation also abounds through Christ.”

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (NKJV) - For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n Jesus knew the powerful example He would set for His disciples. (Jn 15:18-25)

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n John 15:18-25 (NKJV) - “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n We need to see Jesus as our example in how we will live in suffering! (Heb 12:2-4)

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n Hebrews 12:2-4 (NKJV) - looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n What a powerful example to see one we look up to spiritually to go through the fire of suffering in faith!

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n What a powerful example to see one we look up to spiritually to go through the fire of suffering in faith! n Nothing speaks as powerfully as living with purpose and powers as temporary things come crashing down. (Ex. My Dad)

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n Do you know that God delivers? (1:9-10)

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n 2 Corinthians 1:9-10 (NKJV) - Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n It is a hard thing to let go of self-trust and trust God instead.

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n How do I know that I am trusting God? Am I deceived? Suffering will reveal the truth.

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n How do I know that I am trusting God? Am I deceived? Suffering will reveal the truth. n What can I do to help another in suffering? (1:11)

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n 2 Corinthians 1:11 (NKJV) - you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n If our goal is to depend upon God then what should we do?

Our example in suffering matters (1:8-11) n If our goal is to depend upon God then what should we do? n What is the ultimate purpose of suffering?

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 (NKJV) - For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. 13 For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n 14 (as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus. 15 And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit—16 to pass by way of you to Macedonia, to come again from Macedonia to you, and be helped by you on my way to Judea.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n 17 Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No? 18 But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n 20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 23 Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n 24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n The outward example starts with the heart. (1:12)

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n 12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n Simplicity plus Godly sincerity plus the grace of God minus fleshly wisdom adds up to the kind of heart that Paul had.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n Simplicity – single-mindedness.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n Simplicity – single-mindedness. n Godly sincerity – a purity that comes from an awareness of God’s presence.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n Simplicity – single-mindedness. n Godly sincerity – a purity that comes from an awareness of God’s presence. n Fleshly wisdom – the outward show to make people think something that is not true.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n Simplicity – single-mindedness. n Godly sincerity – a purity that comes from an awareness of God’s presence. n Fleshly wisdom – the outward show to make people think something that is not true. n The grace of God – Depending upon God for your worth and the things you value.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n Paul had those who criticized everything he did. He did not have to match wits with these men. He simply had to trust God!

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n Paul had those who criticized everything he did. He did not have to match wits with these men. He simply had to trust God! n Paul did not need to remember what and when he told someone something! (1:13-14)

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n 13 For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end 14 (as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n Honesty and God’s word will produce a rock-solid consistency! (Mt 10:26-27)

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n Matthew 10:26-27 (NKJV) - Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. 27 “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n Paul constantly had what was best for the Corinthians in mind.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n Paul constantly had what was best for the Corinthians in mind. n He ultimately wanted them to go to heaven. (1:14)

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n 14 (as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n He dearly wanted to be in their presence. (1:15)

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n 15 And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit—

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n He wanted to always say yes to anything that would profit them spiritually. In this he was imitating God! (1:16-21)

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n He wanted to always say yes to anything that would profit them spiritually. In this he was imitating God! (1:16-21) n Because he was a man, his plans ultimately would depend on God.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n He wanted to always say yes to anything that would profit them spiritually. In this he was imitating God! (1:16-21) n Because he was a man, his plans ultimately would depend on God. n This reasoning is like a loving parent.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n He wanted to always say yes to anything that would profit them spiritually. In this he was imitating God! (1:16-21) n Because he was a man, his plans ultimately would depend on God. n This reasoning is like a loving parent. n He also wanted to give those time to repent before he came into their presence. (1:23)

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n 23 Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n This delay was needed for their faith to grow. (1:24)

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n 24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n It is easy to see a sincere God-centered heart from the fake!

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n What does our example really say?

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n What does our example really say? n Not many could pass this test in Paul’s day. (Phil 2:20-21)

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n Philippians 2:20-21 (NKJV) - For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n How do you view your life?

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n How do you view your life? n When you start trusting God then you will start serving others.

How an example can silence a critic (1:12-24) n How do you view your life? n When you start trusting God then you will start serving others. n Are you sincere before God or are you wearing a mask?