1. 2 Corinthians Chapters 1-2
Paul's Confidence in God in the Face of Suffering
Change of plans:
Does not mean he is lacking sincerity, candor, and love in his letters
In fact Change of Plans WAS because I Love You
It’s not Trying harder…it is Trusting more

2. I. The “Setting”

3. I. The Setting 2 Corinthians 2:12–13
When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.
2 Corinthians 2:12–13
ESV

5. I. The Setting 2 Corinthians 7:5–10
5 Even after we arrived in Macedonia, we had no rest. There were troubles everywhere, quarrels with others, fears in our hearts. 6 But God, who encourages the downhearted, encouraged us with the coming of Titus. 7 It was not only his coming that cheered us, but also his report of how you encouraged him. He told us how much you want to see me, how sorry you are, how ready you are to defend me; and so I am even happier now.
GNB
2 Corinthians 7:5–10

6. I. The “Painful Letter” 2 Corinthians 7:5–10
8 For even if that letter of mine made you sad, I am not sorry I wrote it. I could have been sorry when I saw that it made you sad for a while. 9 But now I am happy—not because I made you sad, but because your sadness made you change your ways. That sadness was used by God, and so we caused you no harm. 10 For the sadness that is used by God brings a change of heart that leads to salvation—and there is no regret in that! But sadness that is merely human causes death.
GNB
2 Corinthians 7:5–10

7. 2nd Missionary Journey-Acts 18
Probably there around 18 months?
Establishes church at Corinth
Paul heard of immorality, Divisions, other issues in the Corinthian church.
Paul sent Timothy to Corinth (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10, 11).
Writes 1 Cor.
including the arrival of self-styled false apostles
Likely the big part of the “painful” visit and “severe” letter
Further difficulties at Corinth
was not a successful one from Paul’s perspective
Paul wrote what is known as the “severe letter” (2:4) and sent it with Titus to Corinth (7:5–16)
“Painful visit” 2:1

8. Riot sparked by Demetrius (Acts 19:23–20:1)
To find Titus (Hear about response from Corinth (2:12, 13)
First to Troas then to Macedonia-Possibly Phillipi (2:12, 13)
Leaves Ephesus (3rd Missionary Journey)
A lot of different views:
when written
when sent
A compilation of Paul's Letters?
Writes 2 Corinthians??
Expressed his relief and joy at their repentance (7:8–16)
Defend his apostleship (chaps. 1–7)
Preparations for the collection for the poor at Jerusalem (chaps. 8, 9)
Confront the false apostles head on (chaps. 10–13).
Outline of 2 Corinthians

9. II. Paul's Confidence in God in the Face of Suffering

10. II. Paul's Confidence in God in the Face of Suffering
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.
2 Corinthians 1:8
NET

11. II. Paul's Confidence in God in the Face of Suffering
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. 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, 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.
2 Corinthians 1:9–11
NET

12. III. Change of plans: 2 Corinthians 1:12–18
a. Does not mean he is lacking sincerity, candor, and love in his letters
2 Corinthians 1:12–18

13. III. Change of plans: 2 Corinthians 1:12–18
12 We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. 13 Our letters have been straightforward, and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you can’t understand. I hope someday you will fully understand us, 14 even if you don’t understand us now. Then on the day when the Lord Jesus returns, you will be proud of us in the same way we are proud of you.
2 Corinthians 1:12–18
NLT

14. III. Change of plans: 2 Corinthians 1:12–18
17 You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”? 18 As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver between “Yes” and “No.”
2 Corinthians 1:12–18
NLT

15. Change of Plans WAS because I Love You
2 Corinthians 1:23–2:13

16. Change of Plans WAS because I Love You
23 Now I appeal to God as my witness, that to spare you I did not come again to Corinth.24 I do not mean that we rule over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy, because by faith you stand firm. 2:1 So I made up my own mind not to pay you another painful visit.2 For if I make you sad, who would be left to make me glad but the one I caused to sad? 3 And I wrote this very thing to you, so that when I came I would not have sadness from those who ought to make me rejoice, since I am confident in you all that my joy would be yours
2 Corinthians 1:23–2:13
NET

17. Change of Plans WAS because I Love You
2:4 For out of great distress and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not to make you sad, but to let you know the love that I have especially for you.5 But if anyone has caused sadness, he has not saddened me alone, but to some extent (not to exaggerate) he has saddened all of you as well. 6 This punishment on such an individual by the majority is enough for him, 7 so that now instead you should rather forgive and comfort him. This will keep him from being overwhelmed by excessive grief to the point of despair.
2 Corinthians 1:23–2:13
NET

18. Change of Plans WAS because I Love You
2:8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.9 For this reason also I wrote you: to test you to see if you are obedient in everything. 10 If you forgive anyone for anything, I also forgive him—for indeed what I have forgiven (if I have forgiven anything) I did so for you in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we may not be exploited by Satan (for we are not ignorant of his schemes).
2 Corinthians 1:23–2:13
NET

19. IV. I. It’s not Trying harder…it is Trusting more
2 Corinthians 12:7–10

20. It’s not Trying harder…it is Trusting more
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:7–10
NIV84