Introduction, vv. 1-2
A. Paul introduces himself as an apostle, not by any decision of a church council, but an apostle by the will of God.
B. Paul calls the Corinthian Christians saints, regardless of their many problems. They are saints, not by what they have done, but are saints set apart by a relationship with Jesus Christ.
C. Paul included the saints throughout the Greek peninsula because his letters were to be shared among the churches there.
D. Grace and peace:
1. We receive grace from God the Father and Jesus Christ by our faith in Christ for salvation.
2. We receive peace with God because our sins are forgiven by Christ’s blood.
3. We are sons of God:
a. not by nature, but by election;
b. not by ancestry, but by adoption;
c. not by right, but by redemption.
Question: Why do the righteous suffer? Paul gives three reasons why God allows His people to suffer.
Reason #1: So We Can Comfort Others, vv. 3-7
A. The word translated “comfort” and “consolation” is the Greek word, Paraclete.
1. Paraclete means “to call to one’s side.”
2. Each member of the Trinity is a Comforter: the Father (v. 3) and the Son and Spirit (John 14:16).
3. What a joy to know that God stands at our side whenever we go through troubles! See Isaiah 41:10; 41:13; and 43:2-3.
B. God prepares us through trials and suffering to be a comfort to others, vv. 4, 7.
C. Our affliction brings a double blessing, v. 6:
1. to the individual believer, and
2. to others.
Reason #2: So We Can Have Confidence in God Alone, vv. 8-11
A. The troubles Paul experienced caused him to despair of life, v. 8.
B. The lesson Paul learned through his troubles is that our confidence is in God alone, vv. 9-10.
C. The prayers of his friends for Paul deliverance will cause many to praise God and give God the glory He deserves, v. 11.
D. The experiences of others in the Bible:
1. Abraham took Lot with him, and Lot left for Sodom.
2. Moses insisted on Aaron’s help, and Aaron led the people into sin.
3. David’s chosen advisers deserted him.
4. The disciples of Jesus forsook Him and fled!
5. The believer who fears the Lord and lives to please Him enjoys peace and confidence even in the midst of trouble.
Reason #3: So We Can Claim the Promises of God, vv. 12-24
A. Paul explains why he hasn’t visited them as he promised, vv. 15-16.
1. He promised to visit them on his way to Macedonia.
2. He promised to visit them again before his trip to Judaea.
3. Because his plans changed, Paul’s enemies accused him of lying.
B. Paul answers these charges:
1. He was sincere in promising them two visits; his motives were pure.
2. He was honest in his letters to them, as they will discover when Christ returns, vv. 12-14.
3. He believed their love for him would make them understand plans change, vv. 15-16.
4. Paul was not like the men of the world who say “Yes” when they mean “No.”
C. Paul assures them that the Word of God is trustworthy, even if he can’t keep his own promises.
1. All the promises of God find their “Yes” in Jesus Christ.
2. Through Christ, we can say “Amen.”
D. Paul says that it was good that God changed the planned trips, because he would have to rebuke them had he visited when he promised.